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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Honda Power with Tennessee Ingenuity - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Rudge Harwick - November 23 - 2:00 amThis truck is a dream with good looks, awesome power and great handling. I have had no issues with this vehicle in six months. It is much smoother than my wifes 3 Series BMW.
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Its been since 96 since i bout my 02 Vu - 2002 Saturn VUE
By Tie - November 22 - 7:50 pmI have never had a major problems with my Vue since i bout it in 006. I just now noticed i need to replace my sway bar witch cost 300 at dealership to replace. But that is it. I am sure like all cars the older it gets the more worn it becomes but that is pretty good. No emergencys. I like my truck alot but i would love to get my hands on that Outlook.. I LOVE the one.
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carefully thought out purchase - 2004 Saturn VUE
By marcybob - November 18 - 10:00 amThe decision to buy my AWD V6 Vue was laborous for me. I originally had my heart set on a Toyota Highlander Limited. Thanks to my research I learned that the Vue with its Honda engine and great crash scores was a better deal. Going for the Saturn- loaded with all the trimmings and an extended warranty was such a smart move. My only coplaint is yes, the interior is not as plush and does lack refinement. Handles beautifully and I love it.
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German Engineered, Mexican made - 2008 Saturn VUE
By YankeeGooner - November 17 - 8:50 pmI am very happy with my Vue Redline with a few exceptions. The good: Handles as well as, if not better than compareable, and more expensive, German crossovers. I have driven the X3 and the Vue handles as well. Its obvious when you drive the Redline that the vehicle was engineered in Germany. Even though it has a relatively small cargo area. However, Saturn designed an ingenious sliding cargo net that increases the flexibility of the cargo hold threefold. I was able to pack the family of 5 with $500 worth of Sams Club groceries inside. The bad: Mexican assembly is also apparent. 1 recall and two minor trips to the dealer are frustrating. But overall good vehicle
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Lots of car for the money - 2007 Saturn VUE
By alden - November 17 - 6:30 amWeve put roughly 12,000 miles on the VUE and its worked wonderfully. I average mid to high 20s in a mix of city and highway driving, and have topped out at 31mpg on a long trip up the coast. Many cars of the same size cant compete with that, let alone other small SUVs that often have less cargo space. This car is by no means a luxury vehicle, but for around $18k brand new with a 100,000 mile warranty, its hard to beat for a daily driver. The fold down seats have been really useful with the capability to fit full 8 foot boards and still carry three people including the driver.
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Best SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Soozyq - November 15 - 1:46 pmThis is my 4 th Saturn. I love the height I sit at. Its less tiring when night driving as the headlights coming at me do not shine directly in my eyes. Thats what I love the best. The rear seat can be tilted slightly so passengers are not uncomfortable. I like the height of the armrests both right and left arm. The grocery bag feature built into the rear is a nice feature keeping the groceries from spilling out all over. Saturns no fuss buying is still appealing when buying a car. I do not like car salesmen. The Saturn service is great and the hours it is open works around my full time schedule.
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SATURN VUE RULES!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
By LeaseLeMay - November 13 - 10:00 amI love my 6-cylinder view. I can go anywhere and get right on the highway. The 250 horsepower (Honda Pilot engine) on the L-Series Chassis provides more than enough power for anywhere I want to go.
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My Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
By bg51 - November 13 - 10:00 amI love my Saturn Vue. My Vue is my 3rd Saturn to own. My 1st Saturn was a 4 door purchased in 1992. After driving it for about 140,000 miles, I traded for a 2 door coupe which I drove until I purchased my Vue in July. If the Vue hadnt sold itself to me after test driving, my past experience with the Saturn personnel would have. Service with Saturn is outstanding. What few problems I did encounter were handled promptly and with courtesy. Reliability has never been in question with any of my previous Saturns and I dont expect it to be any different with my Vue. I highly recommend the Vue. Americans make a great vehicle.
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Trading it in Tomorrow Just 3000 miles - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Tom - November 8 - 4:53 pmThe last time I bought an American made car was in 1986. At that time I swore I would never buy one again due to the lack of quality craftmanship. And I made it twenty years until I saw the 2006 Saturn VUE. Love is blind! This vehicle, although it gives a comfortable ride, when it goes over a bump you get the feeling something is going to fall off, the dashboard is constantly creaking, and the road and wind noise are horrific. I brought it back to the dealer and was told that the road noise was pretty much a characteristic of the VUE. You cant use OnStar while the car is moving no one can hear you over the road noise. And oh, the gas mileage is awful.
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Saturn is Success! - 2006 Saturn VUE
By SarasotaSlim - November 7 - 6:13 pmI recommend this vehicle with the carry ability of a light SUV, gas mileage like a Camry, and handling like a lighter sedan car. Fun to drive. Smooth on the highway. Gs mileage is about 20-25 around town. The tote package in the trunk with the carry rack for groceries is a nice tip
