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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  08 Saturn Vue Red Line 3.6 FWD - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - December 8 - 1:16 pm

  Ive been researching replacement vehilces for my 01 Ford Escape for ~1- year, on-off. When the Saturn Vue came out a few months back I took a first test-drive in an XE 3.5 AWD. It felt good and was adquately powered, but wanted to test-drive the XR, but didnt get a chance to. Waited until the Red Lines started showing-up and decided this was the one for me. Put down a little more to reduce the monthly- payment. Mines Polar White, with the Ebony interior. Looks good, feels good to sit-in, and best of all its a hoot to drive so far. The 6-speed transmission is silky-smooth, with a quiet V6 engine, and just enough rumble coming from the chromed tail-pipe tips, sounds great too.

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  Another great car from SATURN - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jim_VUE_me - December 8 - 2:00 am

  As a proud owner of a 1995 SC2 I decided to purchase the VUE for my wife and children. This SUV rocks! No it isnt a Lexus or Mercedes but if you want an SUV that will last and preform for 10 years, then I suggest you join the "Saturn Family". Have always had excellent experiences with Saturn, and will probably be a lifetime customer. The AWD V6 has plenty and I do mean PLENTY of horsepower 0 - 60 times are incredible and the SUV is solidly built and not nearly as noisy as the car reviewers say.

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  vVery happy with this purchase - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jukir - December 7 - 3:43 pm

  Our familly was growing, and we needed a larger car. We purchased the Saturn in June of 2002, and it is now May of 2007. I have never had it in the shop except for oil changes and tire changes of course. I still get about 28 mpg. There is plenty of room for three children and a large dog The trunk offers a grocery storage area. There are plenty of cup holders as well as leg room. The only change that I would make would be the comfort of the seats, as it seems to lack lumbar support.

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  Mine has been a "Good One" - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Karen - December 3 - 4:43 pm

  When I first purchased the Vue, I was driving over 100 miles a day to and from work. I wanted something cheap and dependable. That was 6 years and over 100k miles ago. Besides the normal oil changes, tires, brakes and other normal maintenance, I have had to spend nothing for repairs. Its been a very good car and I hope it continues to be.

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  Outstanding - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lowell - November 27 - 5:00 am

  We bought this Vue used w/12,000 miles on ot. It was an executives car. Its made three trips to the southeast from Iowa and never a single problem. We did replace the mud tires with street tires in 06. Being retired we average about 8,000 per year So far we havent spent a dime on repairs outside normal maintenance. I used Mobil 1 oil and filter exclusively and put a K&N air filter on it. Oil changes once per year. Never burns a drop of oil. My only complaint is that it is noisy inside but weve learned to live with it.

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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Steve K. - November 26 - 3:00 am

  Overall, my experience with my new Vue is very positive. Although, I very seldom make a major purchase on impulse, this car was an exception. As soon as I saw it on the lot, I knew I had to have it. Over the last year or two, whenever a saw one of GM’s foreign competitors’ crossover vehicles, I would think if GM (I’m a GM retiree) would make something like that I would buy it.

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  05 FWD V6 Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By BillC - November 25 - 9:06 am

  This vehicle is one of the best kept secrets. Yes, the seats arent plush but are comfortable. The interior isnt fancy but it works. The steering is a bit light at first but east to get used to. The V-6 is very quick and the trans is very smooth. Solid yet comfortable ride. Flawless thus far

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  Love to VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Janne - November 24 - 5:00 pm

  My third Saturn and this is the best! Love the "feel" and quiet comfort. Drives like a dream.

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  nice car and excellent ride - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By mmo - November 21 - 10:00 am

  purchased car june 2002, excellent ride. great pulling capacity, some road noise but for price of car nice ride. extremely reliable, no needed service other than oil change. very easy to do oil change at home total cost about $13.00. Have 5 sp vue as well.

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  Love it - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Jrojones - November 18 - 7:13 am

  Ive only had my Vue a little over a month now, but I think it is great! Traded in my gas chugging Dodge Durango and am really happy with the change!