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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  First New 2004 Vue Review! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Coots - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and fun to drive. We decided on this after 2 months of serious anal (Engineer) searching. We were looking for 1-2 year old used… Started with the Trailblazer but- too hard to get into and too pricey. The next was a Pathfinder but not that many to search from. We “stumbled” upon the Vue and after looking at a used one. We love this car’s performance, value and looks and are so glad to stay in the GM (Saturn) family.

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  LOVE THAT SATURN - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By PARKY - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Having driven various models from several manufacturers I settled on the SATURN. The bang for the buck is very good. 250 HP a five speed automatic that is really smooth and quiet. I think the seats could be abit larger but the overall comfort and fun to drive factors are very high. Everything worked right out of the box and the sales/service experience is terrific.

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  FUN - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Mony - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I need a SUV for work and drive all over the place. The VUE is fun to drive and hauls a lot of stuff. I too have gone fast and felt the steering wheel start to shake which is disconcerting. I find it very comfortable, although my teenage kids and husband dont. They dont have enough room and arent crazy about the ride. I am the owner and driver and I just love it!!! I think it should be made a little quieter and the steering doesnt have the tighest control. This is my third saturn, and Im sure not my last.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Dan from NH - December 22 - 10:06 pm

  Stunning vehicle. The orange looks like a copper penny in the right light. Very impressed with its size, features, fuel economy and price. Plus it drives better than my Alero. Very spirited driver. Too bad a lot of people forget about Saturn.

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  Not entirely sold - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By wisconsin - December 18 - 4:00 am

  This vehicle is fine in the summer months, good on gas, comfortable enough for trips I guess. But handling in the snow is terrible. There are some annoying incidentals on how its fashioned inside and I have had numerous issues with things like the wiper spray, door foam, etc. The people at the dealership are great, but the car just inst up to par. Get the AWD if you have any chance of driving in snow, that has got to be better!

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  Good Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rocketron - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a good car for the money. The v6 is definitly the way to go, great power, and very quiet. Ive been getting just over 20 mpg which is important with 2$/ gal gas.The interior size is great. Much better than competitors.

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  I Love My Saturn VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Ld0724 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We tried the Ford Escape and the brake lights would not go out after just 2 days. My Saturn Vue has been WONDERFUL. I cannot imagine having any other small SUV. The price was wonderful, the gas mileage is so much better than the Escape, and Saturn has been simply wonderful. I will be a Saturn owner for life. Sometimes it is the little options that are standard that make all the difference in the world. From the Grocery carrier, to the speakers. I love my VUE.

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  fun in a Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Robin - December 14 - 6:36 am

  driven 2000 mi the first trip and did everything we exspected / would like to let ppl know about this awesome SUV that has a honda v6 power plant that has alot of get up and go !!

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By chevydiver - December 11 - 3:33 am

  Has been the most trouble free vehicle I have ever owned. One year old never back to dealer. Does better on city and combined driving for mileage. Lots of upscale features, leather heated seats, OnStar, auxilary jack on radio, steering wheel controls. Fun to drive.

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  Vue is better than ratings - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Donna - December 10 - 11:06 pm

  I have driven several SUVs and I find for the money the Vue is right up there. It is said to have sloppy handling but I do not find that to be the case. It handled well on hills and turns even in extreme weather. The interior is more than comfortable for most. My husband is tall and he has plenty of room. Its height from the ground makes it easy for me to get in(I am short) but my husband does not feel like he is climbing out of it. Overall I would definitely buy this again.