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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Make sure they are New - 2002 Saturn VUE
By 5th Time the Charm - January 12 - 1:30 am5 time Saturn owner looking for a truck. Found a loaded 02 VUE off of a 3 year lease with 24K miles. Everything was great until 50K. Then it was new tires, brakes, cam positioning sensor, front strut mounts and a gremlin in the electrical system. 72K saw new catalytic converter, front strut bushings (sounded like there was a metal on metal grind from the front end, must have been the mounts again) and brakes, again. All covered under warranty. 85K saw new shocks, struts, tires, center support bearing for rear drive, 3 wheel bearings and to top it off a bad ECM! Truck was great when it ran. Solid power, stable and comfortable. Make sure you have a warranty. When it expires, dump it.
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I love my VUE! - 2002 Saturn VUE
By chia - January 9 - 12:26 amI test drove one for 1 minute before I knew I wanted it. Great SUV, great shopping experience.....Saturn is the best!
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Fun! - 2005 Saturn VUE
By JacksTaxi - January 8 - 12:23 amYou can actually see out of this SUV - hence the name Vue. Flat floors and grocery hooks and folk down rear seats, extra plug ins - my friends and I are in heaven on trips.
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The little engine that could - 2005 Saturn VUE
By alex - January 6 - 5:36 amI was a bit sceptical about buying it, but when I drove it it was pretty good. I think it is a great little SUV for the price.
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Luv My Saturn! - 2002 Saturn VUE
By chaRod - January 1 - 4:03 pmOn my fourth Saturn and looking for my fifth. Wonderful car to drive, great gas mileage--low maintenance!!! Great sales and service dept service!
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Yipes! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By john - December 28 - 10:33 pmI bought my Vue with 20,000 miles and the VTi transmission. I also purchased from my credit union an extended warranty ($1,440) for 5 years. Has it ever paid off. As of 06/08/10, approximately $11,000 has been paid out for repairs - transmission 2 times, timing chain problems, wheel bearings ($1,000) and various electronic problems. I still love the car, but in October, 2010 the warranty ends. I am not sure if I can buy another warranty or not. If not, goodbye to the Vue. I am not sure what to buy next, but for sure it will have an extended warranty purchased with it. I feel sorry for those who had to pay for their repairs.
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I Love My New Saturn Vue! - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Twinkle Toes - December 24 - 1:06 amDriving has become so much more comfortable and more pleasant, since I bought my Saturn Vue. I easily get in and out of the car, due to its height being neither too low nor too high. My senior citizen and handicapped mom can also get in and out of the car, without my having to lower her in or haul her out. I can see the road, no longer feeling as if I were driving in a hole, surrounded by taller vehicles. The seat supports my back comfortably, allowing me to drive without the old pains. The car handles well, offers comfort to my passengers in the back seats, affords plenty of "trunk" space, and offers a terrific sound system. The whole family loves this car!
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Great Mini Suv - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Mrich - December 23 - 10:00 amgreat ride 4cyl can tow 1500 very easy.
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Poor suspension quaulity - 2003 Saturn VUE
By HHP - December 19 - 1:10 pmMy Saturn Vue has some positives and dissapointments. Positives, economical,speedy, handles pretty well, and looks pretty good. Negatives. Noisy inside picks up all road noise. Windshield angle and front post block vision to left, particularly at night. Had to replace struts, links and bearings at 43k miles at a cost of $1500.00. They are due again at 80k miles. Computer module went out at 50k miles. $500. Now on the third set of odd size tires. My Ford Explorer 4x4 is much more car for less money.
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Best vehicle I have owned so far - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Lisa - December 18 - 10:03 amI love my VUE! I bought it used but it only had 14000 miles on it and it still had that new car smell. It put my Jeep to shame with its horsepower. My Jeep might have had more bells and whistles such as power seats and windows, but I gladly gave that up for the smooth ride I have with my VUE. I did hear some rattles on the front end but it was my right strut and the dealer fixed it right away. I will buy a Saturn from now on. Even my 19 year old [ a sports car nut] loves it.
