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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  Fairly good vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By johnkentucky - April 28 - 2:00 am

  So far after 1 year, I have had no major problems. I do feel that the vehicle has high road noise level. I feel that it should get much better gas mileage for a 4 cyl. I average about 20/gal. I have a 6cyl pickup that gets that. It is a fairly comfortable and roomy little SUV. It does very well in the snow, even on the hills in the area I live. I had trouble with the gas gauge, for awhile, but it has seemed to fix itself, I figured it was a "float" or something in the tank. Oil changes are easy for the do it yourselfer.

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  most SUV for the money - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By goose6776 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  We test drove Liberty, Exterra, CRV, and Escape/Tribute. VUE was by far the best. Most powerful engine, better gas mileage (getting 21-26mpg), most cargo room, most comfortable back seat, and comfortable drive. (No experience of road noise or steering problems these experts whine about) I am 63" and have no problem sitting in back seat. Dealer incentives were the nail in the coffin. Would put the VUE in the same class as Highlander or Murano, but 5-10k less expensive. We just flipped 3000 miles and still loving it.

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  Active Expression VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VTchemist - April 19 - 7:53 pm

  Only trouble has been front CV joints. Have replaced both: one at 75K miles and the other at 85K miles. Love the plastic body; very forgiving in parking lots. Highest mpg is 27 on interstate. In-town runs around 21-22 mpg. Glad I bought my VUE.

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  Great Mieage with soft foot - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By IlliniJoe - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  Traded in 2006 Tiburon for more space. I was hesitant because I was getting 30 mpg with the Tiburon. I only have 400 miles on the VUE so after it breaks in I am sure I will get at least 1 mpg better. So far I drove 102 highway miles filled up with 3.3 gallons and got 30.7 mpg. Then I drove 59.5 city miles filled up with 2.02 gallons for 29.5 mpg and finally 82.2 mostly highway miles filled up with 2.7 gallons for 30.4 mpg. Granted I havent gone faster than 65 mph but usually dont. I think the main factor for the mileage is resisting the temptation of accelerating hard. Nice and gradual and it pays off! So far I really enjoy the VUE.

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  Works for Me! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By ShellJay1 - April 13 - 7:23 am

  This vehicle is great. Handles really well once you get used to the electric power steering, very unique! Looks great with the chrome package and rails. OnStar free for 1 year. Excellent!

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  Good SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jean Lee-Jackson - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Very good auto, no problems to date, good dealer support

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  piece of junk - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By angryenuff - April 7 - 3:49 am

  i bought my saturn at a buy here pay here place.it looked like a great car and it seemed like a great car till 6 months after i bought it and the tranny went out in the 100,000 mile marker.now im being told it s my problem.so i was so irate that they had to of known and i dont have the money to repair it .i told them to shove that car were the sun doesnt shine.oh well there goes my credit.dont buy this car unless you have a lot of extra money to waist on repairs.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mie4evEr1 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I cant say those so much wrong with this vehicle. The biggest problem id have to say it that its a very jumpy car. I cant explain this very well but when i put it in Park (P) the car jumps backa dn forth and this isnt very good if your in a tight parking spot.. it can cause u to hit the car infront or in back of you. The interior is a little too much plastic, but I guess that what you get for the price your paying.

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  No problems with our VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By no problems here - April 2 - 10:10 pm

  Purchased new in 5-04. Purchased the 5-spd for the great gas mileage. Perhaps I just picked a good one, but we havent really had any problems. I did have a solenoid go out in the first 10k, but everythings been great since then. Its an inexpensive car, not a BMW, and for the price its been great. I purchased the seat cleaning option since I have young kids. My car looks new inside and out at 42k and runs great, too!

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  I like it! Mostly.... - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By dwane - March 29 - 8:40 pm

  I love the looks and amenities of my Vue. This is my second Saturn, my first was a 2007 Vue Hybrid. But the AWD has 600 extra pounds and 70 more horsepower. It will make a big difference winters. The ride is very assuring, plenty of power for passing and hills. The interior is very classy. And I really like the curves of the body shape. My one reservation is the seating. I am a large guy, and the seats are uncomfortable after just a few minutes. The seat hinge and the hanger that the seat cushion support hangs off of cause a degee of discomfort. Perhaps as everything wears in that will abate. But the seat depth is to short, I could use another inch or two.