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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  AWD Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By remmy - February 6 - 10:03 pm

  This is our first SUV. However, it is a "looks can be deceiving" vehicle. W/in the first 6 months, the back seat stitching ripped out, the mirror adjuster popped off, and the middle console cracked. After owning it 2yrs and 6 months, both front wheel bearings went out, the rear main seal began leaking, and something went wrong with the rear axle.On windy days, the drivers side and passenger side doors tend to push out at the top. There is a lot of road noise and air. When the windows or sunroof is open, there is a vaccuum of air that makes your ears pop. Other than that, it handles great in all kinds of weather.

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  Big Mistake - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By fallbeauty - February 2 - 10:00 am

  There isnt enough characters allowed to explain the last four years with this car. It was in the shop more than it was in our driveway. We spent thousands of dollars in repairs only to be treated like dogs by the Saturn customer service. Have never experienced anything like it. Do not buy this car. Run fast. It is a money pit and has many flaws, major flaws. The latest was the computer system. Everything was acting all crazy. It would have loss of power. Sometimes it would start and other times it wouldnt. The brakes vibrated, the hood cable wore out the hood was stuck closed. The throttle body had to be replaced several times. Nightmare.

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  It Fits My Needs - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Paarshot - February 2 - 9:56 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 50,000 miles on it. I knew what I was getting. I am 6"3" and wanted a roomy commuter that was fun to drive and got good economy. The Vue does all of this. Plus, I am fortunate to have the plastic body panels because the car is Black and shows no side damage. I chose this combination of 4 cyl/CVT because it fits my needs. If you want better acceleration and towing capacity, get the V-6. With the 7/70,000 warranty on the transmission I am not concerned. I chose the front wheel drive for economy and simplicity. I occasionally go over a mountain pass, but with the traction control and a knowledge of how to drive in snow, it is no problem.

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  2004 VUE Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By zsbrown22 - January 27 - 3:30 am

  Just bought it a couple months ago and really liked the styling before I drove it. When I took it out for the first drive I was surprise at the "heaviness" of the vehicle. It was a lot more substantial than I thought it would be and I was pleasantly surprised. Even my buddies, who are pretty harsh critics (the know-it-all type when it comes to cars), really like my ride. Gas mileage is a great surprise for an SUV - I get about 23/gln just in everyday driving (my buddies Xterra only gets about 15).

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  Great Ride - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By puggy0902 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The V6 AWD is a great running vehicle. Im very impressed with its nimble handling and smooth ride. The V6 has plenty of get up and go. The interior is spacious and has plenty of cool storage opportunities

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  Saturn VUE 2005 - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Amanda - January 20 - 5:20 pm

  I had an excellent sales expirience with Saturn, with no pressure. They were understanding of what I wanted and did their best to deliver. The VUE has surprised me in many ways. Coming from Saturn, I expected less power, and the steering is excellent. The intirior is a little bland and some plastics are cheap, but overall a good buy.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GB - January 19 - 8:10 am

  Had 2 recalls and no notification. They were found on the internet. Have had 2 wheel bearings replaced. A very poor design, they cant be lubricated. Extremely poor engineering design. I would never buy another Saturn.

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  Saturn Vue 250 - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By francis s - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I really like this vehicle. 250 horse engine is powerful and smooth. The rids is very nice. I was going to drive it however my wife takes it to work first. I like the styling and the size. I first was considering a Vibe, however like the size of the VUE better. I should have gotten the 17 inch wheels, but there are none available in the midwest with front wheel drive.

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  Our second Saturn Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Iowaguy - January 15 - 5:16 pm

  We love the looks of our Orange 2008 Saturn. It has lots of power and amenities. I was surprised to see magazine articles saying it is heavy and underpowered. In my experience, the extra weight makes it ride so much better than our 2006 Vue and the 257 hp V6 has lots of power. It is a hot rod.

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  My white truck - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bobby "Z" - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great power, terrible steering, especially when towing my boat.Love the plastic body panels, wipe off the scratches and no dents. Interior cheap looking. Waiting for my recall to fix the supension. Dont make sharp left turns over 35 mph it may damage frame. Recall should fix that.