Overview & Reviews

Before Saturn was forced to call it a career after the 2009 GM bankruptcy affair, the Saturn Vue was one of the company's more endearing products. The Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales but not much critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the first-generation Vue remained attractive because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

Introduced for 2008, the second-generation Saturn Vue improved upon the original's formula in many areas. This Vue shared much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this was one instance where we were flag-waving fans. The second-generation Vue was a remarkable improvement over its forebear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happened to have Saturn badges.

However, Saturn's departure from the scene changes our view of the Vue. Given the first-generation Vue's spotty reliability record and the second-generation's European parts sourcing, we'd advise steering clear of used Vues unless you find an outstanding deal that leaves room for expected maintenance costs.

Most Recent Saturn Vue

The second-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2008-'09. Compared to the earlier Vue, it was very similar in size, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. However, its exterior was constructed of steel body panels. Although the old Vue's plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The second-generation Vue's interior was also higher in quality with improved ergonomics.

The five-passenger compact Vue crossover was available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue was on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space was good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offered decent legroom. Front seat comfort was good as well, although some found the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In reviews of the front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offered more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue made up for it with European-inspired styling, a well-built and attractive cabin, composed handling and respectably strong engine choices.

Past Saturn Vue Models

The first-generation Saturn Vue was produced from 2002-'07 with plastic body panels (the second-generation has steel) and no specific trim levels. Though this Vue's interior was always second-rate, it was notably improved for the 2006 model year; models built previously were even more deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics. One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, the CVT provided improved fuel mileage compared to the five-speed automatic. But long-term reliability was apparently an issue and Saturn discontinued it. It was replaced by a five-speed automatic as the optional transmission, while a five-speed manual remained standard equipment.

Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year had a 181-hp, 3.0-liter V6 instead of the later Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6 that was more refined and powerful with 250 hp. With this bigger engine came a few more features, including the option of all-wheel drive and the "Red Line" performance package.

In reviews, the first-generation Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  Saturn VUE Satisfaction - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Louis Landry - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Has very good power from improved engine and drive train. Honda 3.5 Ltr. engine. Nearly 30 miles from a vehicle of comfortable size. Good engine layout. Adequate package space and restraints in rear. Seating is comfortable in front and back seats. Very good lighting inside and out. Workmanship quality is very good, and many unique construction methods not commonly seen in new vehicles today. Very satisfied owner/Driver.

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  My Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Thornie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The comfort of the ride is outstanding. Side air bags give me a feeling of safety since 2 children under five ride with me. The dealership is great.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By g20gal - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed a new vehicle with room for the long legs of my growing son, to haul my thrift store finds that had style and was economical. I found all that in my Saturn Vue. And the price was perfect. I could hardly believe that the insurance on my 2004 Vue was less than my 1993 G-20.

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  The Saturn Experience - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By KatVN - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My Vue has been very dependable, comfortable and fun to drive. The service department at the dealership is wonderful. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. The Saturn experience in general has been great and I do recommend Saturn to others.

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  Love my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By darbo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the comfort of my Vue. The seats are a good height for easy entry into and exit from vehicle. Dont have to step up or slide down into it. I really like the white gauges and the easy alignment of them. It rides more like a car than a truck. It has great pick up power that makes getting onto the highway so much easier. I think overall it handles good and offers a comfortable ride.

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  2004 Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Joel Moon - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn Vue is an absolute blast to drive!!! The V6 is fast and nimble. 250 horsepower pushing this light weight vehicle will allow you to humiliate any Jeep, Tahoe or Explorer in your path. The exterior design is beautiful. The Vues distinctive design is both modern and unique. The interior is a disappointment compared to the rest of the SUV. Although I like the design of the interior, the materials used make it look cheap and "plasticy". Also the "fit and finish" of the passenger areas needs much improvement.Youd think Saturn could have spent a couple of bucks on better quality plastic. The switches, gauges, A.C. and stereo all work well and are easy to access.

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  Its the Color for Me - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sonja Pasa - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Though this may seem shallow in the purchase of a car, I guess I am a typical woman as color always matters to most of us I understand. However, when the Lime color came out in 2004 I was so hoping to get it however I was not ready to not ready financially to do it. Then I decided to buy the 2005 in hopes the color was available, it was not. I decided on the Pepper Red, however, as I was walking out of the dealership, I spotted the Lime green one and purchased it instead, though it was only a 4 cylinder. I am so happy with the color and constantly get told its such a great color! You should bring it back! Get more good comments on it.

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  New to Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Happy2be - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vue, its perfect for what I need a car/suv for. Im in the homehealth field, put a lot of miles on a vehicle and travel in desert areas. The Vue seats me high enough for the dirt roads, handles well, gets great mileage, has plenty of space for my supplies and perfect for taking the kids to soccer practice, grocery shopping, ect. I feel very safe in my car.

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  My retirement vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Biker Bob - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Im an old fart moving south for retirement. Didnt like any of the colors offered so settled on white. It actually looks better than I thought and it is easy to keep clean. Was looking at mini vans but decided on the Vue because it had a higher horsepower engine, 5 speed auto, (both by Honda) side curtain air bags, was a bit more compact, and has good towing capacity for my soon to be purchased Aliner camper. Gas mileage was also important and the Vue does come close to the sticker estimate. The Vue could be quieter at highway speeds but considering my previous vehichle was a Lexus LS400 its no wonder I feel that way.

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  I love my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Eldugoutmom - March 21 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of 3 other Saturn Vechicles this one is my 4th one, the first was a 96 Saturn coupoe which mind you has 170,00 miles on it and my daughter is still driving, when the Vue came out, I loved the look right off the get go and I knew that there would be one in my future for sure, after a trip to cheerleading camp and having to borrow my brothers Z-71 pickup truck and paying for the gas on this trip , as soon as We returned home from Panama city I told my husband that it was time to check on trading my coupe for the vechile, the first long road trip that we took in it was to Orlando last thanksgiving, WOW, what a traveling machine it was, could get so many things in it with no effort