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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  2003 Sat Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bugg - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is an extremely affordable SUV which handles remarkably well in any kind of weather. We deal with a lot of snow here in Buffalo, so we needed a vehicle which would handle the snow. My husband insisted that we needed one 2 weeks before our daughter was born because he wanted us to be safe..

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  Leos vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Leo Sejnowski - March 29 - 10:00 am

  gas tank gauge not working at 12000 miles. no other problems.

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  Having problems with mine! - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Crystal - March 25 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this Vue last month and I am not happy with it at all. Within two weeks of getting it (brand new) the stabilitrak lights came on and needed to be serviced. They said it was a loose fuse. They supposedly fixed it. A week later it popped back on. Now they dont know what the problem is. I have to wait until it happens again and spend 2 more hours at the facility to get it fixed.The bluetooth is a pain. People are having problems hearing me and the clock disappears when Im on it. But whats even worse, is the cupholders! They are fixed in a way that they are so far down and blocked that you have to pull cups from the top and it spills your drinks. and two cups will not fit in there.

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  having fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By vaterjack - March 23 - 2:00 am

  purchased this vue because of the roomy front access esp for the driver. sits high without having to use a ladder to get in and out. the v-6 is more than powerful enough for any road situation yet still delivers the mpg.

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  Love my Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ENelsen - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a Saturn before, and I can tell you that NOW I think I always will. Starting with the dealership - knowlegable and easy to work with. They got me exactly what I wanted without any problems. They worked hard to do it. The car has great styling, and I happen to have the orange color. I get complements ALL the time on my car from tons of random people. I enjoy the V6 - great pick up, and I also enjoy the AWD! I got to test that out in a huge storm storm the other day. The gas mileage is not fantastic, but I didnt expect that from an SUV. Over all, I give my wonderful Saturn Vue a 9.99999, because nothing is perfect! :-)

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  2004 Saturn Vue Next Problem Come on Dwn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Philip Wardlow - March 21 - 2:36 am

  I bought my Saturn brand new with 16 miles on the odometer. After that is was all downhill, first the they had a recall on the back suspenstion, then the CD player didnt work right (even after servicing and replacing it with a new one, ignition module went bad, then oxygen sensor, then control coil on ignition module, then ignition module AGAIN, then motor on rear wiper, hazard light button fell into the dash board, the front struts, then right axle problem. Now guess what just happened this week the engine light came on. Then I starte losing acceleration a little. Ive done regular oil changes, air filter changs, fuel injector cleanings & maintenance. Its a piece of crap. Dont buy a VUE

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  Terrible Resale - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By TCW - March 20 - 7:00 am

  I bought the Saturn Vue after totaling my 2007 Altima (which I LOVED). I wish that I wouldve gotten something MUCH more stylish. It was decent on gas, but the road noise was too loud for me to even use my bluetooth headset to talk on the phone! I just got rid of it because I dont like the "soccer mom" look, and the resale value was AWFUL! I loved the service but need something MUCH cuter to drive.

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  Great car! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Molly - March 15 - 7:03 pm

  We bought this car new and have put a lot of miles on it already, and havent had to do anything to it other than change the oil. For an SUV it has good gas mileage, not 30 like they say but 27ish. The only complaints we have is the interior stains very easily, spill water and it stains. Also the seal on the passenger window went bad right away and leaks all over the seat. Other than that is has been excellent! Weve driven it across the country a couple of times and it is very reliable and comfy. Just needs new upholstery. Enjoy!

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  Love my Saturn - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Melissa - March 14 - 7:03 am

  I really have enjoyed my Saturn. Matter of fact, this is my third Saturn that I have purchased over the years. With this new Saturn, I do find it hard to be able to clean the seats well. For some reason they leave spots on the seats. I spilt water and there are still stains on there that I can not remove.

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  What a Vue! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Dan - March 13 - 1:16 am

  Bought this car for my wife because of the all wheel drive and she likes the way it looks. I agreed because of the Honda engine and transmission! Interior plastics seem OK, but there is a rattle from the back of the car that seems to be from the grocery organizer that is terribly annoying. There is some wind noise from the windshield above 45MPH, but you get used to it. The interior is quite roomy for how small the exterior looks. I thought the gas mileage would be a little better; we drive mostly 2 lanes and highway and we are struggling to see 20MPG.