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:

• 

  redline vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By swatcop - March 18 - 10:00 am

  faster then the awd model closer to 7.0 0-60. once in a while turns over a while before it starts. the only thing i dont like is the location of the window controls.

• 

  So far, so good - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Ryan - March 17 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my Vue after 4 months of researching SUVs. Having owned a 2001 Saturn SL1 I wanted to test drive the Vue. Im sure glad I did. My wife swears by her Mazda Tribute, but she quickly fell in love with the Vue. Fun to drive, ample power. Driver cockpit/instrument set up is great. Above all, I love the looks. All my neighbors cant believe their eyes when they see its a saturn. Fuel economy could be better, but nothing is ever perfect. Bravo Saturn.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Trekker - March 13 - 10:53 pm

  I bought my Saturn Vue Red Line this past Labor Day. Its fun to drive, great acceleration and smooth meshing of transmission and engine. Saturn did a good thing by using Hondas 250 horsepower engine and trasmission. MPG highway is about 26 miles per gallon, and city about 18-20. Not bad for an SUV with this type of get up and go.

• 

  I own 2 VUEs - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Bobby Rawls - March 7 - 1:23 pm

  I have 2 and probably will continue to have at least 2. It does have a design problem when in muddy and wet conditions, but surely this will be attended by the next new model. I have spoken to Jay Wetzel (one of the original Saturn designers, now retired) and he is aware of this design flaw. I do have problems turning the key to start the car. The steering wheel locks, and the key will not turn without a lot of shaking and commotion.

• 

  Initial Ownership Review - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By rpep1982 - March 7 - 8:56 am

  My initial experience with the 2007 Saturn VUE has been all positive. The VUE had 40410 miles on it when I got it and continues to satisfy. The interior appointments are classy without being gaudy and the exterior is smooth. The engine is quiet and powerful (3.5l V-6). The stereo is easy to use and the steering mounted controls limit the amount your eyes are away from the road. So far I am very satisfied with my purchase.

• 

  VUE is top SUV Option for the Dollar - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dave Kay - March 5 - 8:40 pm

  As safe as the CRV. standard tires are bigger and better than the CRV. Same engine and tranny yet Consumer Reports rated the Saturns engine and tranny lower (impossible, but they did). No-rust, no-dent panels that sadly are going away, I could go on and on. Everything I mentioned, for thousands less. Look at the two vehicles parked next to each other, not even close.

• 

  saturn Vue V6 - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By r rbrodehl - March 3 - 8:30 am

  Very nice car for the price. The Honda 250 hp V6 with the Honda automatic 5 speed transmission make for a reliable, smooth and peppy performance. With a curb weight almost 1000 lbs less than the honda pilot, the saturn is FAST, and the mileage is as advertised--29 mpg hwy, and 25 mpg town, on regular gas. I tow it 4 wheels down behind my RV and have had no problems in 10,000 miles of towing it so far. I di get the 16 inch mag tires/wheels and they look great. With 10,000 miles on odometer I have had no warranty service required yet.

• 

  Happy with my Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By SKF - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for three months and so far I have enjoyed the Vue. I have the 4 cyl. automatic because the salespeople talked us out of the V6 saying it was getting horrible gas mileage. I dont believe the 4 cyl. gets much better. Nowhere near the sticker. Thats probably my biggest complaint. The car lacks power, but I knew that when I purchased it so I cant complain. As for the interior, I feel it is well laid out, but everything is plastic. Overall, Im happy with my purchase and would recommend this to others who were looking for an economical SUV. This would be an ideal vehicle for a young family.

• 

  ZZT goes fishing - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ZZT - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I did not think I would like this SUV when my wife bought it. It has good power and a smooth drive that is not found with htese small SUVs. Great package at a very good price.

• 

  so far , so good - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Indiana vue - February 28 - 10:00 am

  We recently purchased our vue after having minivans for several years. I am the most critical of the two of us, being the husband and wife. My wife has long enjoyed smaller sportier cars and I like more room. We had bought a cherokee sport before and I didnt like it after getting it.This is the first suv that I have liked well enough to buy.The dealership where we got ours was very helpful.Right now,the vue is fun to drive and I like having the sunroof in it. We went with the med. green color and got leather seats in it Gas milage is okay so far,buthavent had it on a long trip.our son who just turned 18 yrs. old, really likes this suv.