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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  Wasnt sure about this purchase! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Granny - March 4 - 7:40 pm

  We were after the 07 closeouts. Couldnt find one in black - but there was an 08 on the showroom floor. Hubby liked it - I wasnt sure. This is a great little vehicle. Rides nice, handles well, is fun to drive and is very suitable for cost- effective driving to work every day. The style has really grown on me, too. There are other similar styles out there but these definitely outstyle the others. Kudos, Saturn - fine job. This is our first Saturn and we couldnt be happier with it. OnStar offers a comfort zone and the directions feature is great.

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  Saturn VUE V6 Amazing value - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By poliva - February 26 - 1:10 pm

  What drew me to Saturn originally and made me come back is the amazing quality and consistency of customer service. The few times I have had any issues, I have had them resolved quickly and cordially, and this is true regardless of dealership. This, combined with the terrific styling, size, power, fuel consumption and price of this vehicle make me a head-over- heels happy owner. The only thing that is slightly below-par is the quality of interior items. The fit and finish as the car reviewers would call it. There is a lot of lightweight plastic in the interior. Im sure the amount of plastic helps lower the price, and raise the fuel economy and performance (due to lighter weight).

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  The perfect ten - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By masterstan1 - February 20 - 2:56 am

  It handles really well, has a lot of room, and the performance is something to experience. I do a lot of highway driving and the gas mileage is great. For getting on main roads off of ramps it has a lot of get up and go.

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  THIS CAR IS OK - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By WENDY - February 16 - 4:43 am

  I traded in my saturn ion for this vue for myspace due to adoping a child, but feel that i less space than i did. It is very sluggish going up hills and i agree that for the weight of the vehicle i am not sure making a 4 cyl was a good idea.

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  Worst Vehicle Ever Owned - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By TL in Wichita - February 15 - 4:16 am

  The only good thing about this car is the looks. Performance is good when it works. From the beginning, this vehicle has been in the shop for numerous maintenance issues from suspension, to leaking antifreeze, and many other problems. This car is so poorly built that as soon as it was paid off, I took it the following day and dumped it. Maintenance costs are very high. Was quoted $400.00 to replace a faulty thermostat because much of the engine would have be be broken down to get to it. Same with changing the spark plugs. I will never purchase another Saturn again. To think I traded a low mileage Camry for this piece of junk! I guess we all make foolish mistakes. I now own a Toyota again!!!

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  It is GOOD. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Michael Yeoman - February 13 - 4:56 am

  I bought my Saturn VUE New in 04/2003 fortunately I got a stickshift 5-Speed. Had to put new brake shoes on at 115,000 miles, today I am going to the dealer and get a quote for rattle in front end (Been doing it for 2 yrs. Bushings) and a whining noise (probably wheel bearings) the steering wheel squeaked really bad 2 or 3 yrs. ago and Saturn Dealer fixed it = now it comes and goes with the weather & same with front end squeaks (I have lived in Leesville, LA. for 5 1/2 yrs now. Overall I got a Good Deal:) KEEPER oh, yeah did get the recall done on rear control arms or whatever they r.

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  Comfortable ride - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Patrick Catena - February 9 - 3:26 pm

  I am very comfortable driving and riding in the VUE. It handles very well. I like the amount of room you have. The 6 cyclinder has excellent power. I like the body style and the design. It catches your eye,

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  A Fine SUV - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Steve Walker - February 8 - 2:00 am

  A great suv for a small family. I live in northern Maine and the vehicle has worked flawlessly. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a compact suv with real world usefullness. I owned a 01 RAV4 prior to the VUE. The VUE is alot more usefull and alot tougher suv than the RAV every was!!

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  A unique "AMERICAN" compact SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Richie "C" - February 6 - 3:10 pm

  This is my 5th Saturn, and my 2nd Saturn Vue in the last 5 years. I have found the dealership and the Saturn Company to be a most pleasant experience when it came to buying another Saturn! I purchased the 2005 Saturn Vue Red Line (with 250 horsepower and 2 wheel drive)and not only does this SUV handle real well, but the power is remarkable! I honestly feel that the news media and the magazine editors have done the Saturn Corp. a real disservice in the last few years. My Saturns have been very reliable and the dealer service has been excellent! The folks at the Saturn Plant in Tenn. have worked very hard to produce the best vehicle that they can and they seem to care.I Love my Saturn! I have told many friends about Saturn and after test driving one have bought a Saturn!

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  a great car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bob47 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  i am amazed at how great this car is, no problems at all. go to the dealer for oil changes and tire rotations only.