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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  Awesome Saturn - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By cookeja24 - May 13 - 10:56 am

  This is the second Saturn VUE Ive owned and they are truly the best midsize SUV on the road. I can tow a 12ft utility trailer with ease and still have the ride of a luxury vehicle. They get great gas mileage and the 3.5L V-6 has more power than I know what to do with. I cant wait to see the redesigned 08 VUE that will be out this fall. I also see that GM has a 2-mode Hybrid VUE that will role out in 08 that keeps the V-6 power plant and is combined with two electric motors and gets 45% better gas mileage. I cant wait, I would by one tomorrow! GM rules!

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  Best I ever bought! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Linnea - May 13 - 7:20 am

  I went from a Dodge Caravan to a Saturn SL in 2000, thought Id died and gone to heaven! When that lease was up, I needed something larger for my family so I invested in the VUE. It may not have the best mileage (it is a mini-SUV you know)but its Way better than the Caravan I had and I havent had a single problem with it since I bought it in 2004! I really didnt think I would like an automatic transmission but it drives almost like a 5 speed and gets me everywhere I need to go at economy prices. Dont change your product Saturn, we have a winner here.

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  I Love this Vehicle! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By leisa - May 12 - 12:13 am

  A terrific little SUV. Make sure you give it a look when considering small SUVs, I think youll be surprised! I swore Id never drive another truck, but this one changed my mind. The comfort may be better for other folks, I have MS, and nothings really that comfortable to me.

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  Drive Every VUE that you can - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jonj - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my VUE about 3 months ago and have had problems with it ever since. My sister also has the VUE and never has had a problem. They replaced my steering shaft, my leather, turning links, you name it. I really like my car but cant seem to stay out of the dealership. My car does not ride or feel like any other VUE that I have been in. Drive more than one before you purchase this automobile.

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  05 VUE AWD V6 - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Bill - May 7 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this car new in June 2005 when I traded in my Nissan Maxima. The Vue is no Maxima. It has great power, reasonable fuel economy, looks great and has more room than the other vehicles in its class (Santa Fe, Xterra, CRV) The only issue Ive had has been with wheel bearing/strut assemblies, they covered it under warranty but I had to fight like hell to have it covered. Im at 83k now and it is still fun to drive. Id like to go for something larger but who can afford it let alone the fuel. I can get about 600kms on a tank of regular going about 97km/hr on the highway, big difference in fuel if you drive 120k/hr. You gotta take the V6 out for a drive if your looking at this segment

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  Best Built GM Vehicle to date! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Maria - May 7 - 3:43 am

  I visited my local Saturn dealership to test drive the new 2008 Saturn Vue and was simply amazed! The build quality was right up there with Lexus! This Saturn is modern, stylish and a joy to drive...it is amazingly quiet! I traded in my 2004 Buick Rendevous and drove home in a Polar White Saturn XR FWD V-6 with gray leather interior. This vehicle is absolutely gorgeous!

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  Saturn Vue - Customer Service - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By tlf713 - May 6 - 4:13 pm

  Gets great gas mileage. Customer service not so great. Car seems to have design flaws that no one wants to admit to. Had to take it in 5 times to get the door handles fixed. Inside door weather stripping kept coming off, they ordered and replaced wrong parts and damaged other part in the process. Had to take back 2 more times for that fix. Now the sunroof is leaking, they say theres not a problem, but Ive had several GM cars before and the sunroof never leaked from the drainage tubes. Will be glad when my lease is up, grateful I did not purchase.

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  Serious design flaw - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Bentley - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, BUT the engineering department needs to come up with a fix - and fast for me- to the REALLY aggravating noises coming from the front struts. I have had the dealer "repair" them three times and, in the last instance, we had someone from Tenn. come up to look at the car. This is NOT an isolated problem, they have reported numerous cases of this noise. The "fix" entailed packing the "dry" strut housing with marine grease until the engineering department can come up with a permanent fix. I called Saturn USA and got the hear no evil....... Its a shame because other than that the car has performed flawlessly in the 9,000 miles I have put on in three months.

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  Saturn VUE awd 3.5 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By R. Miller - April 30 - 12:26 pm

  I have owned a Saturn Redline AWD VUE for a year now and have had nothing but great dependabilty and driving pleasure from it. My average gas mileage is between 26-28 mpg. Handles real well for a SUV. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  New Saturn buyer - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By linda - April 28 - 3:36 am

  We have been looking at many midsize SUVs. Once we looked at and drove the VUE we just loved it. My husband has been a truck owner for years but decided to go SUV because of the price of trucks lately, and the mileage of trucks is pretty low. This SUV is so easy to get into and very comfortable. With the chrome it is very classy looking. This SUV is a best kept secret. We get second looks a lot going down the road.