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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  Poor Front interior design - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Rich W. - June 26 - 4:33 am

  Like the vehicle-Dont love it. Very practical vehicle. Excellent to drive with Superb Honda 6- give engineer a bonus that recommended that engine- has a wow factor! - great on hi-way. Reduce Salary of Engineer that calculated gas mileage estimates- WAY OFF! I still havent hit 20 mpg. Should have been more honest/accurate in projecting fuel estimates in showroom. Vue takes a beating and cleans up very nice- can be a workhorse for the busy family. Also- I like the exterior design- and engine accessibility

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  Love my Saturn VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By sjklaus - June 25 - 4:20 am

  This vehicle has been one of the most reliable, and cost efficient SUVs Ive seen. Ive been driving this for almost 5 years and will continue to do so until the wheels fall off.

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  Oh What a Truck! It Rocks! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By KevinInOrlando - June 23 - 10:36 am

  I love this truck. I traded in an 04 Jeep Liberty for the VUE and glad I did! The VUE rides more like a car but with all the feel of a truck. Cabin noise is minimal, much less than the Liberty. Solid truck with great gas mileage.

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  VTI Transmission - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By hanknbetsy - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The VUE in itsself is a good car however the transmission is horrible and has an unfixable problem...Saturn refuses to do anything about it....I considar it false advertising, and am dissapointed with the service connected with it. However the saturn of pensacola has been very helpful, and I acknoledge that it isnt their fault, and appreciate all their help.

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  SaturnVue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DON - June 19 - 8:50 am

  I have owned this vehicle for two years and it has been a very pleasant experience. I highly reccommend this vehicle to everyone and will probably buy another just like it in two or three more years. I have talked to several friends who own a Saturn VUE and they all like it very much and plan on buying another VUE when they get ready to trade.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jborch - June 18 - 3:36 pm

  Ive only had my 06 VUE for a week, but I have to say my faith in American automakers is being revived. This is a fantastic vehicle. I love driving it. The 4-cyl has ample power with the 5- sp. transmission (and anyway I am more looking for gas mileage than power). The interior design is attractive and quite functional. I havent noticed any squeaks or build problems. The Vue handles great on the road. The price was fantastic compared with the higher- priced Honda CRV. I love the VUE!

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  I need my space - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Layorm - June 16 - 7:50 am

  I previously had an 06 Vue but had problems, enough to trade in on new. the 08 drives great, handles curves, is sporty enough. The storage compared to the 06 stinks, there are lots of storage places but theyre not big enough to hold neccesities, like sunglasses for example. I stay on the road and carry books, binders, and other school items, no room for any of it now. Gas mileage was better in the 06 too. I didnt ever get below 20 mpg, now I dont even see 17.

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  Fresh off the Truck - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Robert - June 15 - 5:26 am

  Great look and feel. The only, I mean only, flaw is the 4 cycle engine. I get great gas mileage but I would sacrafice a few MPG for some more power. I struggles to maintain 70-80 mile per hour on the interstate - the smallest hills, even overpasses, cause a 4-8 mph drop in speed which causes a downshift. Even if you give it a little more gas it wont help, the 4 cycle VUE has to shift down to get back to the cruising speed. If you are not concerned with power and would rather MPG then stick with the XE but if you need power then spend the extra and upgrade to the XR. But definitely get a 2008 Saturn VUE. Excellent vehicle.

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  Great Value - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By HSE - June 15 - 5:06 am

  Styling is world class. Saturn did a great job on this vehicle. They hit a home run with the 2008 XR. Fun to drive. Smooth, powerful, and quiet. My second Vue,and I liked the 2003, but this is in a different class- Top notch. Will compete with the best in the class. No problems or noises. Very satisfied with the dealer, better than my jag.

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  2004 Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By kovue - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is our first Saturn. We were Previously owners of a Mercury Mountaineer but were sold on the 2004 Saturn Vue. Why? Styling is beautiful, gas mileage is MUCH better than our Mountaineer,and we loved the safety features of the Vue. Our new son and his car seat fit well in the middle of the back seat. The cargo area is fabulous with a special compartment to hold groceries and water. We also put our kayaks on the roof with our Yakima kit and the vue handles that well.