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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Just Okay for Me - 2009 Saturn VUE
By Debbie - April 28 - 1:20 pmI traded in my Chevy Tahoe for a Saturn Vue. I wanted something smaller and more economical which I got. Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle but have some complaints. The windows and/or sun roof cannot be opened without dealing with an excrutiating & painful vacuum feeling on your head and ears. Feels like you are going to be sucked right out of the car. Steerling wheel needs to be tilted down further. Seats are very uncomfortable. Seats and carpets stain very easily. Dust & dirt accumulate quickly on dash and in cup holders. No passenger unlock button for doors. Cup holders in an awkward position.
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Very Practical, and Great Leg Room - 2002 Saturn VUE
By kierj - April 22 - 10:00 amI traded a perfectly good VW Jetta for the VUE and made the right choice. Maintenance costs are substantially lower on the Saturn. The dealerships are modern and clean, not like those aging Chevy and VW dealers. You feel a sense of honesty from the service personnel unlike some other places I used to take my VW.
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First SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Ebni - April 21 - 7:40 pmThis is my first SUV. I traded my Honda Civic in last year. I love this vehicle. I have a few complaints but this vehicle made me an SUV lover. I agree seats stain easily and are not very comfortable.
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got a lemon - 2007 Saturn VUE
By hates vue - April 19 - 6:36 amI hate the saturn vue I have been to the dealer 8 times in as many weeks. I loved the vehicle for the first 6 months (13,000 Miles) then everything started to go wrong with the catalitic convertor, struts, suspension, axels, ignition cylinder and a few other repairs to the bushings etc. The dealer have been wonderful and helpful FORGET CORPORATE the person who I deal with knows less about cars than I do and their response is oh well too bad so sad we will honor the 36,000 mile warrenty thats it. AAAHHHH and things are still going wrong with it. NEVER AGAIN
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Very Nice - 2003 Saturn VUE
By ROOMwithaVUE - April 17 - 10:00 amThis has been a great SUV so far !!
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Vue Lover - 2008 Saturn VUE
By VUE Lover - April 14 - 8:16 pmOverall a great car. Love the design, very roomy and so much fun to drive. I Went up to Lake Tahoe and the car had no issues, not bad for a 4 cyclinder
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Love my Saturns - 2004 Saturn VUE
By SaturnLover - April 13 - 10:00 amThe Vue was my 5th Saturn. I have enjoyed everyone of them. I dont think I will buy any other car, as long as GM doesnt destoy a good thing... The car is great, but the service is the icing on cake. Thank you Saturn!
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Vue - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Liza B - April 9 - 2:10 pmThis is my fourth saturn. I turned in a 2003 ION as it was a terrible car. I am so happy with my VUE. Its what you expect from a new car, reliable, fun, and no headaches!
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Great Vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
By HPRET - April 8 - 10:00 amI have been a Saturn owner for a total of 4 years. This paricular Saturn was an exchange for the 4cyl model. I turned the CVT model in within the month exchange period due to bad press on the transmission. I ended up with the V6 Honda and it seems like a completely different vehicle. We took the car on a cross country trip. Climbing through the mountains is effortless.
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A great combination - just quiet it down - 2003 Saturn VUE
By TTAABOC - April 4 - 2:00 amLove the vehicle - is outstanding in snow and has plenty of room. Not having to worry about small dings and rust is very nice - they should really play that angle up more. Cars like the Acura are just wide expanses of soon-to- be-damaged sheet metal.
