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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  Engine with major pep - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By The Singer - October 20 - 4:00 pm

  Even though my wife and I love to drive the new 2006 V-6 with its 250 hp Honda engine, we have found that the comfort of the interior truly lacks creative design. I am 63 and i find nowhere to put my legs for real comfort on those long road trips. The floor is not flat but curves up so the foot cant rest in a normal plane. But overall, it is a great riding car.

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  My VUE Experience...so far - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By angelina7899 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 AWD V6 VUE in late January. I loved the way the car looked and drove up until May when my temperature gauge began to read erratically. I immediately returned to the dealership, disgruntled and dissatisfied that my brand new car with 3,000 miles on it was already having problems. No one seemed to care about that at the dealership I purchased my car from, making me vow never to purchase another Saturn again nor to have my current Saturn serviced there again. Since then, no other problems have arisen and I am overall very satisfied with my purchase

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  I love it! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jan Brooks-Long - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Its great! I love that Im a mom with a car that my daughter can get in and out of (shes 3)and I can transport alot of stuff, but I can still have my funky steering wheel cover, and my fabulous little SUV. The seats fold 40/60 style in the back & you can fit anything!

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  CR-VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Pumph - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Solidly built, reliable vehicle. Much more solid than the "tinny" CRV a co- worker drives. Easy to park and yet roomy inside.

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  Lots for the money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wagzab - October 16 - 10:00 am

  As usual the customer service at Saturn is exemplory. The car itself is a great value for the dollar, better than any other SUV we looked at. Really like the no dent body panels as we camp a lot.

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  could be better - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By shady95 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great little car, but slightly expensive when fully loaded considering the interior looks pretty cheesy compared to its competitors.little noisy,peppy 6cyl eng. great looking outside. they need to offer a sport package w/ larger tires/wheels,better dash and spare change and cup holders.Have heated leather seats that need better adjustments and should be electric for the price.

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  Saturn Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Baileucat - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After driving numerous other Saturns including the SL2 and L-Series, I fell in love with this one - the Vue.

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  a car that fits - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ibmee - October 16 - 10:00 am

  being that I am 6 3", 250+lbs, I was sold on the VUE as soon as I sat in it. I had sat in many oter makes and found them to be cramped.

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  my view of the vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Nanakat - October 16 - 10:00 am

  As a Saturn owner since 1992,the Saturn VUE was high on my list of SUVs to consider when I started shopping for one and I have not been disappointed. The VUE is comfortable, roomy enough for 5 adults and handles very well on country roads or highway.

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  Dont buy 2003-2005 VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By joaniep - October 12 - 3:15 am

  Dont buy 2002-05 Saturn Vue or Ion! VTI transmission failure expected by GM but no recall issued. I have a 2003 Vue with 67k miles that is now worth scrap metal because I cannot afford the $5500 rebuilt transmission. My car is only worth $6500. I never received written notification or was notified by the Saturn Dealership during routine maintenance. I cannot afford a new car payment; which is why I took care of my Vue - so I wouldnt have to. GM lost class action to replace these transmissions but filed for bankruptcy and received government (taxpayer) bailout before owners notified. Class action re-filed with "new" GM to compel to provide owners with relief.