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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My first SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Gary - October 5 - 12:46 amI researched and looked at smaller SUVs for several months. Considered the Hundai Tucson, Honda CRV, and the RAV4, but really liked the VUE best. The new styling of the 2006 model was a major improvement. I particularly like the way the V-6 drives and handles, lots of pep. The Honda built engine is very smooth and quiet. Dealer could not locate exactly what I wanted (side air bags for one thing) so I placed a factory order. The neat thing was the fact that the dealer could merely modify one of his existing inventory orders and I got my new Vue in 2 weeks! Five weeks and 900 miles later, I have not found a flaw or defect yet. Not a squeak or rattle. I love it!
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Excellent - 2007 Saturn VUE
By nmlobo - October 3 - 6:10 pmNearly two years and I still love this SUV. It averages 20MPG in all city driving and 25-27MPG highway. During one recent trip it delivered an amazing 32MPG on one leg
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Not a Bad SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
By clarkerik - October 3 - 3:16 pmLike the car, looked at CR-V, RAV4 and settled on this for powerplant and body panels. Bridgestone tires are horrible in snow and even rain. Loud wind noise on opposite windows in any type of crosswind. Rear seats recline "almost" as much as coach airline seats. AWD is very slow to engage when front wheels spin. <20mpg in city driving. No problems in 15K miles other than to replace tires with all season.
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Very happy owner - 2007 Saturn VUE
By Tom - October 2 - 6:33 pmI am 64" and need the fuel economy of a compact but cant get a comfortable fit in one. SUVs fit me better but typically the initial cost of ownership and fuel economy scares me away. Hello Saturn Vue. I was able to get the 5 speed, 4cyl option for 30ish mpg. The cab is roomy even for me. Power is just what youd expect from a 4cyl but acceptable. The ride is comfortable and the handling is very responsive. The electronic power steering does take a little getting used to. I am very pleased with this vehicle and would buy again tomorrow.
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Saturn USA? - 2003 Saturn VUE
By johnyg - October 2 - 2:00 amI had a`95 SL1,it was great, Bought VUE took advantage of the 0.0% for 5 yrs, Than whoa!! they started offering "down payment assistance",What happened with price gaurantee,they said its the manufacture that can change the price dealers wont.Than it comes with a new power train for the V6 its a Honda,they conceeded that japanese engineering is better. Still like my FWD V6 VUE, thought it had the best style and efficiency until the new one came out. Hind-sight is 20/20.....I should have bought a used Japanese SUV! Its also loud. I put alot of faith in GM hoping they wouldnt exploit the Saturn Name, but little by little theyre chipping it away.
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The fun SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Red Line - September 30 - 1:46 amThis SUV is destined to be one of the best in its class. It wont let you down in its agile handling (Red Line) in proportion to the power under its hood (6 Cyl AWD). It has the power of the a RAV 4 with the reliabilty of a CRV.
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Good bang for your buck - 2007 Saturn VUE
By Vue Dude - September 27 - 11:56 pmI never in my wildest dreams thought of driving a Saturn. Then I took my last test drive of the 8 SUVs that I was looking at and fell in love with the power and smoothness of the V6. This SUV looks great in black and the interior is basic, but looks pretty good. The upgraded stereo has a good sound and the controls are simple and easy to use. It handles great in the snow and has enough power to get me up some steep hills while doing so. The dent resistant panels have also saved me some parking lot dings and dents living in an area with strip malls and shopping centers galore. Im sad to see Saturn go and that is a concern for me whether I keep my car long term.
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Vue 2002 - 2002 Saturn VUE
By Tyger - September 27 - 2:00 amMy VUE has been in the shop for warranty work 9 times in a year and a half. The SES light comes on every two months for, miraculously, never quite the same thing twice so I could not declare it a lemon. And now with less then 2 years, the paint is chipping. Plus, the dealer will not support a loaner car on my brand new SUV.
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VUE review - 2004 Saturn VUE
By MichEE - September 24 - 5:56 pmNice thought to lure with the Honda engine and tranny. Too bad the rest of the vehicle is so poorly constructed. Issues with front end suspension components, rear end drive components and electronic interface (BCM and ECM). It is too small for 4 people and luggage. Small for a +6ft driver. The 250HP V-6 is really peppy but at 40,000 miles and +20 trips to the dealer under waranty this vehicle is history!
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I Love my Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Mary Beth - September 22 - 9:50 pmI love my new Saturn VUE, its sporty but yet big enough to carry people or things around in, I went from my 2000 Mustang to my Saturn VUE and right now Im loving all the space. Before buying my VUE I also looked at the Honda CR-V which is suppose to be like the same but its not its smaller and lower to the ground than the VUE. To be a little 4-Cylinder it has good pick up and is extremely smooth and bumpy free. I will contiue to deal with Saturn in the future.
