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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  Luv my VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By W8DUQ Gregg - March 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a wonderful cross between a minivan and a car without being a truck. Built very well and has been extremely reliable mechanically - only real time it has spent in the shop has been for oil changes. Saturns customer support is second to none! Did have a few bugs to workout after delivery, but they handled them with no hassle.

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  Not so hot - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By xsx - February 28 - 11:40 pm

  Really dont love our VUE. Bought it in early 05 and have had it in the shop at least a dozen times with annoying little things. Had issues with our air bags, starter, radio, passenger heated seat, etc... the list goes on. Overall, not happy with our little SUV. Looking to upgrade and unfortunately Saturn has left a bad taste in my mouth. Would love to try the Outlook, but scared of staying with them.

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  Rain or shine, the VUEs just fine! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Pete - February 28 - 11:06 pm

  What a great vehicle. Simple, fun and easy to drive. Composite panels are a great feature. Too bad its going away. As I watch my mpgs closely (rep on the road), Im averaging 26 mpg overall and just a tick under 30 mpg driving the speed limit. Its a little noisy but I think it adds to the experience with the power sunroof open. I honestly cant imagine a better value for the dollar.

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  Opt for the v6 over the 4 - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By spot - February 22 - 12:13 am

  Originally purchased the 4 cyl model with all the bells and whistles. After driving it for a week, I found myself almost always using passing gear going up hill. Took it back and switched it for the v6 and wow, what a difference. Ride was much more smoother and quieter. Low end power is great. It will hold freeway speeds at under 2000 rpm. This is my 5th Saturn and its the best by far.

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  My Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By garkat93 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The VUE that I purchased runs excellent with amazingly surprising power for a 4 cylinder. It is very comfortable with more room in the back seat than any other suv out there. For my small family this SUV is perfect. Absolutely excellent in the snow. If you are going to buy one do yourself a favor and buy the AWD with the CVT transmission. I have blown past some well known SUVs with six cylinders up hills! So dont under estimate the power of this little SUV.

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  1st Saturn and loving it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By vue5531 - February 20 - 1:42 am

  I bought my Vue in 2008 and its 2011 and I have not had a single problem with it. The carfax was clean. Its roomy, zippy, and pretty quiet. Ive read mostly negative reviews about this car and I dont see what their talking about. I must have gotten lucky. The only thing I had to do was replace the brakes.

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  Our fourth Saturn - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By uga91 - February 16 - 6:53 pm

  Weve had three previous Saturns and now we have the one my wife has wanted since they came out. We bought the manual because we wanted it and we are enjoying it so far. Very peppy and good looking, IMO.

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  2007 VUE is almost perfect! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By T.J. - February 16 - 9:10 am

  So far the car has been perfect for me. I would say the external look is perfect with the Black Onyx paint, chrome package, and internal wood-trim accents. It looks much more pricy than it really was. The car handles rather well. A little odd if you accelerate around corners quickly though. Sometimes it feels as if the wheel gets stickier in your turn direction if you go too fast around a turn. And the engine is extremely peppy with a 3.5L V6. Overall the classy look, gas mileage for an SUV, and Honda engine were the big sellers for me. If youre a big music person, upgrade the speakers the stock ones are very basic.

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  cue to a vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By b t - February 15 - 10:00 am

  got 10000 miles on it with only a faulty fuel gauge. Half the cost of a Pacifica, and not as ugly as the Rav4 or Element. Holds a lot with seats folded, and quick for a 4 banger. A rear seat armrest would be nice, as would bigger front armrests. I got big arms. Ill have to install some Bimmer sport-Recaros.

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  So Far So Good! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By So Far So Good - February 8 - 6:33 pm

  When we bought our Vue we were excited for the Saturn vehicle. Wed never had problems with our other two and we are not disappointed now. Neat vehicle. We like sitting "up" a little above traffic and the SUV roominess in the back. Could be better with gas mileage. The sticker is a little misleading 29hwy/23city. We get around 25 & 21. This is a lot better than our old Suburban, though.