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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  I love this SUV! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Dena - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I got my VUE in July 2004 - after a terrible accident in which I was driving my Buick Rendezvous - I could not buy a car as I am scared to drive something small. The VUE gives me the mileage I need living a long distance for work and the vehicle is big enought that I feel very safe. I also like the dent resistant panels! The rear cargo organizer is awesome also!

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  VUE Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By dap - July 13 - 11:50 pm

  Very powerful SUV, fun to drive and looks sharp. Young people love the looks. Surprisingly excellent gas mileage, better than listed, I am getting about 24 city and 28 highway.

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  Way to Go Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Flynch - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is Saturn number 7 in our family. We have long expected good things from this branch of GM and have always found it. This is our first SUV in the family and we couldnt be happier. This SUV runs with the best of them, gives great milage for an SUV and to top it all off its fun to drive. I use this a my daily commuter and I always receive great raves about how great the car looks. If Saturn can keep up the good work on these cars they will always have my business.

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  Still going strong - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Janice Barrow - July 7 - 9:09 am

  Bought the Vue at 3 years old with 19k miles on it. It replaced a 10-year-old 2000 SL2 that was passed on to my husband. Six years later, only preventative maintenance thus far. Getting ready for the timing belt/water pump and other 100k maintenance (a little early mileage-wise at 84k, but at 9 years of age, dont feel as though its worth it to delay replacing this rubber component on an interference engine). Been reading a lot regarding subframe rust issues, and due to living in the "Salt Belt" Im a little nervous about seeing it up on the lift. The Honda 3.5 L V6 is a nice engine (I keep it humming along with fully synthetic oil), and Im hoping the transmission will fare well after changing the fluid (so far, so good).

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  A very seductive SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Andy Zaplatynsky - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my 2003 4 cylinder, FWD, Saturn VUE and I have never had a car that so so much fun to drive. I am amazed at the pep of the 4 cylinder engine, I am doing 70 mph on the interstate and have to keep an eye on the speedometer to not go 80 ... it is that smooth. I dont understand the complaints about "fit and finnish", I am very impressed. The Silver is a beautiful color!!!

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  Almost one year after... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mateo - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my VUE last November--took advantage of the 0% offer. Overall, I am pleased with my purchase. I love the space and feel of the vehicle. However, several things sometimes make me wonder if I made the right decission (read below), especially the poor resale value. Recent buyers, enjoy it now! In a few months, you will be questioning yourself when you start hearing weird noises or when, for example, the (cheap) sponge-like material that "prevents" the door handle from scratching the actual door unexpectedly breaks. It sounds like it is nothing, but we are talking about a NEW vehicle!

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  I love it but..... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By lsalerno - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a brand new 2003 Saturn VUE 2 months old and I really do love it. But it has already been brought in for service twice, once it had to be towed. I have this annoying rattling coming from the back. The service dept. found the noise, said it was the seat,and said they fixed it,but its back again. I had it towed b/c of the transmission. I was told that it was the transmission modular control (whatever that is). As far as Im concerned,NONE of this should be happening. Although the service dept. has been great and very helpful, including setting me up w/a rental, I am very unhappy, and I have recently started looking closely into the Lemon Law.

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  second saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fhiefone - June 23 - 2:00 am

  we purchased the VUE because of the style and comfort. it is our second saturn and we are very pleased with the service we recieve from saturn.

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  Always been a GM buyer - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Slpmom4 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have always been a GM buyer, but the prices on Chevy and Pontiacs were a shock! I had heard about Saturns but didnt never looked at them. One Sunday I managed to get my husband to drive on to a Saturn lot and we were suprised at all the features you could get at an up front price. When we went into the showroom we couldnt believe it when they handed us a price sheet and we could basically build our own car! All the prices were in front of you! When we picked up the car it was an expirence never before felt with any other car purchase. I have 4 kids and their first cars will all be Saturns!

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  So Far, So Good - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kansas City Driver - June 21 - 10:00 am

  The Saturn VUE with 4 cy., 5 speed is an excellent vehicle, looks great and makes you feel good driving it. Steering is sharp and precise and the suspension gives you good road feel with no shakes or pounding. Four cyl. has adequate power. Little slow in first and reverse, but good surge in second and third. Had not really planned on buying one, but saw it and when the salesman explained the special offer with options could not say no. Right at $17K loaded. Few minor distractions, but no big deal. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Best looking one out there.