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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  Amazed. And its a Salvage. - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By janell26 - October 9 - 4:45 am

  I bought my Vue with 60k miles from a private seller for $2k due to a Salvage Title. I was a little hesitant going into it but since it was so cheap I figured why not. Ive had the car 2 years and it is now nearing 90k miles and I have absolutely NO problems with it whatsoever. Ive never had anything go out/stop working on me. The car has never stalled or done anything suspect. It needs brakes/rotors right now, thats about it. Im pretty impressed considering the salvage title, not to mention I was in a major accident with it about a year ago also....runs as if nothing happened even though its had the crap kicked out of it.

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  Great Vue! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By shawn - October 9 - 4:03 am

  The Saturn Vue is a great American SUV. 1 of the best I think. Great lines and looks and lots of standard as well as optional equipment. Give a Saturn a chance. They are great cars to own and American as apple pie.

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  I Love This Car! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By lemianillo - October 7 - 3:23 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever had. It has a lot of space, gas lasts a long time (compared with other cars Ive had), and there is nothing better than driving the manual version. I really love this car and I recommend it to everybody.

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  Finally got a well made car. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By jkb3852 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2002. 6 mos. old, 11,000 miles - PERFECT. No trips to the dealer for repairs. Love it.

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  VUE is a poor choice - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By drpassport - October 1 - 7:36 pm

  This is the 3rd Saturn I have owned. The quality of workmanship is poor at best. A month after I purchased this the rattles began. Just about every single person that has ridden in the vehicle has remarked about how loud the interior noise was on the road. I will never buy another. I am back with a Honda a loving everyday. Ah, the ability to have the windows up and not hear absolutely every sound is amazing. Mileage is not as good as they claim. I got 23 MPG on the highway. City driving was in the low 20s.

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  First time SUV owner - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Happy in Chattanooga - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After spending many hours on internet researching info on all current SUVs, we decided on the VUE. This is a quality vehicle, with great interior room for a mini-SUV. Also pleased with power and smoothness of engine, great visibility and style of the vehicle. Very pleasant and helpful staff at dealershhip.

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  Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By abbie - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I am a college girl and my Saturn is perfect for that. It is a cute and sporty SUV and has just enough room to hall stuff to and from college.

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  Love Our Saturn VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By John Benoit - September 20 - 1:50 pm

  Have only had our VUE a couple of months, but are very pleased with its overall performance. We love the style, inside and outside. It handles really well, and we just love driving it. The gas mileage is very good, and thats a big plus. This is a vehicle anyone would love to own and drive from young to old. A great vehicle all in all!

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  Macs VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Bill - September 20 - 5:56 am

  I have been driving my VUE for almost two years now and I really enjoy it. The ride is good, the power is great, fuel economy could be better, but that is part of the price for the power.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By JS - September 16 - 6:53 pm

  Redesigned for 2006, the Vue made some very nice improvements. The dash, front facade, and rear bumper are all redesigned. The engines are also quieter. The front seat folds flat (seems standard nowadays on most cars) and you get a free year of OnStar. There is also a passenger airbag display on the dash. The steering wheel includes radio controls and cruise controls. Electric/power locks and windows are also standard. Best of all, the price for the 2006 is actually less than the 2005. Moreover, the gas mileage is still good for an SUV (i.e., 22 city/27 hwy). Overall, I am happy with this purchase and enjoy driving it.