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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  Consider the VUE. - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By ITTech - November 18 - 11:53 am

  Wow, I never thought that Id seriously consider a Vue but here I am and I love it. The Honda V6 is great and actually matches the gas mileage rating of my old car (00 Pontiac Grand Am GT). Plenty of space for my job-related activities and for fun. The interior look, with the wood- grained panels, and clean finish makes the Vue look more expensive than it really is. Add on the GM [powertrain warranty, OnStar, and other incentives for all 07 models and this is a cant miss buy. Check it out before you give up on GM!

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  2004 Vue - Transmission Problem??? - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By nocal826 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a 6 cyl FWD04 Vue from Saturn of Sunrise.If the Vue performs like the sales reps,then we hit a grandslam,we LOVE the Vue with one exception...the 5-sp auto trans hesitates when it is about to change gears,it seems as if it is not sure what gear it wants to be in.Weve brought it back to service.They have test driven it/hooked it up to the computer. They say everything seems normal.However,it is starting to bother us.After driving the Vue for another week we called the dealer and asked if they would drive our Vue for a few days tofeelthe problem.Saturn has been eager to assist.Has anyone else had this type of problem?

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  On thing after another - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Didier - November 11 - 12:33 pm

  I bought this Saturn Vue new and 6 months later I lost the transmision driving on the highway then it went downhill from there, little things one after another. Poor quality on the dash instrumentation, broke the hazzard light button twice, handle for the hood release broken twice. Issue with fuel guage malfunctioning seems to have been an issue with several GM models in southern Ontario. Heated seat not working anymore on drivers side. A few lights on the dash not working anymore. Was not impressed to learn that new tires where only available at the dealership only and they are quite pricey. Headlight bulb gone out had to go to dealer to have it replaced because I did not have in hand the GM screwdriver

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  Disappointed owner - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By AlisonSLP - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had alot of mechanical problems, which I should not have for a two year old vehicle. It does handle very well and manuvers easily. It also does well in various weather conditions. The children can not see out of the back windows, even in booster seats. Overall I am very disappointed in the quality of this vehicle.

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  I will never go back to a car again - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By jen - November 6 - 7:43 pm

  Back in July I was looking for a new car. But instead I went with an SUV. I have never experienced the service that I received from this Saturn dealership. Very professional and kind. No pressure what so ever. I love the SUV. I love the style and comfort. I love the gas mileage. I get almost 300 mile for a full tank of gas.

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  Saturn Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By t - November 5 - 8:46 am

  We went from a Ford Explorer to the Vue. It is a little smaller, but the wife and I both like it. It has plenty of power. We got one that is pretty loaded and the options that came with the vehicle are nice. It is fun to drive and the new bodystyle is sharp, plus it was thousands less than other comparable brands.

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  Best mini SUV period - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By missy - October 30 - 3:46 am

  I originally test drove cars then started with the small SUV. I drove Ford Escape, Chevy Equinox and Jeep Liberty. As soon as I drove the VUE I looked no further. The ride was the smoothest, I loved the interior and it will pass a car without any problem ( I have the v6). Love the built in cargo carrier on back as well as the radio controls on steering wheel. This SUV is 10 out of 10!

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  A Review of the 2005 Saturn VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Clay Welsh - October 28 - 11:20 pm

  I took over the lease on this vehicle when it had 13000 miles on it. Ive had it for 22 months and it has been an excellent vehicle. The only problem Ive ever had was the warranty replacement of a system sensor. Otherwise its been trouble free and excellent transportation. I intend to purchase it in 4 months at the end of the lease. A great little car.

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  Cvt transmission - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By eladiac - October 27 - 9:03 am

  Transmission went out, can not be fixed, entire new transmission, run away from any saturn vue cvt transmission. Car looks great interior and exterioir, but what good does it do if $5000 to replace transmission. Ill be junking it.major disappointment.

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  Saturn Dragonfly - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By vseaton - October 23 - 9:20 pm

  Vehicle is what I always wanted. Gas mileage not really as indicated by sticker. Around 280-300 miles to the 14.5 gal. tankfull. Overall, handling is very good. Heated seats are the bomb for those who have lower back problems as well as the electronic drivers seat.