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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  Its Great - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ZUCK - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Love my Vue. Drove it through the Blizzard of January 2003, from Albany- through NYC and the Throgs Neck Bridge to Long Island. It was a pleasure.

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  Not too shabby! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 3Nailz1Cross - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Glad to be Saturn owner. Comfortable ride as compared to my Ford Ranger. Previous owner of a Subaru Forester. Quiet...compared to Subaru. Pick up and go...comparable to Subaru. Overall, not too shabby!

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  Love the VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By David - May 19 - 4:26 pm

  Had it now for 8 years and the only problems I had was the Body Control Module and the Stabilizer links. The dealership wanted $750.00 Canadian total to replace the module. However I ordered the part in the US and saved $350.00!

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  Saturn VIew Green Line - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Edward Bowler - May 18 - 12:26 pm

  The hybrid Vue runs great and the gas mileage is 30mpg in local driving(26-35mpg range) The acceleration around town very good and improved to 10000 miles. The acceleration on the highway is adequate and the car downshifts on hills smoothly one gear at a time. Very quiet at higway speeds with little wind noise. The sattelite radioworks well. Seats 5 adults comfortably. The rear seats folds down easily for extra storage. Repeatly gets 35+ on long trips at 70MPH.

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  Get one youll like it ! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Kevin - May 15 - 1:36 pm

  Picked up our new Saturn a month ago and so far are very happy with the quality of vehicle it is. AWD system works very good as we have had good opportunity to test it out in a couple of feet of snow. Works well on icy highways too. My wife is the primary driver and it did not take her long to get used to it (had a Honda Accord prior) Heated sets are great and love the XM radio. Dealership was one of the most pleasant experiences Ive ever encountered while buying a vehicle

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  Good Buy - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Kiddo - May 12 - 1:16 am

  Ive had this vehicle for about a month now. It is the second SUV Ive owned and I love it. It has a sharp smooth look to it. Has a powerful engine and a comfortable inerior. Weve just been hit with blizzard conditions in Ohio and I have to say this vehicle handles snow better than my very offroad worthy 96 Rodeo. I don;t think I noticed it losing traction once while driving around friends and family with less road worthy vehicles.

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  05 Saturn VUE - a great car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By shuffm - May 11 - 4:30 pm

  The 250hp V6 rocks. This is a quick, fast, powerful automatic that you can hardly feel changing gears. The engine is supposedly built by Honda in Columbus, OH. Performance, design, extras, and Saturn experience are awesome. It is easy/roomy for kids and car seats and has more space than most smaller SUVs in its class. The cargo system in the back is so cool. Gas mileage is decent. Seats arent as comfortable as they could be, and interior is cool...kind of like a Civic...but not as nice as some SUVs. A great all-around vehicle, especially for around-town driving and family outings.

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  Quality Powertrain vs Junky Parts - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Carl St. Henry - May 7 - 2:00 pm

  I really liked the matched Honda engine,transmission, and rear axle that came with my 2004 VUE. Had many quality issues. Rear wiper motor. Front headlight assembly. Remote keyless entry. Instrument cluster RPM guage lights on half went out. Dealer wanted over $200.00 to just look at the problem. Rear suspension recall. Front wheel bearing had to be replaced The car is very peppy and drives well.

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  Beautiful car - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Lucky - May 5 - 1:43 pm

  Unbelivable experience. Pretty comfortble, with good performance. Ive got nothing wrong to say about this car.

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  My Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Janet Fullen - April 28 - 3:13 pm

  My Saturn has been wonderful. Ive had no problems with her and love the sound of the V-6 Honda engine. Id never driven a SUV before, but found the handling not much different than driving my car. Of course, you have to adjust its center of gravity being a bit different than a car, but it didnt take long at all. The only complaint is the touchup paint. A lot of construction going on in this area with dumptrucks on the road, flying stones. The matched color touchup paint does not match very well.