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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  We love it! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By doanuknow - December 1 - 5:50 pm

  We love our VUE. The handling is great with a very quiet ride. The roomy interior is a real plus, not to mention the fuel economy for a small SUV. This SUV gets just as good gas mileage as our car. We would suggest it to anyone. It is very affordable.

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  Saturn VUE, its great! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By lorcan - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Im 64" and its very hard to find a car that I can fit into. The Saturn VUE is a dream! I have plenty of leg and head room and I can fall asleep easily on the passenger side. My wife thinks its the hottest thing around and she loves the green exterior color. We recently took it to Northern Calif. from Boise Idaho and had no problems.

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  2005 Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By John Marcus - November 23 - 10:46 am

  I bought my saturn view in october of 2005. The gas gage broke at 5000 miles, then at 12000 miles there was an electrical problem and the daytime running lights stayed on. The car died and I had to have it towed. :(. The dealer covered everything but it was still annoying. The dealer was really slow and took forever.

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  Sharp looking as well - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Tonydce - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a 1st for us - in a VUE - we love it

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  So FAr So Good - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Leppod - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love the new 2004 Vue. The looks are stylish, interior is very roomy. Agreed that the interior is a little bland but I love simple design. Options are easy to use and not complicated. Performance is very good, 250hp gets you were you have to go quick. The interior noise is very little, bumps in road are hardley noticeable. Gas millage is right under 20mpg average mostly city driving.

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  GREAT SUV!!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By nefodor2 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  WE LOVE THIS SUV. WE ARE BOTH GOOD SIZE PEOPLE & I HAVE A BAD LEG & I NEED ROOM TO GET IN & OUT, WELL THIS IS IT. WE GOT GREAT GAS MILEAGE, AS HIGH AS 28.5MPG. WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Saturnbug - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great. People say my car needs a saddle because of the way I drive. This car has been a dream to drive. It handles very well & pick up is fantastic. I am short and its 8" ground clearance suits me just fine. My husband is quite tall & doesnt need to climb out of it. The interior is really comfortable & well appointed. The added cargo carrier in the back makes carting groceries easy. The exterior design is attractive. The 17" aluminum alloy wheels give it a real sporty feel. The sales people at the dealership were excellent. They walk you through every aspect of the purchase. I will continue to purchase from Saturn.

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  Midsize Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BJATCN - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Saturn Vue. My first time as a Saturn owner, and I have to say that the performance and the overall style of the vehicle are great. I had a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer and I like that car with only 20,000 miles. But I trade my cars in every two years. I would greatly recommend anyone to buying a Saturn Vue. I like having a midsize SUV.

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  Great Deal, Great Car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mbb - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2001 Jeep Cherokee, and I havent looked back. The Saturn is well laid out, has great features, and is a steal of a deal. Dont pass up looking at this great car.

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  Saturn Vue product low quality - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Rey - November 22 - 1:20 am

  Purchased 2007 Vue new and noise was experienced days after it was purchased. After several visits to the shop to identify and correct noise we decided to live with the noise. Two years later a vehicle started shuddering when stopping. After taking Vue to the shop 3-times we were told problem could not be identified. Shuddering is more prominent now especially when the reverse gear is on.