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:

• 

  Consumer Review - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Emera - May 27 - 7:03 pm

  This is my 3rd new vehicle with Saturn. The first two cars I liked okay however, I just love the new 2006 Vue. For a non luxury SUV the 2006 Vue has a new sleek design the looks and feels and drives like a luxury SUV.

• 

  Best vehicle Ive ever had - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By dpique - May 24 - 10:00 am

  What a great SUV! This thing is a blast and does everything I want it to do. I dont have to worry about screwing it up because you cant!

• 

  VUE RED LINE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By fred - May 23 - 6:43 am

  Terrific car with loads of power. Build quality is top-notch. Has not been back to dealer except for scheduled oil change. AWD works flawlessly and is terrific in rain. I have the Red Line model and it gets quite a lot of looks! I intend to replace it with the 2008 Red Line VUE early next year. The new VUE is amazing.

• 

  Great Value! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Brian - May 15 - 2:40 am

  The Saturn sales process is quite painless. I enjoyed the experience. My new Vue fits my urban neighborhood, and allows us to take our dogs, friends and gear to the mountains, beach, etc. Granted, well never be Off-Road Enthusiasts, but we can get away far enough for our needs. Driveability is excellent with (in my opinion) the best acceleration in its class. I test drove many comparable SUVs, and felt the Vue best suited me.

• 

  A wonderful surprise. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Terry Swiers - May 13 - 8:33 am

  We had originally test drove the Vue to eliminate it from our list of vehicle options, just so we could say that we had actually looked at all of our options within the price range we set for ourselves. But instead of eliminating it, it moved to the top of the list. Of the vehicles that we looked at, the Vue Red Line was the only one that we walked away from the test drive with that "gotta have it" feeling. It had all the power we wanted, looked great, a smooth quiet ride, and it drove like it was on rails. If you are looking for a sporty compact SUV, dont dismiss the Vue Red Line until you have actually driven it.

• 

  Love My VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Cheetah - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This is such a quite vehicle. I can hardly wait to get up and go out for a drive. This is my second Saturn. After my first experience, I had decided not to go with another Saturn. I looked at the VUE and was completely sold. The V6 is great. This is my first SUV. Very roomy in the back. Saturn has added extra leg room for back seat passengers. Fun to drive.

• 

  An Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Chas - May 8 - 12:40 am

  This vehicle is a surprise considering all of the negative press it has received. The performance is excellent, The gas mileage is excellent for the size of the engine, the interior is attractive, and comfortable, and the steering and handling are very good...even in the recent snow, and ice storms. The build quality of this car is excellent. No rattles, squeaks, or wind noise. Plus a careless door opening, or shopping a cart bump wont require a trip to the body shop.

• 

  Likin my red v6 Vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Simonov - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Sharp vehicle. Sporty but more of a car than a truck, fun to drive. Very good value. Needs a leather wrapped steering wheel,I put one on. Really enjoying the sun roof and the upgraded CD/Casette stereo system. (not the 180 watt job). Getting 23.5 mpg in mixed driving with the ac on. Mine has the sideair bags and abs. I added the roof rack, looks much cooler,the stiff plastic flaps and the air deflector on the sun roof. 1800 miles and very pleased, engine a little noisy but this is an SUV for under 25K and not a lexus.

• 

  Love My VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By TKincaid - May 3 - 11:53 pm

  I love my new VUE. I still can not believe how nice it drives, how great it looks, and how many features it has for the money we paid. I just dont think you can beat it. This is the first Saturn I have bought and it will not be the last.

• 

  New VUE outperforms the competition - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Vueowner06 - May 3 - 1:23 am

  Although I have owned my VUE for only two weeks I am nothing but pleased. Before buying the VUE I test drove an Escape, a Mariner, a Liberty, a Tribute, and an Equinox. Performance, price, and style wise the Vue won hands down. The 250 hp Honda engine gives it plenty of power. The new wood accents make it feel very upscale. I certainly would go for the leather package, chrome package, 17 in wheels, and xm radio upgrade. If you choose these options you have one great ride. Seats are very comfortable. Sunroof is huge. Doesnt feel tipsy like the Escape, Tribute, and Mariner did. Nice addition is the dent free doors. Contrary what the ads say there is some room for negotiation. I got 750 off.