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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  Awesome car to drive - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By pyxy514 - September 7 - 12:56 am

  I recently jusy bought a Saturn Vue and I absolutely love it. I knew the previous owner and the only reason she got rid of it was to get a Saturn Relay (van)for her growing family. I am 19 years old and so far have been very pleased with my Vue. The one good thing is that they call it a Vue for a reason, you have a view of everything around you whether in a parking lot or driving.

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  Saturn Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Ed - September 5 - 1:56 am

  We love to drive our VUE. It is very responsive on the road in handling and in getting around. It has all the power we need. Gets great gas mileage.

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  Very Good so far - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Stan - September 3 - 6:13 pm

  We traded off our 1998 Chevrolet Blazer for this new Vue. The Vue handles far better on the icy roads than the Blazer ever did. The zip that the Vue has also far exceeds that of the Blazer. Shortly after getting our view we took a long trip. The Vue was extremely comfortable and pleasant to drive the entire trip. The Vue climbed hills like they were not even hills and we went for a scenic drive into the mountains to test it too. We wish the glass panel on the rear opened like the Blazers did, as that made getting into that area much easier. That is the only drawback so far.

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  Fuggetta Bouttit - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By its me - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Its allright at first, but then evrything starts falling apart, repair prices rise quickly, it was a horrible investment for us.

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  vue 4cyl one year later - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By KME - September 2 - 10:00 am

  no problems, great gas mileage, quiet engine, fun to drive (I have the 5-speed). The VUE handled very well this past winter in the snow ( I also have the ABS w/traction control). The VUE rides more like a car, not a truck.

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  Very versitile - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mike - August 31 - 8:30 pm

  This is my second VUE. Both manual for the mileage & reliability. I dont really like automatic transmissions. After 60,000 miles I planon keeping this for a long time. Traded 2003 as couldnt pass up on sweet factory incentives. Nice delivery vehicle for small business. Would like to have e-85 ethanol fuel capability or hydrogen in future.

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  Our 5th Saturn - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Rob Thompson - August 30 - 9:50 am

  This is our 5th Saturn and our 1st. SUV. Im impressed with the comfort of the VUE. Having had 2 of the smaller Saturns and 2 of the L series larger Saturns. I thought that the ride would be rougher but have found it to be even better than the sedans. I really enjoy driving this vehicle and the handling is great. I look forward to many happy driving miles in the VUE.

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  Its worth it! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By 08 Vue - August 28 - 6:50 pm

  I spent four months researching smaller SUVs. I actually ordered a CR-V in May, but it hadnt arrived when I accidentally found myself on a Saturn lot. Perfect car. Features are over the top. I chose the 4 cy so I cant complain about it. I found the car I was looking for. Great buy. Go get it.

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  Great Deal - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Great Deal - August 28 - 6:33 pm

  This is our second Saturn. We previously had a Relay. Although it was reliable it had many small nagging issues. We are hoping that the VUE will be a step up from the Relay. The 4 cylinder provides ample power and the gas mileage is around 22 mpg. We expect this to get better as the vehicle breaks in. Time will tell if this was a good choice. At the price we paid, it seems we cant go wrong. The only option we ordered was the Prefered package.

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  Bang for your Buck - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bmann - August 17 - 2:13 am

  The Vue is by far the best value in the midsize SUV category!