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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  Too bad for me! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By tq1221 - November 29 - 8:28 am

  I bought this car new in 2003, and was very happy with it for the first six or seven years. I am now holding my breath because I have the infamous CVT tranny. I have less than 65,000 miles on it, but wont drive it out of town for fear that the tranny will fail. I am amazed at the number of people who have bought this car in the last year or two. Any amount of research would have revealed the issue and the 2007 class-action suit filed against Saturn. The judgement was against them, and they were told to cover 100% of repair/replacement costs. Since GM filed bankruptcy, they have weaseled out of that and will only cover half. Half of over $7500 is waaay too much!

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  Like a bad marriage - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By NoNoNo - November 26 - 7:36 pm

  I purchased this Vue thinking it would be great quality. Since it is my 3rd purchase from Saturn. Great price for an suv. From the get go, problem after problem. I would gas up the vehicle to get on the freeway and the max speed it would go was 20 mph? got problem covered through warranty. Now a couple years later, my horn has gone out and thermostat sticks. $2000 worth of cost and Saturn says "no we cant help you, your warranty has expired." the car is only 5 years old. These problems should not be occurring I am trying to get out of this car but no one will take it for trade unless they gouge me! Ouch. I will never buy another Saturn they left a sour taste in my mouth and I dont like it.

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  VUE goes VROOM!!! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Scelly - November 25 - 6:56 am

  We love it!. This was a replacement for a Grand Prix and its like a rocket on wheels. The Honda engine is a goer with 250 horses. Same engine as the Pilot or the Ridgeline. Drives like a sportscar with power to spare. Starts well in the cold, handles the ice and snow well also. Its in and out of AWD without skipping a beat. Only concern is mileage, best so far is around 34 mpg. Smooth and quiet to drive; a keeper and can tow a boat or a couple of snowmachines (it has the best tow rating of the small SUVs)

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  Worst Saturn Built - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jessica - November 24 - 6:36 am

  Ever since I purchases the VUE, I have had nothing but trouble with the transmission. I had so much trouble that they had no choice but to extend my warranty for the transmission. I have been back and forth to the dealership at least 10 times. Every time I go in, the problem does not get fixed. If they do "fix" the problem, it stays "fixed" for about a month before the transmission starts to act up again. I have had at least 3 loaner cars while they tried to fix mine. Since I did have to have the loaner car, I am not going to buy a model from another dealership that I drove while my Saturn was being "fixed".

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  S - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By awd - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Have had to take it to the dealership 4 times because of steering column noises..Vehicle is not heavy enough for the engine it has..Not fun to drive in the city..Doesnt shiled outside noises very well.

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  Love my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By lwhiteley - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my Vue very long, but so far I love it! I bought the red line model right off the show room floor and wouldnt trade it for anything! It looks good and drives excellent! In five years I hope to trade it in on another Vue.

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  It is about time - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Cook911411 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a domestic car buyer. Why? I could have spent less in repairs if I bought a Camry or Accord 5-10 years ago. Then I hear Saturn is using Honda 3.5L motors and trannys. It is about time. Obviously U.S. autos lack the refinement and reliability (GM still puts a pushrod V6 in everything.) Remember Pontiac? Cavalier, Sunfire? Why is it so loud and creaky in American cars after a few years? As an unsatisfied owner of a 96 Impala SS (the pinnacle of American rear wheel drive cars) with 85K miles on it and $6K in non-maintenance repair bills, I vowed to never buy American again. Now I am an owner of a Saturn. My mom has had a few SL1s w/ 120

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  coldmomma@aol.com - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Geraldine M. Taylor - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Ilove my Vue and its fun to drive

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  Very Happy Vue Owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By dwweiss - November 21 - 8:30 am

  Drove from Little Rock to Virginia the day that I bought the vehicle. The first trip was a total of 1950 miles at a average MPG of 25.5. A steady delight on the highway. Since then have mainly had commute and round town experience. Just as pleased with local driving. Now have around 3000 miles on the odo. V6 is peppy, smooth, quiet. Smooth shifting 5speed automatic. In town mileage has been between 15 and 18 MPG. Recently had snow/ice - was able to go where others slid. I am very pleased with this purchase.

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  Love It!!!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kelley - November 18 - 10:13 pm

  I LOVE My Saturn! It has been very dependable & handles excellent! Other than Oil Changes, I had to replace the crank position sensor which was about $85 (A very popular problem in these vehicles) and Im about to change the sway bar links here pretty soon. (also another common problem in VUEs) I take great care of my VUE. Oil Changed every 3,000 with Mobil 5,000, Waxs, Mid-Grade Gas, I get about 24MPG, I love it and expect it to last another 75,000 or more!