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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  I love this car - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By lisa - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove the Honda CRV and the Chevrolet Equinox and looked at the RAV4. Im so happy I purchased the Saturn Vue. It feels like a luxury vehicle and for all the features its priced very well. Has great acceleration, smoothe handling, smoothe ride, love the grey leather heated seats and really enjoy having XM radio and OnStar. I think the leather seats are worth the upgrade. I parked the other day by an owner of the 2007 Vue. She said she really liked her car, but said she wish she would have waited for the 2008 model. If you are looking for an AWD SUV Id highly recommend the XR model. Test drive it and youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By karatekid - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I talked to several SUV owners before buying this one, and all Saturn VUE owners were enthusiastic about their vehicles. Other SUV owners were not nearly so positive. Ive taken it on several long (600+ mile) drives and it rides great. Gas mileage is better than most, too.

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  Unbelievable Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By llroe - October 12 - 5:13 pm

  This is the first Saturn I have owned. It is the best car I could have purchased. It comes standard with every little luxury available, power, heated seats, remote start, OnStar. The Vue handles so good, smooth ride, comfortable seating. I have the V6 and it really is got great horsepower. My Dad works for GM and I cant believe that I was in such a rut with the Ponitacs, and Chevys of the world. This is the best car I have ever owned, I look forward to driving it everyday. Great gas mileage too!

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  2004 Saturn vue redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By johnny4 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The red line is very good looking compared to the standard vue. The gas mileage is excellent for the power you recieved. The honda powerplant is excellent.

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  Great car - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Michelle - October 9 - 8:36 am

  This car has been great, especially for camping trips with my two large dogs and boyfriend. Ive had only one minor problem with it. About one year in; the starter was sticking. I took it to the dealership to get it fixed (it was still under warranty) and I havent had any problems with the car since. Its fun to drive, and feels more like a car than an SUV. The gas mileage is also pretty good for the size of the car. The turning radius is amazing, which helps in small spaces. All in all, Im super happy with this vehicle. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off!

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  No spin review - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By No spin review - October 8 - 10:10 pm

  My V6 AWD VUE looks nice on the outside, but exterior look is strictly for those that are looking. Chrome package is OK. Forget running boards. They look good but mine actually get in my way. Get mud flaps. The VUE kicks up a lot of dirt and the interior of the doors gets pretty nasty. Get the sunroof air deflector; it eliminates horrendous noise when the sunroof is opened. Rooftop cross rails are pretty, but not sure if they are needed. Some VUE accessories need to be installed by the dealer. Mine tried to whack me with an additional $300.00 over quoted but agreed to eat the cost. Order the extraÂ’s online and install them yourself. 180 watt upgraded stereo is a waste of money.

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  Right Car for me - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rocket ron - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new VUE for over a month and have been very happy with it. I think the car is a great deal for the money. It has all the features (V6,AWD, 5A) that foriegn car makers are charging 10K more for. I had a problem with the exhaust that was fixed quickly by the dealer with no complaints. Would be happy to recommend the car to anyone interested. Much better than RAV4, CRV, Liberty, Escape.

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  just purchased - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jpferg - October 7 - 10:00 am

  dont understand negative reviews on the 2004 v6 awd vue. looked at the chevy sister version without honda engine and has no comparison as to performance and style. never looked at 2003 version so maybe someone is confused on comparison. i traded in a buick rendevous with the underpowered 3.4 v6 as used in the chevy equanox suv and cannot beleave some one would puchase after driving the 3.5 honda engine in the vue. wake up you professional test drivers.

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  Great For The Price! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - October 3 - 2:26 pm

  I tested this car against the Jeep Liberty and Honda CRV. Although the Jeep felt tighter and more refined overall, the Vue was much more comfortable and easier to handle. The Vue also offers more interior space than either the Jeep or the Honda. Although Ive only had the vehicle a short time, I expect that the Honda engine will more than stand the test of time. We also own a 2000 Saturn L200, which has given us five years of carefree service; we certainly expect the same of the VUE.

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  Great little SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Ian - October 1 - 1:00 pm

  This car was even more than we thought it would be. We bought this to replace our gas guzzling Crown Vic, and we have loved it ever since. Our model is a standard transmission, so I find it is actually quite peppy for a 4 cylinder. It doesnt really ride that well, but you cant beat that the car as 145,000 miles and its still going strong. I also find that the fuel economy is great, usually a typical 27 MPG combined. A standard changes everything about a car, so when people say the 4 cylinder (which is NOT a V4...those dont exist) is sluggish, you can guess that theirs is an automatic. My only gripe is that it isnt great in the snow, but four snows fixed that in a jiffy!