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:

• 

  Good Buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By pitt awd vue - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I drive between Pittsburgh and Cleveland for work. The VUE has made it possible for me to never have to worry about the weather. The AWD works great and the ABS is a must. I dont understand why ABS would be optional.

• 

  Outstanding Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Dana - January 31 - 11:16 am

  I am so happy with this car which is utilitarian, excellent quality, and affordable. It is the finest SUV that Ive ever owned and I recommend it to everyone! Get a Saturn.

• 

  Better than all the rest in its class! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By QueenBNYNJ - January 30 - 4:26 am

  After researching small suvs such as the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, and Ford Escape I finally decided on the 2008 Vue. The Vue offers much more for your money. Saturn did a great job on redesigning this model. Looks and drives like a luxury car. More bells and whistles. Saturn customer service is amazing. My experience was stress free. I would have never thought of Saturn before. No one can believe it is a Saturn. Check it out...great buy!

• 

  If you dont own one, you wouldnt know - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Charlie Brown - January 29 - 2:53 pm

  The Saturn VUE V6 is just wonderful. This is my 8th Saturn. Saturn Corp. builds the very best American cars. I have never had any problems with any I have had. The one before the VUE was a 1997 SL1 with over 200,000 miles, and never a problem, and never even burnt any oil. I would highly recommend Saturn to anyone.

• 

  Red Line Vue the Way to Go! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DJ888 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is very peppy. The Red Line styling is very sharp, with its 18" wheels, lower suspension and chrome tailpipe. Its fun to drive, and very roomy for a smaller SUV. Quite sporty for a Saturn.

• 

  Returned it to Dealer - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ryanrec - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Had the Vue for three weeks and returned to the dealer under their 30 day return policy. Service engine light and Security light came on at 500 miles. Seats seemed uncomfortable after driving it for a week. Only got 18 miles to the gallon. Fit and finish was poor for a $24K vehicle. Ended up getting a 2003 Accord EX V6. Much better quality.

• 

  Fun car to drive until 100,000 miles - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Amy - January 22 - 7:23 am

  I bought my Vue brand new 5 years ago. Fun to drive, easy to carry large cargo and to transport adults with limited mobility. Once the car hit 100,000 it fell apart. I have replaced the transmission at 100,000, accelerator sensor, catilytic converter and exhaust valve, coil pack with spark plugs. Within the past year I had to replace the ignition and when the car was under warranty a cylinder head was replaced. After $10,000 in repairs, I would not consider another Saturn.

• 

  Not good - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By scatter - January 18 - 4:03 pm

  A fast little SUV for the expressway. I bought this VUE for the Honda engine that does exactly what its supposed to do for power and economy. Thats where the fun ends with the Saturn. The VUE is definitely inferior to any import Ive owned for build quality . I am shocked at what a noisy rattle trap this VUE is. My VUE is becoming a regular at the service department for weird problems. Im surprised that GM is making a cheap rattle trap like this. I am sorry i didnt buy a "real" Honda. This car is a crackerbox. The road noise inside the car is disgusting at highway speeds.

• 

  view the vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By joshiea - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Great driving auto.You cant tell the driving lights from the headlights when on. I dont like the gas tank on the passenger side and it is also non locking, where the other saturns are. these are minor things other than that it is a great vehicle. I am glad I purchased it.

• 

  One of the best we ever had - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By brillbuild - January 15 - 2:23 pm

  Our 2005 Saturn Vue has been fun to drive for 4 years now. It is so comfortable and getting in the back seat is a breeze. Weve had no repairs and had to replace tires at 60,000. It has a little more noise than some but all the other nice thin gs far outweigh that. We hope we can drive this on as long as possible.