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 - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By aupperle11 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle, it is easy to park, looks great, drives great with plenty of pep when I need it but also reasonable gas mileage around town. I am 59 years old and this is my favorite vehicle of any that I have ever owned. The Saturn policies of customer service also brought me back to them for my second Saturn, the Vue.

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  satisfied customer - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 1st time customer - September 16 - 2:00 am

  a real buying experience that was pleasureable, no games to play going back anc forth with salesman and sales manager to get to a price. Knowleageable salesman and dealership staff is extremely customer oriented and polite every time you visit the dealership before and after the purchase. Vehicle is fun to drive and affordably priced so that the options, that are not outrageously priced, are fun to explore and add to make the vehicle extremely attractive. The ride is much more comfortable that former owned competitive SUV. Very pleased. with the vehicle to this point.

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  THE SATURN - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By CHRISTAN - September 16 - 2:00 am

  THE CAR IS VERY COMFORTABLE AND HANDLES GOOD BUT WENT ON A LONG TRIP HAD A FLAT TIRE AND COULDNT FIND THE TIRE ANYWHERE I HAD TO LOOK FOR A SATURN DEALER AND YOU CAN IMAGINE HOW THAT FEELS. THE WHEN I LOWER THE BACK WINDOS TO GET SOME FRESH AIR THE NOISE WAS UNBEREABLE.TOO MUCH NOISE INSIDE THE CAR.

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  OK - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By John - September 13 - 12:56 pm

  The SUV looks really nice and its a fun SUV to drive. At 54,000, I had to replace the wheel bearings and this was costly. I have also replaced the brakes three times since buying the truck.

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  I think its a Lemon - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jennifer Peggs - September 12 - 10:00 am

  8 repairs on struts, bearings, and suspension in general, back drivers side window motor broke in under a year of use, now fuel sensor is broken. I bought this car when I was pregnant so that my child would be safe. I just dont know if I have enough gas to get home now. That safe. I made a 20,000 mistake and will pay for it until I can trade it in,which I have tried and have been unsucessful. Regrettably I am a Saturn Vue owner.

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  Needs More Work - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Fullprice - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Chose 2003 Vue because of size and overall exterior design. Fun to drive. Lots of power, interior room. Bought this one after test driving a 2002. Poor color choice. Torque steer on acceleration could be dangerous if not expecting it. Engine revs too high during normal operation. Except for size, interior not well thought out ( no under dash lamps, map lights shine in your face, sun visors too small, etc.) No haggle dealer experience? Where else do you pay full retail ?

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  Rock n Roll - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By m of sactown - August 30 - 7:30 am

  If you want a fast SUV with all the feel and performance of a sports car then you will just love the Saturn VUE Redline. We have the Black V6. I test drove the 4 banger. Dont settle for it. The 250 hp Honda motor is wild, but the AWD keeps it on the road nicely. Do yourself a favor. Buy a VUE, and look hard as you blow past the gas hog lunch box SUVs out there.

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  I must be lucky - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Slick - August 29 - 6:40 am

  I was surprised to read so many negative reviews about the Vue both from owners and the press. Bought new (w/ heavy incentives) for <$20k & owned for 4 years. No service issues at all, other than rear suspension recall. I avg. 20 mpg city & 26-28 mpg hwy. Pros: crisp exterior styling, 17" wheels, roomy/comfortable interior, agile handling, excellent power, dent- resistant polymer panels, great fuel economy, buttery-smooth Honda engine/transmission Cons: cheap-looking interior, wind/road noise, sometimes bouncy ride, a few squeaks & rattles, lots of nooks & crannies make washing a pain All in all, its been a great car nimble yet roomy, fun-to-drive, and economical.

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  Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By snowbully5 - August 28 - 5:33 pm

  My wife loves this car and with a new baby on the way it will meet all our needs.

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  Great Vue from here - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By fishhead - August 28 - 5:03 am

  V6 FWD, with awesome acceleration,and a smooth, comfortable ride. It zips down the turnpike at 85 in total silence. Gets good fuel economy for 250hp. Its probably the best value in its class. I vowed not to own another American car until i drove this. Go test drive one.