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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  Lemon Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Jrdpa - March 11 - 5:50 am

  My Vue has been in the shop 8 times in 6 months. The inside of the windshield has been freezing over completely in the winter. I come out of the house and its frozen. They had to replace the heater core. It has never sounded or driven the same since it came back. Also, the windshield wiper fluid leaked because they made the reservoir and neck two pieces and they had to replace pieces there as well. About a month after I got it there was a recall to reset the computer because apparently some had lights staying on too long draining the battery. Also, I never got better than 17 MPG / 250 miles a tank. They had to take rust off brakes after only 6 months too.

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  Remarkable workmanship - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By DBROOK3959@AOL.COM - March 8 - 5:53 am

  It handles really well especially on the interstate road, and also I am not really accustomed to drive electric power steering system and it is awesome that how sensitive she handles on the road. Gas mileage is really superb - 25 miles on highway and 19 miles in city. I have arthritis am overweight its easy for me to get in and out of the Vue.

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  Great Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jcmoore1976 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is an excellent vehicle when equipped with the Honda V6 engine. The interior is my only complaint. It is not as refined as many other vehicles. I guess I got spoiled after deriving a VW. As far as performance and just plain fun to drive the Vue is a winner.

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  Great Value - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BGK - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I got the sport plus package, which combined with incentives provided a great vehicle for about $15k. Nothing else comes close for the money. I looked at the CR-V which was noiser and unimpressive, with strange interior layout (expecially parking brake). Also looked at the Escape and Vibe, neither of which impressed me either. The VUE had the best features and was easy to get used to.

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  V6 FWD VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Tmich - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am extremly pleased with the Saturn Vue. Like others have noted the first impression I had is the power of this vehicle with the V6. It literally has get up and go power when you hit the gas at any speed!I have read number of major suv/truck magazine reviews labeling the interior as being "cheap". But I personally would characterize the interior as a "minimalist" interior...in that I have just about all the creature comforts you could get on this vehicle and for me, everything is very well laid out and functional, no frills no fuss! It handles well, and is a very comfortable vehicle to ride in.

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  Not happy with the Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By JC - March 4 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased the 4 cylinder strictly for fuel economy and I am not seeing anywhere close to the 19/26 as promised. Even with the cruise set on the highway I am only getting 18 mpg? I am very dispapppointed in the vehicle overall!

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  Can I return it? - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Unhappy Camper - March 4 - 2:46 pm

  Im very unhappy with this car, and sorry I bought it. It wasnt my first or even second choice. The car is 3 mos old, and has over 4500 miles. The driving is sluggish, even for a 4 cylinder. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, and hurts my back. The wipers dont work well, and make that horrible scraping sound. The rear wiper button is located below the stereo and you have to take your eyes off the road to find it. My major complaint is that the sticker said it would get 26 mpg. Im only getting 21 mpg. I drive mostly highway. If I could return this car, I would.

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  Surprise - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By connosssieur - March 4 - 1:20 pm

  Overall I am pleased, but find the front drivers seat awkward. A wonderful engine with plenty of power, plus AWD works really well. You can feel the extra control. Power seat could be improved to match say the Muranos, but keep it up. Its a great vehicle. Driving it is fun

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  Think Twice, and then some - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By chrisfromri - March 3 - 10:33 pm

  Weve had constant problems with the all wheel drive system. Subsequent repairs. Some twice. Stripped out bolts in door, causing window failure. Car starting problems. Thousand dollar stereo system, main unit replaced. Blown speaker. Plenty of squeaks and rattles. Leather interior is nice, but short, cheap plastic arm rests. We have a file folder full of repairs from 8 months of ownership. Saturn co. and the dealership feel badly. But will not buy back or swap. They feel as long as we have a warranty we can just keep using it.

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  Depends on what youre used to - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By JET - March 2 - 8:36 pm

  I had previously driven a van for three years and still havent got used to the rough ride in the VUE. I wouldnt say its a bad vehicle. It looks sharp, and gets decent gas mileage--but could be better (ony about 20 mpg) It has the same amount of seating as a car, but I do like the storage behind the back seats. It seems to run great, no problems there. Just cant get used to that rough ride, will probably trade in soon on something smoother.