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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  Fun Driver - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 61Bugeye - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Really dont have any complaints of yet. Have been more than satisfied with all aspects of the Vue. Would buy another. With the price of gas as it is and the fact that we need a four wheel or All wheel drive. Gas milage is great for an SUV.

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  Dangerous shifting difficulties! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Anakala - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Extreme difficulity ""finding" gears ... especially downshifting to first after stop. Interior finishes and seat covers are poor materials and finish.

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  Less is more - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Lars - July 16 - 1:00 am

  Bought this 08 model in January 09. It was a demo but had only 60 miles. Ive still has only driven it for approx 2000 miles, but so far so good. As quite a few mention, the front seat could have been slightly more generous. From before I have a 98 Grand Cherokee 5.9L V8 and the only thing that can compare, is the performance! The Vue and I are usually long ahead of the rest, leaving the red light. The Vue is nice and "tight", while the G.C. is like a ship in high sea. Are however more pleased with the automatic AC in the G.C. The VUEs automatic AC feels to be of a "cheaper" type. However, it gets the car cool. And since its only a crossover and not a real SUV, it has its limitations.

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  Love this vehicle - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By packfan - July 14 - 9:23 pm

  Never thought we would buy a crossover SUV past 3 vehicles have been Buicks and loved each one - couldnt find a new one we liked at a price we wanted so on a whim we stopped at Saturn to look at the Aura - didnt like that but the Vue was sitting there and when we got in it we feel in love with the interior - took it for a test drive and was very surprised at how well the ride and handling was - very quiet ride - smooth sifting - plenty of power with the V6 -

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  Vue is all I expected, and more - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Chris - July 6 - 12:06 am

  Ive had the VUE for 4 years now, and about 48,000 miles. Bough it used with 10K, and other than oil changes, tires (Bridgestones wear horribly, but sick like glue!), and 2 sets of rotors and pads, the VUE has been flawless. With about 57K, I can honestly say this is a very solid vehicle. Ive used it for towing, and with the 3.0 6cyl, it can haul a pretty heavy load. Average around town mileage is about 20MPG, HWY I can get up to 25MPG. As a 5 year old vehicle, I think it still looks pretty sharp, and I added some chrome nerf bars, an against the black body, it looks pretty sporty. This car is also loaded with the leather package, which included seat heaters. Overall..very happy.

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  Happy After 40 Months - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By BaustinB - July 4 - 10:56 am

  Overall, I have been happy with the vehicle. The V6 power is great when you step on the gas and the transmission is silky smooth - even after 45,000 miles. Im still on the original tires, but am searching for info on replacements (preferable something more snow-friendly). My biggest complaint revolves around the issue of noise: road noise, chassis noise, mysterious interior creaks and rattles, and wind noise. I also have a 2006 Honda Odyssey (same engine as the Saturn) and the difference in noise is night and day.

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  2005 Saturn VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Tracy - July 4 - 2:26 am

  I do love my Saturn VUE, Great vehicle.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By buy foreign - July 3 - 3:56 am

  I have owned for two years. I bought used with 20k miles. in last lear have replaced wheel bearings. catlatyc converter and many more things. I just traded for a Honda. It has cost me over 3000.00 in repairs and the transmision is now going. This was a bad transmission from gm and although they will replace if bought new. I would have been required to pay25% ofrepair bill a total of 1200.00. Will never buy another

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  So far we love our VUE! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Saturn Vue - June 24 - 10:10 am

  We have only had the vehicle for a couple of months, but I think it is fun to drive and easy to handle. Its better on fuel than our mini-van was. The storage space is at a minimum, but I love the shopping compartment. So far, we are very pleased.

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  2004 Saturn Vue 4cyl - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Phil - June 24 - 9:46 am

  Very poor design, cheap cheap cheap! Bad acceleration, paint chips off dash/radio covering, Break problems, premature tire wear, steering column issues, and CD player issues.