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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  1st SUV - Glad I Bought It. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Den G from NJ - January 22 - 5:00 am

  A used 2008 with 15,000 miles - it was beyond a bargain. Traded my 05 Acura TL for this, my first SUV so I was used to good handling and performance. I have to say that its much more quiet and comfortable than my old TL. Ride is very smooth, handles much better than other SUVs Ive driven, and Im not disappointed with the power. Styling is better than soccer-mom type SUVs and honestly reminds me of a Lexus RX, and not a GM product. Interior instruments are simple and uncomplicated, but not cheap looking. The car had some issues when I bought it and theyve all been repaired by my local Saturn dealer. The dealership was awesome and the service experience compares to that of Acura.

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  Absolutely wonderful - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Delphine Herman - January 13 - 4:23 am

  This is the 2nd VUE that I have owned. The 2006 VUE runs smoothly, is very quiet, and gets up to speed quickly. This vehicle also has OnStar which gives me an added sense of security.

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  A good buy - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By acx44 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  After driving this for a couple weeks I must admit that this is a very fun SUV to drive and you cant go wrong with the 250 horses and the CD/MP3 player. Plus you get alot of options that no other SUV in the VUEs class would get

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  Saturn VUE Redline - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By chri5 - January 7 - 6:26 am

  Good $20k crossover. Base models feel floaty on the freeway, and handling does not inspire confidence. Upgrading to the Redline solves those problems, along with giving a better look and interior. The Honda v6 in these is great, and move this vehicle along nicely. Dont spend the money for the AWD version unless you have to.

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  Couple Issues but its still lovable - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By VueLuv - January 6 - 9:30 pm

  My Vue was purchased mid June and since then Ive had to take it back to the shop for a couple issues. The Vue sign on front of hood was damaged somehow, looked as if it was bleeding on the inside. The passenger door handle sticks. Although I took it in and everyone at Saturn was very polite they still have yet to fix my door handle properly. It still sticks really badly. The Saturn sign was fixed. Now I have to go back because the wipers have chipped and have small rust spot. Other than that it drives beautifully very hot look and gas mileage is adequate for car of that size.

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  GMAC - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Michael Bodin - January 6 - 7:03 pm

  Vehicle provides great deal of comfort, safety, and power. Handles well. Very smooth on the highway. One car owner and is in excellent condition. Air cond. CD player and FM/AM stereo with double tuning capacity. Cell phone hook-ups in the front and rear. Can attach a double or triple DVD player for the children. Does use regular unleaded with 22 miles per gallon on the highway. Has a Honda V6 size engine with a lot of power. A good family car. Tinted windows with a sun/moon roof. Good storage space in the cargo area. Provides grocery racks to secure your groceries while driving. Spare tire is located under cargo area so does not stick out the rear door. I love this SUV.

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  The Vue is Good - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MikeBreeze - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Saturn Vue about a month now. I like it alot. The only things I dont like is the noisy 4 cyl engine, the leaning in cornering and the things that I have read about the VTI transmission (mine is OK so far). Other then that, its a great vehicle.

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  Love Mine - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Vue This - January 4 - 10:00 am

  I am a 3 time Saturn owner. I bought our 04 Vue new now we have 67k and just turning 4 yrs with it. Had the recall, I follow the service intervals and only have the dealer do the work. Zero dealer problems & pull a 2500# 19 boat multiple times up and over our mountains in Utah and Wyo.When I pass people pulling the boat they look at the car like what the hell. Replaced the tires at 50k brakes are starting to wear and shocks are getting bouncy MPG is great and I will eat most all comers with the preformance of the 250 HP I am 66" and the seats could use some better support and the fabric is wearing I wish the Vue was just a little bigger my 16 & 10 year old need more room in the back.

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  So Disappointed! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Rachel - January 4 - 6:10 am

  This is the first Saturn I have owned. Initially I loved it, great body style, fun to drive, great interior design, and many comfort features. However, I have had my Vue back to the shop 4 times in 6 months. I bought it new and initially they had to fix a dent, a scratch, and replace the inside drivers door secondary to damage. They convinced me to buy the carbright warranty but within a week the leather front seats and arm rests were stained and had to be replaced. I went for the first oil change and they found a cracked washer fluid resevoir that then was replaced. Now the seats are stained again and they will not fix it!

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  vue or dealership? - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By conVUEsed - January 3 - 10:00 am

  i bought my saturn vue 2 weeks ago and have driven it a total of 5 days. its been to the dealership for check engine light(twice), keyless alarm not working (twice), missing lug nut caps, the steering shroud (twice), my e-brake lever was gouged by the leather seat installer along with the rear wheel well plastic on both sides, had to have the rear springs refitted, window moulding needed refitting. thank goodness for their 30 day no-haggle return policy.