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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  Pretty good, but... - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Harry - April 29 - 4:16 pm

  Overall, I like this vehicle. Dont like the tinny noise on the tailgate door. Sounds really cheap! Front end components feel flimsy but the steering is good. I have engine noise that sounds like a diesel but not as loud. Dont like the fact that you have to remove the intake system to do a tune up. Cost about double what most other cars would. Really dislike the transmission. Jerky, shifts to much, and passing gear puts the rpm through the roof, even when you just ease the throttle when passing. The AWD makes a loud terrible noise when it engages, but I understand thbat this is common. I think most of my complaints are minor compared to the overall performance of this vehicle.

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  Great overall package! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Phil - April 27 - 5:10 am

  A great combination of utility and economy for the price. Excellent interior layout--very classy and comfortable. Engine is quiet and responsive, though not neck-snapping. Very transparent hybrid system--easy to forget youre driving a hybrid. We get right on the EPA average--27 in town and 32 minimum on the highway. Truly an economical and capable vehicle--and one of the few hybrids likely to yield a return on your investment. No problems to date. Check it out!

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  Very car like SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By a0000z - April 25 - 3:26 pm

  After two Audis, I thought this may be a big step down, but after a couple of months I am very impressed with this vehicle. Very refined ride, great passing speeds.

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  Dissapointed and Insulted - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By supercell777 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Saturn is aware of and refuses to find permanent fixes for: Steering column rattle, front end rattle, loose front end, sway bar link breakage, premature suspension wear/failure. Sound system is of less quality than in a base model Hyundai Accent. Saturn Service is hit and miss, aside from major problems, if you want it done right, do it yourself.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Chris - April 22 - 3:00 am

  After owning a Grand Cherokee with over 200K (with no issues, we bought what we thought would be a great vehicle, but... We love the design and comfort. From the day we got it though, there have been a string of mechanical problems. From the service engine light on and off all of the time, to the transmission slipping. It cost nearly $1000 to replace the alternator b/c the part had to come from Saturn and the engine had to be moved just to get to it. Now it needs a wheel hub and a water pump. The suspension is very noisy as well. I wish GM had put the right drivetrain in it they would have had a winner!

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  Sad - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By cayenne72 - April 20 - 7:41 pm

  My Vue went our last March. I didnt drive it much I had it for 3 years. I bought it at 54,000 miles on it. Sadly enough had I driven it more it would have been covered when the tranny went out.it was a month after the deadline. Im surprised people are still selling the 2002-2005 at 8,000. They are only worth about 4,000. It was a decent car. Its not worth 8,000,considering the transmission in it costs 5,000 to replace. Oddly enough I would consider buying a 2007-2009, but GM is so hard to deal with.

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  My New Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Susie - April 15 - 2:30 pm

  I went to this dealer to see a used Jeep Grand Cherokee and ended up buying a 2006 VUE. I believe it was a much better buy, 3 years newer, 1/2 the miles and covered by the mfg warranty. I also purchased a VUE with a sunroof which has been really a nice option for me. I have only had the car about a week but am extremely happy with it. I like the interior a lot. Have ordered luggage racks for it to give it a sportier look, mud flaps too. Think I got a lot more car for my money!

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  05 V-6 VUE is Great Little SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Joe Boxer - April 12 - 11:16 pm

  Ive owned my 05 V-6 VUE for about one month. I traded in a Trailblazer for the VUE and it is my first Saturn. Im especially impressed by the peppy engine and the manueverability of the VUE. It steers and parks like a car but offers the utility of an SUV. Ingress/egress for elderly or physically impaired people is far easier that a car or a large SUV. The price for the VUE was $1,000 less than most similarly equipped (although larger) SUVs, such as the Nissan Murano.

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  Enjoy the Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By crazykz - April 12 - 11:13 am

  My Vue handles great, especially in the snow. It has ample power, but I do wish there was some way to have that power and get decent gas mileage at the same time. The interior is quiet and comfortable, although on longer rides the seat hurts the backs of my legs. Cargo space is impressive for a small SUV - has more room than my husbands BMW X3. I do wish I had a sun roof.

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  Reliable but noisy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Dgoock - April 11 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this car new and now have 211,000 miles on it. The thermostat and computer went out under warranty at about 25,000. The water pump went out at about 95,000, so I changed the timing belt at that time and it saved a bunch. Rear right bearing and hub went out at about 180,000. The big issue has been the tires. The rear tires get eaten up for some reason and get very noisy. I have to rotate the tires every 5000 to minimize this issue. The SUV is noisy in general, but most SUVs are. The vehicle is not smooth in acceleration or response to the throttle, it is jerky. But at the same time I have not had to do much to it for 211,000 miles of use! Front bearing and hub needed now.