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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  Excellent small SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By nmlobo - September 14 - 11:40 am

  Owned this SUV for 7 carefree months. The vehicle meets and betters all expectations. Fuel economy is excellent. It averages 20/21 MPG in all city driving and 30/31 with all hway driving. It even achieved 35 MPG on one leg of a long trip.

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  Good for the Money. Would buy again - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Josh - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Saturn Vue 4 cylinder with a 5 speed manual transmission. I read on this site that the CVT were garbage but the manuals were worth the money. I love my car. I drive back and forth about 120 miles per day working about 1.5 hours away from my home. I bought the car with 70,000 miles on it. I just passed 105,000 miles and it is still running strong! The car is fun to drive. The only improvements I would have is that create stain free carpets and a quieter ride. The car is a little noisy on the highway. Saturn Customer service could be a little better because when calling for a particular part, I was given the run around. All in all, a great buy for the quality and price.

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  Happy so far - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ARETY - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a new VUE for my wife a week ago. I looked for a used lexus rx300 for six months but could not find the right one at the right price. Only have 200 miles on it so far but all is good. Very solid and quite capable in our latest Michigan snow storm. Smooth ride and no rattles yet. The Vue is not as well appointed as the lexus but it was under $26,000 out the door and the 2001 RX300s were around $28,000 with 40-50 thousand miles on them. The 3.5L honda motor is SMOOTH. With 70 more horsepower than last year this is a true 7 second second cute-ute. I would have bought the redline but my wife didnt like the stiffer ride.

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  A Saturn Convert - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By resQjim - September 9 - 2:00 am

  V-6 has great "get up & go".. Steering is no problem if you know a vehicles strong points as well as limitations. Interior is nice...Not a car for status symbol drivers but it looks like this is a "winner" as you get the best "bang for your buck"

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  You cant go wrong with this SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BlackOnyx - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is one reliable SUV from Saturn. I think the 3.5L V6 motor and transmission supplied by Honda is the quietest powertrain on the market today. My friends cant believe the quickness, comfort, and quiet ride. It has a ton of storage space behind the rear seats.

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  UNBELIEVABLE!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By JT Kirkland - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Love it love it!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Bob Hernandez - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle in May and since then Ive been extremely happy with the suv. I looked into several other competing vehicles (Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda CRV), but nothing really came close to the price. You get the best bang for you buck and the sales people were extremely helpful and friendly. I love the power, but on a quick take off it, the rpms rev up quite a bit. Overall I highly recommend the Vue especially since not to many people drive it since its new. Its a great feeling being the only Saturn Vue on the road when you see at least 10-15 CRVs and Escapes all over the place.

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  My Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Plastic Saturn Man - September 6 - 8:46 am

  My plastic car looks great, but feels a little cheap inside. Since I mainly use it as a dual purpose vehicle, it serves me well. I can drive around my kids and be very safe. In addition, I can easily zoink out the car seats and lay the rear and front passenger seats down providing ample space for my miscellaneous boxes and tools. The CR-V 4-cylinder engine does feel a bit odd and under-powered. I get the feeling my motor is being powered by a giant coiled rubber band, like those used to power a toy airplane’s propeller.

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  Id rather be driving an import - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Dissatisfied - August 31 - 8:50 pm

  Very poorly built car. I have had the vehicle less then 2 years it has been in for service at least a dozen times. Ive actually lost count. Engine problems, buttons that fall into the dash, doors that wont open, CD player stops working, switches that get stuck, etc. Im afraid of going on long trips in fear it will leave me stranded. The seats have little support and the rear seats are too low. The front a-pillars are too wide and create large blind spots. Lots of interior road noise. Loud interior vibrations created when the A/C fan is operating. Hard to locate the passenger front and rear window switches when driving without averting attention away from the road.

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  best value in its class - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By gus seretis - August 29 - 10:00 am

  After comparing 7 suvs in the same class the vue gives the most value for the mony. The honda engine is quiet and has more power than necessary (not that its a bad thing.) I love driving it.