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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Good to go and cheap - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Viewer - January 13 - 3:26 pm26 MPG, Leather heated seats sunroof, roomy fun great stereo. Let the good times roll. Oh and zero mechanical issues the first 35K
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Great $, W/ gr8 gas miles for SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
By MMillard - January 10 - 10:00 amTons of Horse Power with great gas mileage. I get somewhere between 24 and 28 mileas a gallon IN AN SUV! Lots of accessories to choose from too!
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bb - 2004 Saturn VUE
By bb bbbb - January 10 - 10:00 amOutstanding look, price and performance...so I purchased another one for another family member.
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Great car for the money! - 2004 Saturn VUE
By murphcova - January 10 - 10:00 amIf you can afford the power seats, get them. This is the only option on the car I wish I had spent the extra bucks on.
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awesome - 2009 Saturn VUE
By mark - January 10 - 4:50 amI just bought my v6 vue loaded with leather, I just cant say enough about it, I dont know why people says it gets bad gas milage, I am getting 27.5 mile per gallon on highway not bad for an suv and did I mention the power 257 hp wow and the 6 speed transmission is great. Too bad this company is going bye bye. The only thing this suv should have is seperate climate controls. So, if you are looking for a great suv with great looks, handling and power dont hesitate go and get yourself the xr v6 sat vue now before it is too late.
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Very good car - 2006 Saturn VUE
By grobby - January 5 - 6:10 pmPurchased car new a year ago. First American car purchase. This is an excellant car. 06 buyers lucked out as Saturn put many upgraded features in it. Almost a completely different car than previous models. Car is easy to drive, quiet inside and fairly comfortable. I am glad I bought it. No problems to date.
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happy camper - 2004 Saturn VUE
By happy camper - January 5 - 10:00 amThis car is fun to drive. I test drove several highly rated SUVs, but decided on the Vue because of its get-up-and-go and looks. I like the way it handles and the safety ratings impressed me. I appreciated that Saturn did the recall with haste. I appreciated Saturns no- hassle sales.
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Classy, Practical SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
By RHorstman - January 5 - 10:00 amMy husband and I decided to buy a Vue because of the gas mileage it gets being an AWD vehicle. I comute about 70 miles each day, so the gas mileage was the main thing we were looking at. We also decided to go with the 2004 model since it had the new Honda engine and Im so glad we did!!! The engine is very powerful, but is also quiet. Its a very fun vehicle to drive and has also proven to be a safe one. Were so happy that we chose the Vue over the Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape that we were looking at. Saturn salesman are outstanding also!
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I like it - 2006 Saturn VUE
By bob - January 4 - 6:10 amRides well, and I love the polymer body. It has saved me on a couple paking lot carriage dings already. The passanger seat is great. When my wife drove, I fell asleep in the car. That never happened in any other vehicle but this one.
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My First SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Charles - December 31 - 1:20 pmI Love Saturn, Ive owned two lux sedans and one ION, this is my first VUE. It feels good and safe to sit up high, but I also feel very cramped. I just dont have any leg room to feel comfortable. It moves out quickly when you need the power and has good breaking traction. Im still trying to get use to the quick response with the steering wheel. It moves to quick for me, more like a sports car should. I like it but I wouldnt buy it again. I stick with Saturn, but the VUE was not my cup of tea.
