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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Worth the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Fishhead - April 11 - 10:00 amI heard many mixed reviews about the VUE before I bought it. Some good, some bad. All I can say is, its well worth the money and I would buy another VUE. This is my first time with a Saturn product and I love it. Plenty of room inside and decent MPG. The ride is nice and it performs well off the line and in passing too. Take one for a ride, if you dont want or need a typical SUV, the VUE may be for you.
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TN - 2003 Saturn VUE
By mworrell - April 11 - 10:00 amGreat vehicle, but needs a few improvements.
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Excellent car - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Joan - April 3 - 10:00 amWe drive to AZ twice a year which takes 8 hrs. The car gets excellent gas mileage and is very comfortable with the heated seats. When we take passengers, the back seat is extremely comfortable. We love this car and I am very sorry that it is out of business. The Vue is a pleasure to ride and drive all of the time.
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Saturn VUE Stalls while driving - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Pat609 - March 31 - 10:10 amI own a 2005 Saturn Vue AWD with 37,700 miles,last week while driving home from work the vehicle just stopped running no warning at all, dashboard lights went out except for the rear defogger which at that point came on and wouldnt shutoff. I emailed Saturn Co. and received a response, denies knowing of any recalls for the vehicle, ( I found dozens of complaints all over the Internet) suggested I take the SUV to the dealer . The Saturn is still setting at dealership. I called them prior to taking it in,and was told they had one or 2 vehicles with same problem, I go in and now they tell me this never happen before. I hate this car!!
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Problems Allready 04 VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
By purcntry - March 30 - 2:00 amInside of 30 days of ownership in for OBD code P0571 3 times (Cruise/brake switch A malfunction) replaced switch service wrench light came back on in less than 4 blocks from service dept. Campaign to upgrade software to correct the computer from clearing OBD codes when vehicle ignition turned off strike 4. 3 conclusions campaign does not work, bad computer onboard hence unable to correct the code or faulty wiring with low voltage either way headed back down on saturday to give back problem vehicle for same model without service wrench light problem. They can try to fix it with there time not mine.
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Comfortable but chintzy interior - 2003 Saturn VUE
By doctor dave - March 30 - 2:00 amSaturn Vue is comfortable and there is a lot of interior room. The inside finish is particularly cheap and the overall workmanship is less than one would expect from a car sold at a premium on which there is no negotiation. The legendary Saturn service is a great ad campaign but in practice it is a lot of "feel good activity" and very little actual help or action if something is wrong.
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Piece of junk! DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By osuraerae - March 29 - 5:25 pmWe had the Vue for one week and the moon roof broke...then the transmission went out. We were told only a Saturn dealer could fix it and we took it to the dealer and they said it would cost $7600 to fix it! We traded the piece of junk in...it wasnt worth it! Do not buy this car! You will regret it!
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Very Pleased - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Central NY Bob - March 24 - 2:00 amWe tested the Honda CRV, Ford Escape, and the VUE. Did not like the CRV at all. The Ford Escape was a close second, but the Vue was our choice. We definitely liked the VUE more than the Escape, but at the time Ford offered a nice rebate which we liked. Some of the reasons we liked the VUE so much besides our obvious preferences, was the way it drove. It handled like a car versus a truck. Also the service and dealership at Saturn have always provided us with OUTSTANDING service. This is our second Saturn. We love it.
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VUE for You - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Ed Martino - March 22 - 10:30 amTraded a 2004 4-cyl VUE for the 2006 with the 250HP 6-Cyl. At a sustained 75MPH on the highway the six gets the same MPG as the four since it is not working hard. Very comfortable in city and highway with LOADS of power. The free OnStar system for one year is great. Talking hands free "into my rearview mirror" is a treat. Overall after 2500 miles I am very happy with almost everything about the 6 cyl VUE. The only suggestion I have is that they should improve the brakes with discs all around. Great value for the money.
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Value and Very Safe! - 2007 Saturn VUE
By james - March 22 - 1:46 amWe just bought this SUV and really like the design and look. Good gas mileage! The base model has electric everything, self dimming lights,cruise OnStar, phone, directions, side air bags, and $4000 incentive. It is quiet and steady, a well rounded choice. It not a race car, but for soccer, camping and going to the lake it fills the bill.
