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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  08 vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By andy - February 12 - 1:43 am

  I recently traded in my 06 vue for an 08 vue xr due to an extremly good deal on the 08. Wasnt really sure how well i would like the 08 but i have to say it is a big improvement over the plastic vues. being all steel now the 08 weighs more and that gives it a better ride and better road feel.Drove both v-6s and the 3.6 is so much better than the 3.5.The interior is much improved as well,with less cheap feeling plastic parts. Only have a couple of complaints -1 being the fuel economy.its about 5-6 mpg less than my Honda powered 06. im sure part is due to the extra weight (500#)but also to the fact the the engine is now GM built.and 2,the torque steer is worse than my 06.but overall better

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  Saturn Customer Service Rules - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By JSHOULTA - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My first Saturn and I am impressed with the feel of the drive.

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  Have it almost a year, still love it - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Jeff N - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Had our VUE almost a year and still very satisfied. No rattles or squeaks in interior and no problems at all with build quality. 4 cyl./5 speed combo offers plenty of zip but would go for 6 next time for its extra towing capacity. Rear seat is low but I dont sit there, the kids do, and they dont mind. Split rear folding seat + front passenger folding seat very nice.

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  Dont buy this car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By bbmyers - February 5 - 11:06 pm

  Since purchasing this vehicle (new) we have had nothing but problems. Air conditioner was barely functioning from day 1, front sway bar, sunroof not opening/closing, drive shaft bearing howling, wheel bearing (twice!!!) drivers door coming out of alignment, brake ratteling (not able to stop - claims this is in normal manufacturing paramaters)

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  One Extremely Satisfied Customer - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ms. Charliewax - February 2 - 11:06 pm

  I was a Jeep driver for years prior to owning my Vue and must admit that it is everything and more that my Jeep ever was. Great pick up, handles the road beautifully and has all the special little extras that make it a pleasure to drive. Last but not least, I cant say enough about how Saturn treats its customers. The service, in my opinion, is nothing short of outstanding. Ive never been so completely satisfied with a dealership. Thank you Saturn. I look to our future together.

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  the vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By hatch reynolds - February 2 - 10:00 am

  the saturn vue is a great commuter suv. un like other suvs that guzzle gas the saturn vue is economical . and it looks good . theres also alot of options you can get for a fairly decent price . That in fact that the vue is made primairily in the US made one of the only SUV choices in my price and fuel range . the vue is ok to drive and has a great turning ratio but over all they could of done a better job with comfort,the seats are thin and not that comfortable at the price i paid i expected more . over all it s like i said a great commuter that looks good for less

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  Loyal former employee - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By gregor - February 1 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned the Saturn for almost two years now and have been happy with it. Though the front seats are lacking in comfort during long trips, they are suitable for around town. The room is great for getting stuff around town, especially with the front seat laying flat. The sport package is great with the alloys, power package, and sunroof. The 5 speed is the only way to go with the 4 cyl. otherwise the power is too lacking. All in all a fun car to drive.

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  First Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Gary - January 29 - 11:16 pm

  Happy with the overall package. Interior quality not up to Honda and others, but love the Honda V6 and transmission. Gets good gas mileage and is pleasant to drive.

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  Great Ride, Poor Fuel Economy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By gbddy - January 28 - 9:56 am

  I love my 08 Saturn Vue. I got it for my wife for her birthday and it is as my wife says" So Cool". But the fuel economy is not good at all. It is so bad that I am wondering if something is wrong with it. And it only has 38000 miles.

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  Really Disappointed - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mmtso - January 27 - 5:50 pm

  This is my third and probably last Saturn. My new VUE XE has been in the shop 4 times in 6 months: tachometer went out, CD player quit working, alternator went out, and electrical cluster failure (no turn signals, tachometer/odometer not working,etc.) Loved the updated exterior, overall handling and vehicle feel, but after repeated problems with this vehicle, I am in the process of getting rid of it as I simply will not own an unreliable brand-new SUV, as this has sadly become. I would not currently recommend the VUE to anyone, and I have been a loyal Saturn customer for over 10 years (previously owned the SL2 and L200 with no major troubles).