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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  Noisey Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By bob0029 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Vue looks great cant complain about that. As far as noise the engine sounds like tin cans rolling around the engine compartment. Brakes and steering are great. Ride is also great. The Vue feels a little light on bumps. The only and real complaint is the V6 Engine in the FWD 2003 Vue. Have to keep the radio on to not hear the engine.

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  Owner - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By saturn vue - March 8 - 4:16 am

  The design and performance are some of the things we like about the VUE. The 3.5 litter, 5 speed automatic has all the power that you need for passing and take off. The size is perfect for my wife who is 53". Its easy to park and has enough storage storage in back.

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  I love it!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By R.J.K II - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I find myself parking the Vue and not being able to leave it alone! I love the way it looks inside & out. I love the way it drives. I am a little nervous in turns, but that is mostly because of the media hype of SUVs flipping over. It handles similar to a car with a very smooth ride. I have the V6 AWD, and cannot imagine driving the 4 cylinder. Fuel economy is OK, but I had a Honda Civic before, so theres no comparison, haha. I give it an A+!

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  the vue revue; a great ride! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By oldbronx surfer - March 7 - 10:00 am

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  I am impressed - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Mike C - March 4 - 8:06 pm

  This car is stable and true to its EPA mileage. True 29 to 32 highway and 22 to 24 in town. While this is not 50 mpg this is a small SUV with nice room inside and good manners all around. The hybrid system is seamless and there is no negative to it that I have found. My hope is to run it for a long time. I have had no problems. Great car nice price.

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  Good Reliable Vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GA79 - February 28 - 6:26 am

  I have had this car since September of 2002 and have put over 105,000 miles on it. I just recently had my 100k mile service done and did have a few things to replace (wheel bearings, strut, brakes/brake pads) but up until this point it has been nothing but basic maintenance. I change my oil regularly every 3k-4k miles and have gone on quite a few 1000+ mile trips with no problems at all. Ive also lived in cold wintery climates and it was a dream to drive in the snow. The VUE will definitely be on my list for my next new car.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By dave - February 26 - 9:50 pm

  Great Honda V6 engine is smooth & fast. Gas mileage is pretty good for a V6 SUV. It is fun to drive with great a view of the road. There is an ease in entering & exiting the vehicle. Its smart engine advises you when an oil change is nececessary, usually every 10K. The only down side is the cheap interior materials.

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  Former 11 time Lexus owners move to VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By John - February 25 - 12:10 am

  We have owned 7 Lesux ESs & 4 Rxs and got a VUE based on towablity...We are thrilled with the car in almost all aspects, it is fun to drive, handles very well, dent resistant sides, clever inside features and a pleasure to own. We have no problems with the VUE, we have driven it 9,000 miles and towed behind our class A motorhome for another 8,500 miles...all completely uneventful. We thought that we would miss the Lexuses but couldnt get one since they are not flat towable. The VUE is simple to tow and only needs to be started every 7 hours to circulate the transaxle fluid.

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  best in class - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mhines - February 23 - 2:00 am

  great- fun to drive

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  QUICK REPLACEMENT VEHICLE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By COMMA - February 18 - 10:00 am

  On August 29, 2003, my daughters car was hit head-on and had to be written off. We had to figure out a replacement car for her. My wife owned a 2002 S-1 Saturn. We gave my daughter the 2oo2 and brought the SATURN VUE for my wife. She has stated that she will never own another vehicle. The VUE, with V-6 and AWD, is all the power anyone needs. GREAT SUV TO DRIVE.