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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  Proceed with Caution - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Buddha - November 14 - 11:46 pm

  Our relationship started out great and we always enjoyed driving the VUE. Went downhill as soon as we hit the 14,000 mark. First had a window motor needing to be replaced, then a strut mount needed to be replaced. The tech put the assembly to gether wrong and it made a load noise on every bump. After another two visits they found the spring was not seated in the assembly proper. After the 4 visit we still have a sound coming from one side of the front end.

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  Love this vehicle! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jason - November 13 - 11:13 pm

  For the first 2.5 years of ownership, I drove 49 miles one way to work (mostly highway). I average right around 24 mpg which I find pretty good for an SUV. Folding the front seat I was able to get 10 2X6s in and close the gate (had rest the end of the 2X6 on the dash - but still). Im constantly amazed at how much Im able to cram into this thing. After a baby shower I was looking at all the large gifts and planning my 2nd trip - but it all fit (with room for me and a passenger). In just over 3 years I have 95k miles on it and no mechanical problems (Im even on the original brakes!)

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  great suv finally hits the market - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By william mardavich - November 12 - 6:40 am

  This car has been a great eye opener- alot of people stop and ask me if I like it. I tell them its great-fun to drive easy to drive and has great pickup and speed-Its not afraid to move out when I hit the gas.

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  Love this car! - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Jenny - November 5 - 8:06 am

  We bought our 05 Vue new four years ago and when it came time for a new car we wanted nothing else. Our old one had zero problems with it and had 78k on the odometer. We brought our new 09 Vue home and just love it. We couldnt be happier. The build quality is dramatically better as is the comfort and interior trims. The old one was good, but this one is great. This is our third purchase from a Saturn dealer and the buying experience is always easy and hassle-free. Saturns have many nice options are included in the package price of the car. We dont have to add on much at all if anything. Will definitely purchase a Saturn again and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to buy a new SUV

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  What A Difference from 2003 - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Skullbash - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 VUE for the new 2004, and am amazed at the changes made in a single model year. Its like a whole new vehicle. The car really likes to go! The ride is quieter with better road feel, though the car seems a tiny bit more reluctant to turn (tighter steering).

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  Never Again - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Used to love saturn - November 1 - 5:13 pm

  I bought at about 30,000 miles in 2006. Since then, have had to replace 2 wheel bearings- soon to be 3, the whole front axel, sensors, the ac sensor and $1500 in other parts, etc. Total of costs I have had to put into it are half of what I paid for car! Now I understand why Saturn cars are no longer being made!!! PS. I had problems with areas of car that were on warranty. I had car into dealer 3 times before warranty up cause I had problems...they waited unti warranty up to actually figure out what was wrong and wouldnt cover under warranty..Said it wasnt there warranty to make the choice.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By ynot - October 18 - 1:26 pm

  Ive owned this SUV for 15 months. The power and performance is awesome. For what you get for the price, it cant be beat.

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  Watch out for the CVT - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By ExSatrunLvr - October 17 - 9:30 am

  The outside build quality alone is shoddy. Just try pushing on any of the outside body cladding to see what I mean. The CVT transmission has gotten louder and louder as the mileage has gone up. The official response from Saturn is that this is normal operational noise but it didnt sound that way when I bought it. The hood cable has stretched 3 times now. The last time they told me it was fine was right before my warranty went up and now guess what. I cant open my hood. The general attitude from service seemed like I must be doing something to break it. Ive opened a lot of hoods on many cars and never had a problem with the cable not handling it.

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  No More Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sour Saturn Owner - October 13 - 11:50 pm

  This is my second Saturn and the last. The car has been nothing but funky off the wall problems since it was six months old. Fortunately I followed my gut instinct and bought extended warranty that will be up in two months just in time to unload the Vue for my new 09 Honda. Saturn started out with a good product that has went horribly wrong and for the record I will not buy American made vehicle ever again.

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  Definitely Worth A Look - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Richard - October 13 - 3:53 pm

  We purchased this SUV because our SW2 wagon was just too small for the family vacation. This is our 3rd Saturn and we love it. I appreciate the good gas mileage for its size (30+ on the highway - 28.5 overall, so far). The ride is good and quiet. Handilng is fine. Ive had a chance to drive in the snow now and Im happy with that, too. Overall, this vehicle is a good investment. I would recommend one to anyone. Ive had great luck with all my Saturns!