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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  My 4th VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Robert Garrison - July 12 - 10:20 pm

  On my 2006 I am experiencing problems like wind/road noises and vibrations that are very annoying. I was supposed to have received a new VUE ordered to be manufactured just for me, but at last minute, the dealer ran one in on me off another lot but comparably equipped, but it certainly doesnt reflect any custom assembly. Fender seams, etc, could be much better fitted. Wind and road noise is tremendous. I had a years subscription remaining on my previous satellite radio, but when the free three months subscription ran out, they turned me off. No recourse. This isnt as good a quality as the 2004 Saturn VUE I owned.

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  seems to be a gm product - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By djcross - July 11 - 4:09 am

  I just bought the Vue about a week ago i know thats not to long ago but so far i love the SUV i love the way it drives an rides,i`ve seen alot of people write different things about the gas mileage,well to me it depends on how you drive the car,not car gets the gas mileage they show on the window sticker,1 thing i like is the cost to put gas in it it`s alot better @ almost $4 a gallon to have the Vue than a truck the cost to fill a truck is around $110 compare that to a Vue @ $50 big difference,,it has plenty of storage in the back if people don`t have the room they needed they should`ve bought a bigger SUV,the Vue drives like a caddy,smooth very sleak,plenty of power under the hood.,i hopes

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  Saturn Vue stinks Dont Buy One! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Crystal Cooper - July 11 - 12:56 am

  This is what I have had to repair in the first 3 years of my ownership! Most of the major things it happened oddly enough AFTER the warranty ran out! 1. new vehicle 1/31/02 2. panel trim replaced(shifter) 7/26/02 3. 1/08/03 Wipers stopped working. 4. 8/30/03 Transaxle oil cooler repaired 5. 1/29/04 Thermostat gasket replaced 6. 2/16/04 Shift housing indicator replaced 7. 7/10/04 Window channel replaced(inoperable power windows) 8. 8/26/04 Brakes worn out (32,000 miles) 9. 10/02/04 front seat cover replaced(excessive wear) 10. 2/12/05 replace rear lateral link(recall, rear wheel could fall off) 11. Front wheel bearing hub 5/05 12. 7/9/05 Brake inspection(needs repair and resurface roto

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  How do you spell "lemon?" - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Babs - July 8 - 9:33 am

  I am truly disappointed with this vehicle. Though you might expect one or two small things to need adjustment, in 35 years of driving, the VUE has been the worst overall of vehicles I have driven. As a low mileage driver, Ive had 3 flat tires (tread seems to attract foreign objects) numerous "service engine soons," antifreeze leaks twice, a broken gas gauge, shorted electrical cell in the dash, blown fuel cell leaving me stranded on a busy street in rush hour traffic, and a crack in the exhaust system that made me sound like a tank. Service department less capable in some ways than I would expect, and patronizing at times, I guess because Im a woman. My next car will be a Honda.

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  So far so good. - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Bruce Sawyer - July 7 - 4:16 am

  Made a Vegas run in it already. Handled great. Plenty of power on the hills. Mileage is doing good, around 26 but we have less than 2,000. Will see when the engine is broken in more.

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  One to consider - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By American Made - July 4 - 11:40 am

  My first look, always the looks. First drive was... 1) solid vehicle 2) impressive power 3) I like it 4) how much is this? 5) looked at Mazda CX-7 (no turbo for me) 6) Honda? Looks cheap. walked away 7) Nissan Murano? nice but too expensive What a joy! I will stay "American Made" if they produce vehicles like this!

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  Perfect RV companion - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By RVnut - July 2 - 11:13 am

  This vehicle has been flawless from day one. The only trips back to the dealer have been for oil changes. Great ride, very comfortable, very practical. Great transportation for 4 people. Easy to get in and out of, you do not sit on the ground or have to climb up. Towes 4- wheels down like a dream.

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  my 6th saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By stresa - July 2 - 10:00 am

  if they make a bigger saturn with the ratio value of the previous ones i do not want to try any other car.

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  Greenline Hybrid Review - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Nicole Wadleigh - June 28 - 2:56 pm

  Now that I have my Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid I will never own anything else. I have owned Saturns for years, but the advantage of this one is that it has cut my commuter gas bill in half! Im getting even better mileage than the dealership said I would. An added advantage is that you can use the battery to power the air conditioning or the gas (like a normal car). I have used it on both and there is no difference! So, of course, I use the battery to power the air conditioning. Both my 18 year old and my 2 1/2 year old love the comfort! And the dog loves the cargo area! Good job once again, Saturn!

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  What Vue? - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By notsogoodvue - June 28 - 2:36 pm

  I have been reading some pretty bad things about the VUE and thought I was the only one with the same problems everyone is having with this god-awful car. Not only did no one tell me about the transmission and wheel bearing problems but I was not please to know that my warranty had expired 2 months before I paid a ton of money getting some transmission work done. And of course Saturn is the only place who can fix the problem so you can spend more money on this piece of crap car! I am trading this car in soon to avoid future problems and not ever recommending Saturns to anyone!