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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  have your cake and eat it too! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By chuckiethetruckie - January 14 - 2:00 am

  bought the vehicle last week and absoulutley love it! looks like it costs thousands more.. got it in black and feel like the terminator driving it :) it has a smooth, comfortable ride, lots of room, and gets great gas mileage...a total steal..with the rebate, gm loyalty bucks AND abitlity to use the gm card made this purchase a no brainer...the 4cyl 5sp has plenty of power to boot..i recommend this vehicle highly..great job saturn!

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  good for me - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By saltyc - January 13 - 9:40 pm

  I have a 03 Vue 5 speed manual and my Vue has been very dependable. It has been from Florida to Kentucky and back twice and all in between. The only problems I have had are the squeaky steering wheel, had the deal greese for $50.00, problem fixed. The entire rear end shakes when applying the brakes. Need to have all 4 done.

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  Save Gas With a Different Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Cindy - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  The 2007 Saturn Vue is the perfect SUV for the high price of gas these days. When I see everyone out there in their big SUVs I kind of chuckle as I know Im getting twice the gas mileage as they are. The Vue is a comfortable ride for the road and the pocket book. Love it!

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  Vue XR Love it. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - January 7 - 5:43 am

  Searched hard for something in this size category. After renting one for a week, I knew this was it. It is quiet! The car is tight and easy to drive, not floaty. The steering remains on center except for full throttle take offs. I find the seats comfortable even though the seat bottom is a little short. Great attention was paid to details, for instance the glove box is lined with a felt like material to keep things from sliding on plastic and be quieter. The gas door is sealed with a gasket. Wind noise is very low. The headlights even come on when the wipers come on.

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  2007 Saturn VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Charles Shotts - January 3 - 2:53 pm

  This vehicle is well built and provides a very nice ride. All the controls for accessories are conviently located for the driver. While I have only had this vehicle a few days. I am very impressed with the driveability, comfort of ride, and power of this vehicle.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Heather - January 2 - 1:23 am

  What a pile of junk. We traded in our Ford Escape for this and I wish we hadnt. This car has been into the service department 5 times for the stupid check engine light. We have paid them over $1000 dollars and the check engine light still stays on. The car will not accelerate and I was almost run down by a semi truck on I-25 due to this stupid problem. I will never buy a Saturn again!

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  I LOVE MY SATURN!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Kristyg327 - January 1 - 11:10 am

  This is my 1st car that I have bought on my own. I have had it over 3 yrs n not one problem. Monica was PERFECT at her job. I have replaced my tiers a cpl mths ago. Thats the only thing i have needed to do. I want to get a new one but I dont know if im ready to let go. :(

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  I LOVE IT! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Hiedi - December 29 - 10:56 pm

  I have been searching for a small (car- like) SUV for a long time and the Vue completely fits the bill! I like the dent-resistant exterior panels and the interior. So far, it is a blast to drive, the 3.5 V6 really moves! I wish that On-Star came standard and that the backend had more "cubby holes"; but it is a great vehicle and fits my family well. I dont feel like I am driving anything bigger than the car that I turned in (2001 Chevy Malibu). I paid less for it and got more features too. How cool is that?! I love the seats (leather/cloth mix) and how versitile it is while not being too big. The gas mileage is good, I do, however wish it had a bigger tank. I dont like getting gas!

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  08 VUE RL FWD - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By vandy0419 - December 29 - 8:26 am

  This car is amazing...forget what the magazines say! I even saw a magazine bashing it because the middle seat in the second row didnt have a headrest. The car is very roomy and quality interior. The exterior looks amazing and always gets heads turning due to the RL styling. Seats are so comfortable and great quality throughout. Wish the gas mileage was better, but it is good for what it is. I wish they would have put a different engine in the RL though. The new 3.6 with DI and different pistons would be top choice. This engine is an option on the Cadillac CTS with 304hp. The 6 speed transmission is purely amazing. The engine is very responsive and doesnt hesitate to hit the rev limiter.

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  A good choice - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By eman - December 28 - 4:33 am

  Ive only had my Vue for a few days so I cant write much. What i can say is that after owning a Honda, its refreshing to deal with people who actualy value your business. I researched almost every car in its class and decided on it because it comes with so many more standard convenience and safety features that anything else in its price range. Im a big guy and dont have a lot of luck finding cars to fit. The Vue could use a tad more leg room but overall its very comfortable for me and real nice to drive.