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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  Love My Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By GHStaples - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought Saturn Vue 3 months ago as winter 2d car to my Mercedes SL500 convertible. The Vue is fun to drive, safe, economical on gas, nice youthful appearance,and plenty of room. Pleasant back-up vehicle for bad weather and everyday hard chores. Four cylinder AWD has more pick up than traditional Saturns I test drove. Glad I bought it.

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  Best Ever!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mnorad2002 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The salesman are top notch,, by far the best buying experience Ive ever had. They are the leaders in the industry. Hihgly recomend you give them a try.

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  Excellent Car. Saved my life. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By rjf - May 23 - 3:20 am

  Enjoyed driving. Solid ride. Was just involved in accident where a Dodge Ram truck slammed into the rear of my Vue. I was stopped at a light, they estimate he was driving 50+mph. My husband and I walked away from that accident without a single scratch. Unfortunately, my Saturn was totalled. Heck, the Dodge Ram Truck that hit me actually looked worse, and Im quite sure it was totalled also. Going tomorrow to buy my new Saturn Vue!

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  Love this car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By MuzMan - May 22 - 12:26 pm

  This is the first Saturn I have owned and I dont know why waited so long. The car drives very smoothly and handles extremely well. The 250hp motor is more than enough for most people. The only negitive I have is the cargo area could be a couple inches wider and then it would except my golf clubs better. I drive the car normaly, that is I dont excellerate hard and keep a steady speed. The around town average is 20mpg. Thats not bad for a 250 hp V6. I love this car.

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  Unsure - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By zap strap - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the VUE for just over a year now. The front end squeeks and rattles over bumps,dealership replaced the front struts noise still there. Vue is going in again next week (for the 3rd time for same problem) Squeek in the rear when going over bumps, Rattle and vibration from front end over bumbs, Squeek in steering column when turning. Should be fixed next week as well (again)

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  If you like sitting in the waiting area. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By T.C. - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I"ve had my VUE less than a year and have taken it in for the "Service Engine Soon" sensor light 5 times. The 1st three times it was the emissions, the 4th time was the coolant, the 5th time was only one day after the 4th time. They still can not figure out what is wrong and I have to take it back for a 6th time. The gas mileage is not the greatest. The AWD has kicked in unexpectedly when it didnt need to. I cant wait to get rid of this lemon.

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  2006 VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Jerry Logreco - May 19 - 4:20 am

  This was my first SUV experience. I also own a Saturn L200 and was so impressed with that vehicle I wanted to try the SUV. The vehicle is an excellent SUV. Drives great and provides enough space to transport fairly large objects. I drove from Oct 06 till now and put 31,000 miles on it with virtually no issues. I just traded it in for a 2007 VUE.

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  Saturn Vue 2003 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Tigris5959 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very roomy, comfortable, its features are easily accessible. The sound system is very good and there is plenty of room for purchases. The luggage rack that folds out is an innovative idea, too. The ride is smooth and it gets decent gas mileage. Ive only owned it for a short time so I am unable to give any information regarding wear/repairs.

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  my second saturn. more to come - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By classical - May 17 - 10:00 am

  squeek in upper bushings with only 6000 miles. replaced without issues due to excellent customer service. thats what keeps me coming back.

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  So far, so good! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Matt - May 16 - 10:00 am

  After trying to talk each other into other Saturn models we compromised on the VUE. So far, so good! The ride is comfortable and quiet for the most part. Fit and finish is very good despite reviews from various auto magazines in the past. We chose our VUE in Polar White, and believe me when I tell you that this is the color to chose down here in sunny South Texas. We had wind noise while driving home on the interstate. We came to the concluson that it was due to the angle the wind was buffeting us, since the noise came and went. Well have the retailer look at it soon.