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 - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By zack - November 6 - 2:53 am

  I love my new car. Its great on gas and I feel safe driving in it. It gets amazing gas mileage and it is very big. It drives very easy.

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  what a headache!!!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ladymug - November 4 - 10:00 am

  i hate this SUV!!! the a/c leaks into my floorboard(now being fixed for the 2nd time) the intermediate steering shaft has been fixed twice for rubbing/squeaking, it was towed cause the ignition coil went, and most recently the c. converter had to be replaced, this does not include the 10 minor problems i have had with the car. youd think Saturn Corp. would care, but once you leave with the car, customer satisfaction does not matter to them, what a joke it has been thinking you could get somewhere if you talk to the big guys!!! youre lucky if they call you back!!! i cannot wait to go car shopping tomorrow, i am done with Saturn forever!!!

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  my point of Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Lorisue - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great experience purchasing this SUV was a pleasure. I used my GM points and my GM loyalty bucks and the rebate. I did my homework on the net then did leg work. The Vue won. I love the polymer sides, no parking lot dings or scratches. Its zippy and cute, I love the bright red! Love the compass and the temp on the mirror, and the sun roof was a must. Great gas mileage. Seats fold down for my dogs.

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  Love it - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By nice car - November 4 - 12:56 am

  It has been a perfect vehicle for hauling around kids. It has been on many long trips. Only problems have been a bad heater core and a cd got stuck in the player. Both repaired under warranty. They require gas with clean additives. (stay away from the cheap stations) If you get ahold of bad gas or dont get the cap on right it will trip the engine light.

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  Much less vehicle then expected. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Vuehater - November 3 - 7:23 am

  My 2003 VUE has been less then a joy to own. The day after I got it I cried all the way to work because it was so uncomfortable. I drive 50 miles one way. I should have gone straight back to the dealer and returned then. The window switches needed to be replaced before I took it home. The rotors on the brakes went at 24,000 miles and all four wheel bearings needed to be replaced by 50,000 miles. Only one was under warranty. (of course!) My airconditioning unit runs non stop even if its not been on in weeks. The dealer says its fine. My gas mileage in the city is around 15 mpg and barely 20mpg on the highway. Big big mistake keeping this thing. Now I am stuck with it.

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  I love my Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kristen - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The best of everything

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  Love/Hate reviews. Satisfied - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bill - October 23 - 6:00 am

  Ive read the reviews and it appears to be a love /hate relationship with owners. For me, the VUE is the best GM product Ive owned to date. Several long distance trips have provided mileage in excess of 30mpg. 5 speed with the four so not familiar with tranny problems. Was back to the dealer once with stabalization recall. Comfortable and safe. Thumbs up at 56K

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  Transmission replaced at 15000 miles! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By kristyb11 - October 18 - 4:40 pm

  I love my Vue, but I just had the transmission replaced at 15000 miles. I couldnt believe it! (thats why I rated the build so low) The dealership was super nice about it and of course they fixed it for free and paid for the rental car. I think the gas mileage is pretty good for an SUV. I get about 21 city and 26 highway.

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  Love this car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Brian - October 18 - 8:20 am

  Believe it or not I get 37mpg on highway with my 5spd 4cyl VUE and my father who has the same but auto still gets an impressive 32mpg. Mine handles like my old Mazda Miata, grabs curves and is great with acceleration. I love this car.

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  Love the view from the VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Sue - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I have owned Hondas for the past 15 years, and thought I would purchase another. Drove the CR-V, but it felt cheap and sluggish. I had the VUE on my mind after having one as a rental while on vacation in October- there was nothing about that VUE that I hadnt liked- so after spending hours at Honda, I went to Saturn to drive the newly restyled VUE,and bought it as soon as I drove it. Im thrilled with my choice,and confused as to why critics say that its cheaply made. It feels very solid and looks great. Its a pleasure to drive, seats are comfortable and adjust easily- providing a great view of the road- and its easy to get in and out of. A wonderful vehicle and an excellent value.