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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  Inexpensive - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Just me in Jersey - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is inexpensive and you get what you pay for. I bought mine fully loaded, cant inamgine what it would be like with just the basics. My teenage sons legs are too long for the backseat so its very uncomfortable for him.

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  Saturn Vue.... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Orangetrak - November 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems to date, same great Saturn experience, with 0.0% AND 2k rebate it was hard to beat. Also cheap to insure.

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  Bad gas mileage - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Heather - October 30 - 9:20 pm

  I like the car, but the gas mileage is terrible. I calculate it every time I fill up and get around 14 mpg. My husbands V8 Dodge Ram does better than that. Had I known the gas mileage would be so bad I definitely would not have purchased car!

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  love my Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Alma - October 29 - 2:00 am

  we bought this Saturn in Nov 2003. In Jan 2004 we drove it from MA to Florida and return..It was a terrific driving experience. This SUV was comfortable, roomy for lots of luggage and we felt safe at all times. This is our 3rd Saturn vehicle, but the first SUV..I would recommend this to anyone.This is a V6 with leather interior and sun roof..it has been a pleasure driving. I have had people in the back seat comment on how roomy and comfortable it was for them as well.

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  2nd saturn, very nice - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Don2004 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  the experience at the dlr was great. its a wondeful ride for the price.

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  Just love it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By cyordon - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I just love my new Saturn Vue!! I am so happy that I chose this SUV over the Jeep Liberty and the Toyota Rav4.The V6 Acura engine has lots of power and gets great gas mileage. I love the AWD feature. Driving in snow is so much safer now. I also cant wait to use my sunroof. I feel I got so much car for the $. Thanks Saturn:)

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  Finally an American car I like - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Reliable cars fan - October 28 - 2:30 pm

  I have been a fan of Japanese cars because of the look and reliability. American cars always looked bulky and dated. Not this one. I had 2 Hondas and a Mitsubishi before. I was coming out of a Honda Pilot lease and wanted a smaller SUV. I was going to lease either a Nissan Rogue or a Subaru Forester. The Nissan dealer offered a special lease on the Rogue. On my way to sign the lease, I decided to stop and see the new Vue and check out the GM incentives. The minute I checked out the Vue, I fell in love with it. Loved the exterior and the interior. It looked very well made with no cheap material anywhere. First tank city driving car mileage with some AC use is 19.86 MPG.

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  They finally got it right! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By firefox23508 - October 28 - 7:36 am

  After driving a 2001 Ford Ranger with what seemed to be no shock absorbers causing rattled teeth and an aching back for five years, I finally had to switch to a more comfortable ride. This Saturn is the best! I tried a lot of SUVs and cars but in the end I could not go back to seating low to the road like in a car. Amonst the SUVs in this size and price range, nothing else stood out like the Saturn. Perfect size, great interior, Honda motor (reliability!), and dent resistant polymer side panels all added up to a great car.

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  Think Twice Before Buying - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Letty - October 27 - 4:23 am

  When I first bought the Vue I could not be happier with it. However, as time and miles add up(less than 37,000 miles) My Saturn started costing money. I have had it in a shop 4 times. Both front disk replaced, both rear hubs replaced, radio control in steering wheel quit working, and now I have no radio. They say fuse in radio needs replaced at a cost of over $300. For a fuse replacement in the radio itself! Ive owned three Saturns; this will be my last. If youre thinking about buying one take a look at comments of owners who have had theirs longer than a year. Youll see a trend of costly problems in your future.

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  Nice SUV - Not the best. - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Fast Freddie - October 25 - 4:50 pm

  This is a good SUV. I love the Honda V6. Brakes (calipers)rattle,relaying noise thru steering column - dealer cant fix it. Saturn could do better job to dampen noise level on the road. Gas mileage is pretty good - 19 city, 24+ highway.