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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Impressive - 2008 Saturn VUE
By underdog - December 16 - 4:36 pmI was not planning on purchasing a Vue. After seeing the quality and test driving it, I was very impressed. I didnt care for the gas mileage, but figured it was a trade off for the AWD and power for Maine driving. I opted out of the original Vue with the 4- cylinder engine. Please take the lack of power into consideration when making your final decision. But, true to their word, Saturn took my 4-cyl. back and put me in to a 6 cyl AWD. What a difference in vehicles. Overall, the Vue has been a pleasant vehicle for me to drive. I use this vehicle for business and drive it every day. When you drive past an older Vue, youll be proud of how far along theyve come.
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Getting to Know It - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Dick Cole - December 16 - 5:50 amJust put the first 1200 miles on the VUE; mostly suburban driving with one short highway trip. Love the car. Easy to handle, easy to park, plenty of power for passing, and nice to look at (I have the "Orange" which is easy to find in the parking lots filled with Silvers, greys, and blacks).
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Love My VUE! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Maljan - December 13 - 9:10 pmI have been driving my VUE for over 5 years. It has been commuting, shopping, playing taxi, camping, and climbing mountians in Hawaii and now in Europe (were military) and we have never had any reason to complain because we take care of our VUE. In Europe there are no Saturn dealers and we have had zero problems with taking it to the Opal dealer to get it serviced when the struts had to be replaced - it is over 5 years old now some wear is expected. The traction control has saved my can on the wet autobahn a couple of times. The gas mileage is great - about 21 - 24 mpg at 80 mph. I will be buying a hybrid VUE whenever this one is about ten years old. Until then see you on the Zugspitz!
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VUE for you - 2006 Saturn VUE
By marilyn - December 13 - 9:10 amI have just purchased my VUE and so far I am very pleased with it. It is the perfect vehicle for a family with small children. The 250hp engine and the storage bin organizer located in the rear are two great features of this vehicle. OnStar is available on all GM vehicles but it optional. On the VUE it is standard. Gas mileage is great. There are a lot of accessories and packages to choose from. I test drove the Pontiac Torrent, Ford Escape and the Chevrolet Equinox. The Saturn won hands down because of its safety rating and price. Looking for a family oriented vehicle along with safety, value and affordability then the Vue is for you.
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Not happy after 10 months - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Chas2 - December 6 - 10:00 amAfter 10 months and 11000 miles have had 1. recall for trans 2.needed rear tires balanced 3. gas gauge broke 4. had to have rotors turned after 7000 miles!! 5. have had to dealer twice for rattles and vibrations from the doors, dash and they cannot find it. 6. one speaker buzzed and had to be replaced. Also getting at most 21 MPG. Noisy. Had a honda CRV and never went back in over 3 years.
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Great SUV! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By quilter - December 6 - 10:00 amI really like the roomy interior - its long enough with the seats down to carry a 2x4 and tall enough to haul a 27" TV. The height is just perfect - its easy to slide right in. I have not had any problems in the first 2800 miles.
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Excellent Value, Nice Utility, Fun - 2008 Saturn VUE
By John - December 3 - 10:53 amThis auto has some great features for the price and is fun to own and drive. We had to select between a CRV and this vehicle and the value proposition made the final decision easy. The two cars were actually very similar, but the Saturn Vue XE had more features for the money. We also looked at the HHR, but this Vue had a larger-car feel from the inside. While the car is a German design, and built in Mexico it actually had a good US part content. This was our first American brand vehicle since about 1994. The ownership experience is making me think I will trade my Acura MDX in the future for another American branded car.
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Superior Vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
By laf5 - December 2 - 10:32 amI bought my 04 VUE brand new. 7.5 years later with over 150,000 miles on it, I lost it to a large deer in the engine. This vehicle has been incredibly reliable. Ive never had to do more than regular maintenance. At 120k I had brakes done (probably could have waited, but I knew it HAD to be coming soon!) and was never completely satisfied with the replacement brakes (squeak). Other than that, oil changes, new wiper blades, tires, air filters, and 100k tune-up. This was my 2nd Saturn and am sad that GM discontinued such a superior line of vehicles - especially now that my VUE has been totaled! I will miss her and worry that I will never find another vehicle as reliable. Bring Saturn back!
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My Honda Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Corvette Bill - November 30 - 2:00 amI was a little concerned that a Saturn dealer was putting dealer add ons to these vehicles it seemed out of character adding options you wouldnt want.I love the Honda powertrain same as in my Odyssey.I have had trouble with the reception on FM as well as AM they reconnected the antenna still no improvement taking it back again soon.
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Excellent small SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
By nmlobo - November 29 - 11:23 amIve owned this vehicle for only seven weeks but I love it. It is peppy, quiet, well designed. This is my second Saturn, it wont be my last.
