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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  2009 Saturn - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Steve - June 10 - 11:06 pm

  We shopped all over for a nice vehicle and we found the Saturn Vue V6. The vehicle was maxed with factory options imaginable, except factory Navigation. First of all I need to say the vehicle looks just fantastic and the ride is good. The auto was in the shop 6 times within the last year for torn seats, side seat supports breaking twice, loud noise coming from the engine and it was the A/C clutch in the engine area. We also had the OnStar service 3 times because when we added more minutes to the phone OnStar deleted our service...Yipes! XM radio was also updated. We wanted to consolidate and trade in 2 vehicles to get a single one. OnStar does not refund, XM Radio does not refund...

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  Great in snow and rainy conditions - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Paul from D.C. - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Having an AWD on my V6 Saturn works like a charm. Drove yesterday on packed snow up a steep gradient without any slippage. The VUE handles really well in wet and sloppy snowy conditions due to its wide tires and the AWD. Great all aroud visibility and acceleration; a must in any Metro are full of cars.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By tdee49 - June 3 - 8:10 am

  I had to buy an SUV because I own 2 dogs and I had just totaled my 2006 Saturn Ion. I am very happy with Saturns customer service. The Vue has a lot of power and it accelerates very quickly. Mine is fully loaded with leather and heated seats, so the they are a lot more comfortable than the Ion seats. It rides very smooth, and it sits up high. Gas mileage is great, considering it has a V6 and as much horsepower as a Honda Ridgeline.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By JRHayes - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my Saturn VUE, its fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. I have taken it on trips, a great ride, just needs a better back seat for the passengers in my opinion.

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  Airbag and body protection - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bob Cumby - June 1 - 10:00 am

  We love our Saturn. One month after we got it another car run a stop sign and hit us on the drivers side. My wife was driving. Her side airbag save here from injuries. The body help protect us. It did its job. I think if we been in another car. we both would have had injureds.

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  How great our VUE is - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sara LaBerge - June 1 - 10:00 am

  We have a 1997 Saturn, so when it came to another car we went to Saturn, we had seen the VUE and liked what we saw, we test drove one, and knew that this was for us. The major test, was a road trip to Las Vegas, thru mountains, it passed with flying colors, and we went 388 miles between fill ups.

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  Problems - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By warren smith - May 26 - 4:36 pm

  The batteries for the elec eng have been replaced 2 times check eng light will go on after only a few miles after leaving the dealer when it has been reset gas cap has been replaced 2 times has been in for repairs 4 days after arriving in PA from Fl in July and now the ch eng light is back on will be returning to PA next wk for CT have a 3rd appointment with dealer to fix I hope I get 36 miles to a gal using cruise control at 65 and under when all is working I would suggest any one buying a hybrid car to get the extended warranty as I did

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  New car saturn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By pardifun - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Currently own a pt crusier, and now have more room plus towing up to 3500 lbs.

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  My New Vue - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By kevin - May 22 - 10:30 am

  This is my 1st new car...very happy with my selection...for the price, I got more options than I expected. Performance is great...handles great...rides smooth...great acceleration.

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  SUV that aims to please - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GeneF - May 22 - 2:00 am

  handles very well, with very good acceleration. Comfortable and fun to drive.Vue has very good clearance and drivers will love being able to see all around them easily.