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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  Saturn VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Wendy - June 22 - 3:20 pm

  My Saturn VUE is really easy to wheel around town and in crowed busy parking lots.So the size is perfect, not too big, yet big enough that everyone has leg and moving around room inside. I do think Saturn could do more to make the car more comfortable instead of so plain. Mechanically, my VUE has been wonderful with no major problems. Also, my dealership has worked really well with me. My son spilled chocolate milk on the backseat floor, and when they could not get the stain out, they replaced the carpet for me. You can rate a Saturn VUE mechanical, looks and dealerships as excellent!

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  Love our Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Duke and Nan - June 22 - 10:00 am

  We went from a Full size GM Pick up truck to this little SUV. Many of the Features are what attracted us like the dent proof panels, gas mileage and the overall looks of the vehicle. Plus when we found out that it was a GM vehicle we were even more pleased. Many people stop and ask us if we like our car and we always have had great things to say.

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  Vue red line - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By shageeda - June 17 - 8:40 am

  The red line package has a very sharp look with the chrome & ground effects on the exterior of the vehicle. with a very spacious interior. The comfort package is a plus for the total look of this SUV. The power that this SUV has is more than enough for anyone to enjoy the ride. Overall one of the nicest that I tried before leasing this SUV.

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By popcorn - June 12 - 5:23 pm

  We purchased this for our daughter. We were a little concerned with a 4 cyl wondering if it had enough power. The dealer told us it had ample power and it certainly does. This has been the perfect car 5 Star Crash Rating,Inexpensive to insure, ABS brakes and all wheel drive. We love it.

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  Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Deb Tribuca - June 10 - 5:10 pm

  A little disappointed with the Vue

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  Great buy! Fun to drive, and looks nice - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By BP - June 7 - 11:53 pm

  Just got the VUE and it is great! The comfort could be improved, but the handling is great. The acceleration is better than expected, the room is wonderful, and it is fun to drive. The radio is nice, and the satellite radio is great. Nice features.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Ryan Z. - June 5 - 8:33 am

  Waited for over a year before making my purchase. The 2009 VUE XR has everything I could ever want in a car. Great smooth ride, excellent interior features. I enjoy having everything at my finger tips. I love the exterior look of the 2009. All my neighbors do a double take b/c they cant believe its a Saturn. 99% of my miles are highway, so the MPG isnt that big od deal to me. The XR V-6 engine is powerful and smooth. The shifting is so smooth you cant tell how fast your going until you look at the speedometer. Ride in this car is like a luxury car. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a new SUV.

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  Red Line Great Car So Far - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Red Line V6 - June 4 - 11:26 pm

  Bought it with 26000 miles on it as a 2 year lease return. I was reluctant to get a V6, but when I found out that Honda made the engine that was put into the Red Line, I made the leap and bought it. Mileage is not bad, but could be better- but not as bad as I thought it might have been. I average about 23-26. Great looking leather, and lots of power and torque. Glad I got it, now I can tow!

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  Great Family SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By applspar - June 4 - 2:43 pm

  I looked at about every small and midsized SUV before buying the VUE. The combination of standard features, gas mileage, style and low cost sold me. We have had it for 8 months and are considering trading in our other car on a second VUE.

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  Surprised by this car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By jrm - May 31 - 11:36 am

  This is my wifes car and I was skeptical when we bought it but it has been the most trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned (better than Civic and F-150). Ours has the Opel/Saab 3.0 V6 and 5-speed slushbox. Havent driven the newer Honda-powered models but I doubt they have the flat torque curve of this German engine (Honda engines in my experince are gutless down low but have lots of power up high). The engine is silky smooth has a wide torque band from idle to redline so it feels stronger than its advertised 171hp. Shifts are crisp and suspension is taut for an SUV. We were hit hard in this car and it protected us well (should have totaled it based on what it ended up costing to fix