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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Former Jeep Owner - 2003 Saturn VUE
By JIMBO - August 20 - 2:00 amThe price is why I bought (Zero down & Zero interest) and with the options I wanted -- only $17,900 before taxes, title, tags, and $200 prep charge. I have had it for about 3 months and pleased. With two-wheel front-wheel drive handled very well in the snow and ice on a ski trip in January. As roomy inside as the Jeep Grand Cherokee (had 2 over the previous 6 years) but feels cheaper inside, but it is about $8-10K cheaper
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Former Jeep Owner - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Jimbo - August 20 - 2:00 amThe price is why I bought (Zero down & Zero interest) and with the options I wanted -- only $17,900 before taxes, title, tags, and $200 prep charge. I have had it for about 3 months and pleased. With two-wheel front-wheel drive handled very well in the snow and ice on a ski trip in January. As roomy inside as the Jeep Grand Cherokee (had 2 over the previous 6 years) but feels cheaper inside, but it is about $8-10K cheaper
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The Vue is good, the noise is too loud - 2004 Saturn VUE
By spcljac - August 18 - 4:23 pmI bought my Vue brand new in 2004. The reliablity is good. The rear motor on the back window is going, the mileage is great 22 in the city and 27- 28 on the highway. The comfort level is good. The problem is the road noise is terrible. Even with all the windows up you can hear all the road noise, it is deafening.
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Not too durable - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Bob - August 15 - 4:50 amWhile I have enjoyed the VUE, the durability of this GM product has left me thinking I should have bought a Honda! I have had 5 visits to the shop for front end issues in the last 6 months and all were right after the 36000 mile warranty expired. I was smart and you would be too to buy the extra warranty if you purchase a VUE. Front wheel drive does not handle as well in snow and wet as does a CRV for example.
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Gotta love this car - 2004 Saturn VUE
By yougie12345 - August 10 - 4:15 ammom bought this car two years old with 26000 miles on it. it now has 105000 on it and still runs great. since she has given it to me and the only thing i ever have to do with it is put gas in it, and it really does pretty well around town on gas (26ish) since we have owned it she has had to put breaks on it and new tires. thats it :) overall a great car, good job saturn
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Love My Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Luvthiscar - August 5 - 1:20 pmI love this little SUV. Its fun to drive, hauls everything I need, including three kids to college, and gets much better mileage than expected (21 in suburban Chicago and 27 on the highway). Too many times to count, people have ridden in the vehicle and asked, "What is this again?" When I tell them its a Saturn Vue, they are amazed. Several have mistaken it for a Lexus SUV, which cracks me up!
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After One Month - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Keith - July 31 - 10:50 amNot much experience yet but this gives insight into why we chose the VUE and our early impressions. My wife and I test drove the Outlander, Rav4, XL7, Vitara, Tuscon, Santa Fe, CR-V, CX-7, and two Kia models before choosing the VUE. The VUE felt more powerful and tracked and handled better. It felt more subtantial. The car simply feels different from the others which might be the European engineering (this is an Opel with a GM motor and rebadged as a Saturn). The interior materials and details are superior to others at this price. Acceleration is quick and effortless,the 6 speed trans is smooth,the ride quiet and smooth. Too soon to rate reliability but no problems to date.
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Everything an SUV should be! - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Matt in New Haven CT - July 28 - 2:00 amI initially was interested in the Vue because its one of the few cars under $30K with 5-star front and side safety ratings, and side curtain airbags. Then, I fell in love with the looks, mileage (29 MPG!), nice ride, really comfortable drivers seat, great quality all around, and amazing cargo space. Not to mention the price! Best deal you could get on a car with these features.
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Mixed Feelings - 2008 Saturn VUE
By SaturnSuxs - July 25 - 2:33 amI think my car is beautiful. With exceptions of the interior plastic components breaking and the materials ability to soil easily I like my car and enjoy driving it. I however am very upset with the dealer who was supposed to fix some scratches I noticed when I first purchased the vehicle and after 7 attempts of taking it in still has failed to fix it. Although i love the look and feel of my car I highly deeply regret purchasing it.
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new Saturn owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Happy Saturn owner - July 23 - 10:00 amHaving owned this vehicle for only a month we have found it to be very suitable for our use. Our previous vehicle was a Chevy Tahoe. The Saturn is smaller and not as luxurious as the Tahoe but the cost was much less. We can get by with a smaller vehicle at the present time and it was a fair trade.
