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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  Good value needs small V-6 - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By paul blais - October 23 - 7:50 pm

  Good value, style and safety for the money but the 3800 lb curb weight is too much for the 4 cylinder if you try to use the cruise control on the hilly back roads of NH. The good news on the 4 cylinder is you can average 26 mpg or more if you keep it 70 mph or less on the highway. Any hill will cause a downshift and jump in RPMs. The downshift is usually smooth except in the hills. Front seats seem short and drivers foot rest uncomfortable. Ride and handling are very good for the style of vehicle. A fuel efficient V-6 mated to a 5-speed auto would be perfect. But at $4 a gallon for gas, I would still go with the 2WD 4 banger if this is the style of vehicle you want.

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  Good little SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By KW - October 22 - 7:06 pm

  I have had this car almost a year, and have no real, solid complaints. I have put 15,000 miles on it, and after comparing it to Hondas CRV and Toyotas RAV, it was a great fit for me. Tons of options for the base price. For the money, it is a great buy. Interior well thought out, very European, which I like. Buying experience was good. Disappointed with gas mileage, but I suppose it is good for a small SUV that carries that kind of weight. You feel safe in the car, that is for sure. Overall, good buy for small SUV buyers out there, and it was the first American car I had bought in years!

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  A DRIVE WITH A VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Gary - October 20 - 4:30 pm

  I have had my Vue for 14 months and have not experienced any mechanical or electrical problems. The V-6 is a very good engine and has plenty of power. It handled great in the snow last winter. The only complaints I have are the tires seem to be wearing out faster than I would have anticipated even though they are filled with nitrogen gas and maintains the recommended pressure in both hot and cold weather. The rear cargo cover gets in the way of hauling larger items. I like the exterior and interior styling. Im glad I got the V- 6 AWD. I did my research before I bought and was a little scared that the 4 cylinder would not be powerful enough for the weight of the vehicle

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  I am glad I own a Saturn VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By William N LaBerge Sr - October 20 - 12:36 pm

  This vehicle is what I thought I would not buy at first, then I took a test drive, and that was all I needed, I am not sorry that I got it. We took it to Las Vegas, and got 28 to 29 miles to the gallon

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  Not a good idea - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Ben - October 19 - 9:47 pm

  This car may have been a good idea when it was new, but it runs down a lot faster than expected. Weve had to pay for more repairs than we thought when we originally purchased the car. Also, because the car is a hybrid, the engine is arranged differently than other models of the Vue, which means more expensive repairs. This means that even simple repairs almost always require taking it in to be serviced. Because Saturn only made this model for one year, parts are hard to come by, even for the dealer, which means that they cost more. The fuel economy is a plus, but its a trade-off. To get that kind of fuel economy, the car has an extra battery behind the back seat. This isnt that big, but Saturn must have thought so because the car doesnt come with a spare tire. It comes with a sealant kit that you use to refill your flat. However, if your tire ever shreds, youre out of luck. It gets us from point A to point B, but the cost of the repairs have left a bad taste in our mouths.

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  Excellent - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By texasvuegal - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Steering is not very favorable.

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  Lousey SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - October 13 - 4:06 pm

  I thought Saturn was the car it was meant to be when it first appeared on the market but was sadly mistaken when I bought a 2008 Vue which has given me nothing but problems since I bought it and I am writing this review while it is at the dealers for major problems for the fourth time in a year. Always loved GM products but this one is a joke. DO not buy one.

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  Can make it through a good test drive - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By nikkihamburger - October 7 - 12:06 am

  So my husband and I bought this car a couple of weeks ago. We took it through the mountians up to Edmonton Alberta from Everett, Wa. Wow...could this car drive through ice, snow and mountians. The traction control works wonderfully. Except for the other drivers freaking me out the car was smooth and the gas mileage was fantastic we were getting at least 30mpg through the mountians and snow. We filled up twice on our way home and we were driving for 15 hours. That is so amazing to me. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  My 2nd VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - October 6 - 11:56 am

  I had a 02 VUE that was in the shop on once a month on average for the 2 yrs I owned it. I traded it for the 04 thinking I would get the best break on a trade and hoping Saturn had improved the build quality. I was mistaken. I have had the 4 cyl. ecotec engines with the 5 speed manual tranny. It is one of the easiest manuals I have driven in 25 yrs. The engine has plenty of pep if youre not afraid to rev it up. But at 70mph it revs around 3200 which is not optimal for mileage. Problems: window leaks, sunroof broke, engine leaks, Air conditioning replaced (3X), Cruise kept sticking in ON position (4X) Front suspension arms replaced (2X) Other misc. problems Cant wait til I can trade in on an import

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  Better value than CRV, Rav4 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By AndyVUE - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Lets compare VUE with with CRV: Honda: 4 banger engine, 165 hp. Vue: 6 cyl. 181 hp. Honda: no legroom on the backseat. Vue: plenty of it. Honda: Acceleration stinks. Vue: Best in the class (see tests) Honda: Metalic body pannels. Vue: Composite body pannels, dent free. Honda: Only backseats folds. Vue: Front and backseats folds. Honda: Worst dealership, pressure. Vue: No.1 dealership experience, JDPower (continue on favorite features)