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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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dee - February 23 - 12:33 pm

  I feel the lines of this car are very nice looking. I have enjoyed this SUV. I have plenty of room for people and packages. Getting into this car is also quite easy. Usually SUVs are so high up you need to climb in and jump down. I love it.

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  Love my Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By rgamet - February 11 - 1:03 pm

  This vehicle is very comfortable to drive. Great storage space and fantastic handling. I would recommend a VUE to everyone I know

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  Surprisingly a great vehicle! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Andy F - February 6 - 7:13 am

  We bought this car because my wife loved it and the mileage was far better than our 99 Isuzu Rodeo. Frankly, I wasnt sold until we took it on an 800+ mile trip to Myrtle Beach. Folks, this is THE most comfortable vehicle I have even driven for 15 hours! And, you wanna talk acceleration and mileage? I set the cruise and 250 HP let us blow right by other cars even climbing hills in PA. Oh and did I mention we got almost 30 miles per gallon? If you are in the market for a crossover SUV, do yourself a favor and make sure you check out the VUE!

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  Underpowered, Uncomfortable, Junk Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Dave - February 3 - 1:40 am

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. Around 25,000 miles, the wheel bearings started to go out, at $700 per wheel. By 43,000 miles, the transmission needed rebuilt, which GM did under a recall warranty. I traded the vehicle in shortly afterward. Even before the issues, this vehicle was slow, with a choppy, unrefined engine, and it feels "cheap" on the inside. Squeaky, cheap plastic is the typical choice in this car. I would not recommend it in any way.

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  Troublesome VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Keith48 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my VUE for 10 Months and have had it in the shop 8 times. I have kept all my cars for at least ten years but I cant see me keeping this one near that long.

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  Not totally convinced ... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Salar - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Having owned my Vue now for over six months I am not totally conviced it was the best decision. The starter does not turn over as quickly as it should and the rattles in the front end are non stop and quite annoying. The cheap interior plastic does not hold up very well to every day wear and tear. Small scratches when removing items from vehicle often leave deep gouge marks in cheap plastic interior. The most recent recall for an overhaul of the rear supsension has left me wondering if I made the right choice when purchasing this vehicle. I guess you get what you pay for ... in this SUV segment of the market I didnt pay much.

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  new experiences - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By denme - January 30 - 10:00 am

  first off, the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle, a great help on the back. Seat comfort was a surprise, and the adjustements to the drivers side were real easy. insturments were easy to read and to locate within a few minutes. The cargo bin, with the dividers, makes it a lot safer, it keep s things from sliding all over the place. All in all, it is a pleasure to drive, with fairly good gas mileage.

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  One Great Ride - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By LuvIt - January 24 - 11:33 am

  Owning this car has been a great experience. Overall handling is absolutely great. The Interior could use some added features (Storage compartments around the stick) which I noticed they did on the newer models but for the most part it has lots of room (Love the pop-up grocery carrier). Great mpgs for this car although it could be improved. Im sure they have done this with the newer models as well. As an owner I love this car. No problems with it so far.

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  Love at First Sight! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By nasaman - January 23 - 12:23 am

  I decided to test drive the 2008 VUE based on the rave reports Id seen from European automotive writers (GM introduced the car there as the Opel Antara in 2006). I instantly fell in love & bought one although I plan to trade it for the 2010 Plug-in VUE with an EV range almost equal to that of the 2010 Chevy Volt. Im not an impulse buyer, so I did extensive research after my test drive. Bottom line: IMO the 08 Vue is the best suv on the world market for the money. Only BMWs X5 (nearly the same size/shape) is equal at 2-3X the price!

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  Saturn V6 has get up and go - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By bweste - January 19 - 2:10 am

  The Saturn V6 has plenty of power and stil gets decent gas mileage. The interior is classy and the OnStar is great. Nice to have hands free phone use while driving. Only complaint, upgrade seats. They could be a little more comfortable, and need to wrap around you more like a bucket seat.