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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  powerful - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By darryl campbell - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a vue red line v-6 250 horse i love the power of this SUV I real was going to buy a car monta carlo supercharge the vue redline has more horse power and cheaper so far good suv but i dont like the full time day time lights. u should be able to turn them off also both seats should be power

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  2004 VUE AWD V6 - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bucko - September 22 - 10:00 am

  We do a lot of serious off-roading. We took our new VUE out to some dry washes and on some mild loose dirt roads in the mountains where we drive our Jeep Wrangler and atvs. The VUE performed well. While no serious four- wheeler, the AWD performed flawlessly and as long as you watch the ground clearance, this vehecle will take you to some places you wouldnt think possible. I wouldnt take it into running water or mud, but for hard packed sand, and dirt roads, steep or not, the VUE really surprized us.

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  Second VUE in 3 months - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Vermont - September 22 - 9:23 am

  Over-all we love the Vue, but have just had a wheel bearing failure on the newest Vue after only 12K miles. A coworker has a 2006 Vue and has had to replace the left front wheel bearing twice. Symptoms appear as road noise that you think is tire noise on pavement as they wear. I knew I had a problem when I went form pavement to a dirt road the pitch of the noise never changed. Dealer has confirmed its a bad bearing. A dissapointing run of bearing failures that appears to be ongoing into the 2007 model year.

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  Saturn Vue XR built in Mexico - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By saturncrap - September 21 - 5:54 pm

  I own a 2008 saturn vue xr...with 70000 km on it.. what i have replaced. Battery on the first week I had it..and it goes on. Brake Booster/ total braking system with pedals Igniton switch/wiper motors /sway bar links. Now leaking transmission/and moisture inside the windows in the winter This was an expensive purchase ..hoping to keep this vehicle for a few more years.. $ 35,000.00 purchase.

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  Bummer - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By JR - September 18 - 8:36 am

  Weve had many Saturns in our family, including another VUE, so we were disappointed when our 2008 started to show its cheapness. The lumbar control, visor, mirror have all fallen off. The seal for the windshield keeps coming out. If this is whats happening now at 19,000 miles, I;m nervous what will happen soon. We are looking for else. Its been a big bummer after having so many good Saturns.

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  Consider VUE on your list as number 1 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Tazulica - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Just parked a V6 Vue last night in the driveway. Great dealership experience. What you see is what you get! Salesman drove almost 100 miles to 2 different other dealerships to bring us the silver V6 that we wanted . He delivered the car to my home with a full gas tank. Try this in a Japanese dealership...Other two options were Honda CRV and Xterra. Honda - too pricey for a 4 cylinder/160 hp car; Nissan - pricey, poor built, bad design on the rear seats if you want to fold them down. VUE have a kick-a$$ V6/181 hp with plenty of power, designed in Germany by Opel/GM. 5 Speed auto is smooth. Car drives like a sedan. Plenty of cargo room. Great looking design.

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Drew - September 11 - 6:26 am

  Ive only driven my new 09 VUE XE enough to exhaust a single tank of gas, but my satisfaction with this car warrants some serious praise. The upscale Euro styling, both inside and out, is simply unmatched within this price range. Fit, finish and interior materials truly are class-leading. The ride is solid, quiet, and smooth. I choose the 2.4L based on both cost and fuel economy and dont regret the decision. While the 4 wont win you any races, its more than adequate for both city and freeway driving. I moved from a Chevy Trailblazer to the VUE and would trade the refinement of this ride over the TBs power any day.

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  the best - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ralph dunn - September 7 - 2:00 am

  the best american built suv to compete against the japenese

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  Best SUV ever! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Gaseana - September 7 - 2:00 am

  We just this past month bought our Vue and we love it! It works very well in cold weather contrary to others beliefs, since it has been below freezing all but one day since we bought it. Has as much room as our old Blazer and the features, price, and transmission, make it a wonderful purchase! As usual, Saturn has out done itself!

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  Best Economical SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VA Mike - September 7 - 2:00 am

  For those who are looking for the space and utility of an SUV, but who are not interested in paying for lots of imported oil, this American-built vehicle should be your #1 choice. Very efficient, decent transportation. No problems at all in the first 4 months weve owned it. Many smart things went into the design. Space beats all of its smaller SUV competition, as well as mileage. Safety almost #1 in its category (check out federal web sites). No complaints. Fully loaded around $20K with incentives.