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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  Glad I bought it! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By new owner - November 17 - 5:30 am

  I was shocked at this SUVs handling but even more shocked when I saw the low sticker price. This car is comparable to other SUVs in its class but at $8,000- 14,000 less.

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  Good But Not Great! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Greg - November 13 - 3:50 pm

  The price is what sold it, along with the good fuel economy for an AWD and the safety rating. The interior is a bit skimpy. Not very many compartments for stuff. Also the drink holders in the front are not very convenient. You have to nearly bend over to the side to get to your drink and you have to look at it which cant be very safe. It wouldnt take much to make this a great car.

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  Not good - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Croll - November 13 - 1:53 pm

  When closing back tailgate the slot to pull it down faces upward so your hand slips out before you get it closed. The bar to help you get in the front seat is back to far and if you grab it and swing in you will slam against the center post.Needs to be moved foward. Center console stinks. Back too far. The 4 cyclinder does not have enought power. When you use cruise control even the slightest incline kicks it into passing gear and there goes your gas mileage. OnStar is pretty good. Need real bumpers. Cant even get a rear wiperblade without ordering it. Gas mileage is not that good for a 4 cyc.19to 23. Door will not stay open when you open it and slams back into your leg . Need a door lock pas

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  best on the road - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By room with a vue - November 9 - 10:00 am

  the best non yuppy suv on the road

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  New owner - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Tom V. - November 6 - 5:03 pm

  I have found the VUE gives a solid feel for the road, smooth ride and good accelaration. Lots of interior features, my kids love the reclining rear seats. Plenty of leg room for adults. All seats fold down flat of cource. Safety features like OnStar for one year, side impact air bags,came standard. I had roof rails and trailering package added as options for about $500 extra. It has 1500lb towing capacity which is sufficent for my 14 aluminum fishing boat. Overall I am very happy with the VUE and would recommend it to anyone!

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  I Like My 2006 VUE! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By R. Nagel - November 6 - 1:56 am

  I purchased my 2006 VUE after taking my time looking over and test driving its major competitors. I bought the 250hp,front wheel drive V6. It can really smoke and handles well. Also,I can flat-tow it behind my motorhome. Design problems mentioned in the original 2002 reviews were corrected as noted in the 2004 update review. Interior changes were also made for 2006. The front seats are sized for the average adult and are fine for me (62" and 200 lbs). However they could be a problem for the obese.

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  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jen D - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Feels like driving an SUV but handles like a car. No frills for families with kids that love to play with everything....keeps things simple for the easily distracted parents. Seats are very comfortable and you can barely tell you are driving over bumps. This car is a keeper. Love the fact that I can park in the garage and my doors cannot be scratched/dented by the kids bikes and even if this happens Saturn makes replacing the door panels very easy.

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  Do not buy! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By tigerlily - October 28 - 2:30 pm

  We bought to replace a too small Honda Civic. I loved it for the first year and its been nothing but problems since. We had to replace the thermostat and the drivers side seat heater. he check engine light goes on and off all the time and the low coolant light comes on and off as well. The brakes dont last and now we have coolant leaking out and mixing with the oil. Getting rid of it as soon as possible!! Loved the interior design, just hate the problems.

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  vue...its getting there! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tbone8856 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  having owned a jeep grand cherokee & mazda tribute i rank the vue in the middle with the jeep on top

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  Buyer beware - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Kelly - October 26 - 1:13 pm

  The VTi transmission in the 2003 Vue is very bad. After we had paid our car off last month, we were driving home from the in-laws and the Vue went into "default" mode, not allowing us to drive more that 20 MPH. After we researched the problem, our transmission was shot, with a $6,000 estimate for repairs. Research the transmission issues if you consider buying this car. Besides that, we liked Saturn but will most likely never buy another Saturn.