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 first GMC product is a hoot to drive - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By John - June 19 - 3:50 pm

  Last new car was my wifes 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring which is still a great vehicle for its age. For a second vehicle we wanted a more compact yet versatile suv and first considered the new Honda CRV, then others before coming accross the new Saturn VUE. Never buying a GMC product before I wasnt expecting too much when we took a new V6 fwd for a demo. Its handling and ride on both local and interstate roads was so impressive especially for such a small suv I immediately began seriously considering it. I looked at several in stock and all of their fit and finishes were flawless, their safety features were state of the art and their styling was very appealing. Still happy after four months

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  Love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Scout77 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my VUE. Love it. And working with Saturn was very easy, no hassles whatsoever.

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  Nice all around car, but needs tweaking - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Heather - June 16 - 4:26 am

  I bought the VUE with the following critera - better gas mileage than most small SUVs, room for my family and our stuff, and fun to drive. Id say that all in all, it meets those requirements. I generally get 24-25 mpg, with roughly 70% highway and 30% city driving. Theres plenty of room, and its not a bad drive. If youre looking for a car-like ride though, its not for you. It rides more like a truck. I am a bit disappointed in the overall interior - it looks relatively cheap and plastic-y. The larger disappointment is that there is a LOT of road noise apparent in the cabin. I never thought that feature of a car would bother me like it does. Ill definitely know better next time

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  Great Car.....So Far - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By ronbo202 - June 8 - 1:26 pm

  Really a nice car. Roomy, comfortable and powerful. I like the side panels a lot.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By donsand1 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the best Saturn yet. 250 hp is great!

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  Vue - A great car! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By kylecody - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun car to drive. Ride is smooth and the Honda V6 engine performs well in the GM body. Good gas mileage for a V6.

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  End of the Green Line? - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Ken - June 4 - 10:06 pm

  If you are looking for a vehicle to pull your boat or camper or to climb to the top of the mountain it had best be a pop up trailer and a very small mountain. The Vue delivers a good comfortable ride but you had best know what your giving up performance wise. It does travel well on the flat and narrow and the mileage which is one of the main reasons we purchased the Green is about what we expected, 25 around town and we have gotten 30 on the highway. It will hold a bit of stuff but its not a four wheeler. It does get a bit of attention on the road and lots of questions at the gas stations. Fit and finish are good, but it leaves you wanting more.

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  Good Car - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Mom - June 3 - 11:20 pm

  I like my VUE. Its not as good looking as the other SUVs in its class but so far it has been a good car. I love the OnStar.

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  Love my Vue! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By susieq - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Vue for almost 4 months now, and I love it! I have been driving a 95 Pontiac Transport minivan and was ready to get into something more sporty and a little smaller, but I still needed more room than a typical car would have. The Vue is ME! I have had so many people say that it "fits" me and it does. I no longer needed all that minivan space because my kids are out of the playpen, stroller stage, but we do go on car vacations and it has performed beautifully. Were taking it camping next weekend. I really love having a 5- speed, too, it has great pick-up and gets decent gas mileage (better than my minivan).

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  My First Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dj Daily - May 28 - 12:40 pm

  It is not super small or super big. It tows 3000 lbs without effort. The ride is quiet and not harsh. It gets me to my fishing spots. The only complaint the window switches could be better placed other than around shifter.We love it more than the other GM models based on the same platform. We looked at the Ford Escape, Rav4, CRV, Liberity, and Element. This was the best around package for my wife and I.