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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  My VUE experience - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Kyle - October 4 - 4:53 pm

  Bought the 03 VUE (4cyl/5spd) for my wife 3 years ago, it now has 74,000 miles. Have many squeaks and rattles that have never been fixed. Factory tires were bald at 30K, replaced with Yokohamas that have worn well. Extremely loud road noise. Not pleased with the gas mileage, get around 23mpg overall, about 25-26 on the hwy. A strut bearing and something with the computer has been replaced under extended warranty, aside from that it has been cheap to maintain. It does fit both of us well, shes short and Im tall. I used to sell Saturns and was confident in their quality. Have not seen the same quality in the VUE as in an SL series.

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  Definitely worth a look! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Anonymous - October 2 - 1:43 am

  I needed a commuter with space for some cargo. I didnt like the look of the Rav4/CR-V, and the others didnt match up to the Vue. Full complement of airbags, standard (my 08 Accord is actually rated lower in crash tests than this Vue). No major issues; all minor ones were successfully resolved by the dealers. As-advertised MPG (I get 22city/26hwy/25combined). This is one vehicle that GM should be showcasing as a reason they can and should survive.

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  Happy Driving - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Run-Happy - September 28 - 10:00 am

  For the money, a great SUV

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  Great Car to Drive - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By trroper - September 25 - 4:26 am

  I love my Vue, however I do notice that when going over a bump in the road the car seems to have a like sound like things are rattling. It handles the road like a pro. Great on gas.

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  Vue of the service bay - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By A Martin - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I had repeated problems with the optional dealer installed DVD entertainment system. The front Bumper bar lost its plastic cover due to poor design. The seat fabric on the passenger seat came unstitched where the bottom cushion meets the frame near the seatback. Otherwise, a very good and durable vehicle. Performance with the V-6 and all wheel drive system was somewhat better than I had expected with decent gas mileage as well. I would recomend this vehicle to you with the following advice. Do not order the DVD system, The front bumper bar or the running boards.

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  Good Choice - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rush5400 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Prior SUV rode like a truck. The Saturn has the room and comfort with the ride of a sedan. Looked at small SUVs for a year and decided on the Vue.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By kevin s - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Wouldnt change a thing, hang on...this baby is loaded with torque!

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  My experience & Opinion! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By SoN_GoKu - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Do not purchase a 5speed manual... I was when shifting to 2nd gear from 1st, the clutch gave and made a loud pop sound. I was stuck @ the light, unable to move my VUE, so I had to Push it to a parking lot. The Saturn Mechanics adv. that a pin that holds a cable to allow gear shifting came out. It was put back into place, & I was adv that it would not happen again. I wanted to exchange my manual to an automatic (do not trust manual after incident) unfortunately no 4 cycle automatic VUES are out on the market @ this time. (TOO BAD) I returned my VUE. :-( I suggest people who purchase a VUE, get an automatic.

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  My Saturn Vue-Wee - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jus4char - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Saturn Vue, Ive been in the SUV market for 2 years. For the price Saturn is #1. Just go easy on a windy day.

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  AWSOME - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By klosurdo - September 16 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive.Lots of room for driver and passangers. Lots of storage space.