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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  A delightful change - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By umgrad - March 31 - 10:00 am

  We switched from historically buying minivans to the Vue and it is a great vehicle. Driving in the Vue with 2 kids is very comfortable for long trips.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By adamcorey - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my VUE in November 2002 and am very happy with both the car and the buying experience at Saturn. Ive always driven cars (Nissan) and was not really interest in a an SUV until a friend suggested I look at the VUE. My wife and I have taken it on several long trips and driven in very poor weather and was more than impressed with the way it handled (the $600 for ABS and antilock brakes was well worth it). For an inexpensive SUV I dont think you can beat it....I found the Toyota RAV 4 to be small and cramped compared to the VUE, not to mention my dissatifaction with the way I was treated at the Toyot dealership.

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  So Far so good..... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Dan in Florida - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my VUE about 4 months ago (4-cyl, auto, AWD). So far I have had no complaints. The car has performed perfectly and has not given me any problems. The dealership also bent over backwards to keep me happy when I purchased it. Also have to say that RAV4’s are nice but they look like a girl’s car. : P

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  Great! But... - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Trent - March 25 - 6:36 pm

  This car handles surprisingly well off-road, though I when I wrecked the passenger side ball-joint, it was making a standard turn on a paved road. The trim rattles a little while driving, and putting er in first gear or reverse during a Minnesota winter is tough initially, but fine when its warm (heated seats are a huge plus). Overall, a very good purchase, especially during the employee discount period. I do wish I wouldve waited a month for the 06, however.

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  Lovin the VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Suzie Q - March 16 - 4:06 pm

  I just bought this car, but I am loving it already. I have the V4 manual, and it is FAR superior to the V6 automatic of the same vintage. Its got a lot more pickup and spunk than its counterpart - so if you are interested in this model/year/make, and know how to drive a stick, buy this one. Its got all the bells and whistles I could want except an MP3 jack and in-dash CD changer, but that is an outside upgrade anyhow. Tons of space and a really nice ride...I highly recommend it!

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  It is what it is - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By ndblais - March 9 - 1:46 pm

  The VUE is what it is. If you are looking for a fuel efficient small to mid-size SUV, then this is the way to go. It is roomy and comfortable, but can tend to be a little noisy when accelerating. This can be expected with a 4 cyl. Other than that, I love it!

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  Great SUV - When its Running - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Layton - March 9 - 8:20 am

  I have had this since 2004. It had 24,100 miles and now 55,000 in 2008. I love the handle, feel, and roominess; however, it should be painted lemon yellow. 2 months after receiving it there was a recall. No big deal. One year and a month later it was creaking and the front stabilizer was replaced. 5 months after that it howled and a wheel bearing and driveline support needed repaired. 1 year later - new rotors & pads In 2007, it was in the shop 3 times - a front pipe separated from the flange so they replaced the pipe and catalytic convertor (remember that), the crank position sensor went, and then the accelorator sensor. Just now - a new catalytic convertor. Ive been stranded 4 times

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  Best Yet - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Don - March 8 - 11:16 am

  Of all the 6 Saturns we have owned this one is by far the best. We thought the 2003 VUE was great, but the 2006 has it beat hands down for comfort, power in the mountians and of course for older people, fatigue free long driving and ease of handling.

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  Visability problem - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 1st Time Saturn buye - March 5 - 4:46 pm

  The front pillar posts are too wide making blind spots when turning. Rear visablity isnt as good as my Caravan or Forrester. My right leg rubs against the center console. The Vue V6 has great pick up, but I expected better gas mileage. It has much more back seat room than the Forrester. The optional floor mats are great in lousey weather. I dont like the self- dimming rear view mirror; it doesnt darken fast enough. Only the dealer can provide an oil change? Come on!

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  Lovin It! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Momof2 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  We waited FOREVER to get this car. We needed a larger vehicle than our Saturn SL2 (also great!) for toting both car seats. We ordered ours and were extremely pleased with it. We have had no problems and nothing but positive things to say. It is obvious that much thought was put into the design of this vehicle, inside and out...from the organizer basket in the cargo area to the handy fuse placements... I love this car!!!