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:
Showing 1641 through 1650 of 1,730.00-
Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
By hartzie72 - July 31 - 10:00 amExcellent SUV. Lots of power. Nice fit & finish.
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LOVE MY VUE!! - 2008 Saturn VUE
By John - July 30 - 3:20 amI have had my 2008 Saturn VUE XR Front wheel drive since June 2008, and LOVE it! I have a little over 10,000 miles on it. My Mom just purchased a 2009 VUE XR FWD, replacing a 1996 Ford Taurus wagon. I hope that the Saturn brand keeps going. By the way, this is my 2nd Saturn...I had a 1994 Saturn SL2.
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Love it - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Dan - July 27 - 6:20 pmI have been well pleased with my VUE. It does everything I wanted it to do. It tows my camper with no problems. Plenty of power. It is comfortable to drive and to ride in (and Ive done both). I have had no troubles with it at all (none, nada, zilch). After three years, I still get compliments on the looks and ride. Just today I had four men as passengers and they all fit easily.
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awsome - 2004 Saturn VUE
By hwiseman - July 25 - 10:00 amI wouldnt trade it for anything else it is the best vehicle i have ever driven
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watch the sun - 2004 Saturn VUE
By curls58 - July 25 - 10:00 amI love my VUE. Cant think of any major complaints. We did have a little problem with the turn signals which kept failing, but that was repaired. The sun visors are a concern to me. They really dont provide much protection from the sun. To get any use you have to tilt or cock your head at a strange angle.....Other then that, the VUE is my favorite car ever
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The best SUV in the segment, hands down - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Engineer007 - July 24 - 4:23 pmThe Vue V6, in RedLine (mine) or standard dress, is the fastest, safest and most fuel efficient SUV (without going hybrid) in the <$30k market today. RedLine looks cool, has huge 18" rims and tires, handles on rails, and puts almost every other SUV to shame in performance, except maybe the Porsche Cayenne. $50k Sequoias cant keep up and get 1/2 of the gas mileage. I have an 05 BMW, the Vue Redline, and motorcycles. I enjoy the Vue the most.
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A "BULLETPROOF" HONDA ENGINE IN A LOWER PRICED SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
By OUTTHEDOORKING - July 23 - 5:08 amThe Saturn Vue is a great value in an suv. I strongly prefer and recommend the Honda 3.5 liter v6 version which boasts great power and legendary Honda dependability! The fit and finish on these vehicles is very good! I think they are undervalued and therefore a great buy!
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vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
By Cesar Marchioli - July 21 - 2:00 amawesome car handling all of my needs and economically as well. It has been as good as advertised.
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Saturn reVUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
By amg - July 20 - 8:03 amIve had my VUE for about a year. So far, its been a great car. It has great pick-up and the interior is refreshing for an American car. I took it on a 1500 mile trip about 3 weeks after I bought it and it was great. Very comfortable, gas mileage was OK, and its fun to drive. Overall, Im happy with my purchase.
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Vue with aroom - 2002 Saturn VUE
By TROY MORPHEW - July 19 - 9:56 pmA pleasure to drive.
