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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  New VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Bill - March 31 - 10:46 am

  I just purchased a 2007 VUE back in October of 06 and have been very pleased with it thus far. I needed something that had a lot of cargo space and still got decent gas mileage. I got all that plus a nice looking, comfortable ride with all the amenities I could have wanted. I do a lot of in-town driving in my job and haul a lot of sizable equipment on a fairly regular basis. The fold down seats are great, I thought Id never use the cargo organizer but now I use it all the time. Gas mileage has been pretty consistent at about 22 mpg with a blend of city and highway driving. Im driving an SUV and filling up once every two weeks! Almost the same frequency as with my 2003 ION 4 cyl automatic

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  5th Saturn and Still Happy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By amazingchop - March 30 - 10:00 am

  First thing I did after purchasing the VUE was a 2700 mile cross country trip and she performed exceptionally, even loaded to the max. Actual mileage 25- 27 mpg. Added trim kit to dress up console. Seats are very comfortable for long drives(2700 miles in 3 1/2 days is proof). She looks great,blue is great color. Sunroof noise with the cross rails are a bit noisy at high speeds, recommend the sunroof wind deflector. Turns on a dime, very manuverable in tight spaces. Cargo organizers and compartments are great to keep things from floating around in the back.

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  Saturn matches the competion - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By SomeGuy - March 29 - 4:30 am

  I recently drove the 4cyl CRV and RAV- 4. This vehicle had better performance than either of the two. Steering is a little mushy but not overly so. Could use a little more size overall. I was unsure about the fuel economy because the CRV and RAV-4s were higher. Then I was informed that The Honda and Toyota rivals were on the old epa rating system. Which would put the Vue right in line with them.

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  Love that Saturn - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Cach_me - March 27 - 9:46 pm

  I have had my VUE for almost 2 years now and its the best vehicle I have ever had. Other than one little battery problem that my local dealership had trouble figuring out, no problems otherwise.

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  Weekly Visits To Service - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bill Merry - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 Saturn VUE AWD 3L 6cyl last November 2002. Since I purchased the vehicle has been in for service four times. Three of the four times for the same problem. The SES light and the Power Reduction lights come on. The dealer puts the car on the computer and gets the codes. They replaced the wiring, the ignition chip, and now the on board computer. I am very unhappy with the quality of my VUE. Fortunately, all the service has been warranty 3yrs/36k. The dealership have been great in getting me rentals while the VUE is in the shop. Just a frustrated owner, since Saturn inception preaching Quality and Reliability.

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  Third Saturn and Very happy - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By David - March 22 - 10:56 am

  This is my third Saturn and second VUE I have owned. I traded a 2003 VUE in on this one and am very glad I did. The change in engine in 2006 is a nice improvement as is the improved interior design. The 2006 is quite peppy and fun to drive. If it is as reliable as my 2003 (no problems what so ever) I will be thrilled. Selling dealer was very nice and located the car I wanted. Easy place to do business. The Chrome package really adds a lot to the looks of the VUE. The 6-disc CD player is also nice because it plays MP3 CDs as well. Great car for the money!!!!

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  BAD TRANSMISSION - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By katie - March 19 - 7:16 am

  The VTi transmission in this car is prone to premature failure and there is a class action lawsuit agains saturn for it. My transmission just died at 100,000 miles, and costs 6200 for the part alone- and this is no exaggeration because Ive gotten 3 different quotes. Used is 2500 with 60k on it. I have 6500 left on my loan and am a 23 year old grad student now without a car and thousands of dollars in payments left. Dont waste your money. If you have this car, Get a warranty on your transmission!

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  Dont buy one - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By kevin - March 17 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car brand new, love the dealer hate the quality of the Vue. Here are just a few of the problems Ive had over the years. Struts went bad at 500 miles, car had to be towed at 1000 miles would not start burrs in the fuel rail bad abs the breaks stink, both O2 sensors are bad, crank case sensor went bad, gas guage works when it feels like it same with turn signals. Engine control module went out when driving 70 mph lost all control of everything including power breaks and steering. My wife was locked in the car not once but twice (how is that possible)? Car lost all power while driving in Atlanta on way to Florida, went to dealer was charged $85 for bad connection happened again.

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  Its A Keeper - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Don - March 15 - 1:43 pm

  I always wanted an SUV. I havent driven my VUE on the open road yet, but if the leveling out of the bumpy roads of my city are any indication, the highway trips should be comfortable. I love the XM radio and will probably continue my subscription past the first "free" year. And I added some minutes to the free minutes I got with the OnStar service. My steering wheel has the hands-free radio tuning and volume control, which has been a joy. The 2.2 litre engine provides enough power for my needs. The gas mileage is right on at 22 mpg in the city. The first road trip is coming on Tuesday, about 240 miles round-trip. So far, Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  Transmission Nightmare - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Disappointed - March 14 - 8:16 pm

  Transmission shot at 55,000, just out of warranty. Cost to repair: $5,000 to $6,000. $3,100 left on the loan. Class Action suit over the transmission issues just settled. Too little, too late. Saturn has to "reimburse" for transmission replacement up to 125,000 (original owners), but many complaints from people who have had to replaced the transmission yet again. The settlement is bittersweet, since owners have to front the $5,000-$6,000 and wait for the replacement. The transmission flaw was never addressed so you get the same loser the second/third time. Decided to get away from it and traded for a Honda CR-V yesterday. Do your own research on the transmission.