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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  Happy Vue Owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ChattanoogaVue - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We have been very happy with our Vue so far. I was leery of getting one the CVT transmission at first, but have come to really like its performance and drivability - particularly on the hilly/mountainous terrain where we live. Electric steering is a bit on the light side for my taste, but my wife loves it.

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  Good Bang for your Buck! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Chris - December 11 - 5:03 am

  Believe it or not, the new Saturn Vue is pretty awesome with an honda engine and practical design. the suspensions are pretty sturdy and the steering is incredibly smooth. This is one low profile suv which is among the best out there.

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  Wish it was all positive - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By faceman - December 11 - 2:00 am

  My VUE is fun to drive and is thoughtfully designed for different uses. If it were not for the many repair issues in a new car, I would be Saturns strongest supporter. In my first 2 yrs of ownership, my VUE has repeatedly been in the shop (fuel pump & sensors, radiator, windshield, side panel rattle, etc). Saturn seems to rarely fix an item on the first repair trip (1 fix took 4 times). A number of times, they broke one thing while fixing another. Corporate customer care was a waste of time.

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  Problem after Problem! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jen - December 10 - 2:23 pm

  I bought my vue in 2007, for a year and a half, I loved it, there wasnt a single issue. Then the one day, dead of winter, in MN, I find myself stranded on the side of the highway.The belt came off, and now to this day, it has happened 5 times.The engine is loud, along with road noise. I always have brake issues. For the last 6 months it has been 1 thing after another. Now that they dont make VUEs anymore, it is worth practically nothing.

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  Excellent road Car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By jim wilson - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I have put 20000 road miles on this vehicle so far and it has performed like a champ.I use the car for business travel and I am very pleased.

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  Dont do it! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kat - December 5 - 4:50 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years now and I am very unhappy with it. I have had wheel bearings, wiper motor, etc. replaced on this vehicle and continue to have problems.

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  I had no idea! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By bimberger - December 4 - 12:03 pm

  I had no idea it was fast as it turns out to be. Running 45 MPH and step on it to pass, you better have both hands on the wheel. The six speed Auto trans is really fun. I had an 05 Tahoe 4WD, now I go the same miles on half the gas. Its really amazing, a fun to drive, fast gas sipper.

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  Thrilled! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By MisaMom - December 4 - 10:00 am

  As a single Mom, I needed something with more room and some versatility. I was in love with the CRV for a year when I test drove the VUE for comparison...I was hooked. I bought the car during 0% financing which made it very attractive (also attractive was the 90 days no payments...gets me through the holidays!) I loved the deal and appreciate that I have "back up" and a ride to and from work, or a rental car if needed.

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  A VUE for you? - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Karri - December 4 - 10:00 am

  We get stopped on the road by people wanting to know more about the VUE. They love it and so do we.

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  way to go, Saturn! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By gardenladypaula - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I sold Saturns for 4 years and loved the company and how they made a vehicle. I have had 4, hard to sell them and not want a new one ;-) I wanted their SUV and I when I got it I wasnt disappointed at all. I just accessoried it and feel that it is becoming more "my Vue" with the additions.