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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  what sloppy stearing. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rendog - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I,m not sure who was complaining about the sloppy stearing, but they must be use to driving a 1970 Ford truck without power strearing. So far my wife and I are extremely pleased.

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  Still Impressed - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Still Impressed - July 28 - 11:36 pm

  We bought our Saturn in 04 after trading in our Saturn L200 after our son was born. We needed the extra room and right away we knew wed made the right decision. We have hauled a fish pond with complete accesories, 2x4s, pipes, cabinets, my grandfather clock, not to mention the trips to the grocery! Its been amazing that we can all four fit in the vehicle along with our purchases and still be comfortable. We also took this vehicle on a road trip recently and were amazed at the 30+ miles to the gallon highway. Weve had no issues with faulty equipment and so far have yet to have a complaint with the truck other than louder than normal road noise when traveling on the interstate.

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  Last Saturn I buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By J Huff - July 27 - 10:50 pm

  I love and still have my 1993 Saturn SL, so when I was in the market for a new car, Saturn was my choice. Sadly I made a mistake, since our purchase, we have had a recall for the rear suspension, had to put in a new transmission and put up with "shoddy" workmanship. My 1993 SL1 drives much quiter and better. No wonder GM is in trouble.

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  best car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Schlomo - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Affordable base price, competent on- and off-road handling, optional seven- passenger seating, stylish design.

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  Sensor reduction - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By brittanyttr - July 20 - 1:55 pm

  I purchased my VUE in July of 05. I was driving one day in the city and notice I had no acceleration to go. I notice that a light came on so I pulled over to check the owners manual and it said the sensor reduction light was one. So I did what it said to do and when I turned my car back on, it ran okay. I took it to the Saturn dealer and they told me it could be either the gas pedal or my wiring harness. So we replaced my gas pedal..drove it home and not even w/in 24 hrs it did it again. I called the dealeship again and they said its the wiring harness and that was going to be $700...has anyone had problems w/ their sensor reduction? Looking for help..Not sure I trust this dealer..

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  Customer is the King - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Srinivasa Reddy - July 11 - 9:00 am

  I was so happy with my choice that I have made the other SUV buyers envy. My other colleagues have a RAV4 or a CRV and they now regret their buys. And a Highlander is a quite pricy.This VUE has been designed with customer in mind. Every aspect of it impresses me. I have no complaints so far. Great dealership experience as always with Saturn.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Not Worth It - July 11 - 4:33 am

  Ive had the VUE for 18 months. I have taken it in 4 times to fix the AC. The windows leak air. I have had it towed to the repair shop twice in the last to weeks for shutting off in traffic. Im now paying to replace the clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and the clutch. The car is 4 years old and only has 70,000 miles on it. And sometimes the radio turns off when I try to switch stations.

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  I love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Derek L. - July 7 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my VUE brand new in 2003, and I have been more than pleased with it ever since. The interior is very comfortable. The leather seats are soft but firm. The interior space is great, instrument panel and gauges arranged almost perfectly. The factory sound system is amazing, and the overall ride is very good. This was a great choice, and I am considering getting another one.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Grant Robb - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle for the price

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  Comfy but lack of power - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Jay - June 28 - 3:13 pm

  I had for it 4 months and put 5000 miles on it. Roomy, handling is good. Rear seats can be fold down so you will have plenty of cargo room. No cargo cover though, not even a design let you put one so no after market cargo cover either. I knew the 4 cyl one will have less power so I got the manual one to better control it. Still powerless. I push for 4k~5k rpm on 1st gear but it is still slow. Mileage is OK, better than other SUVs. I get 21.3 local and 23~24 on highway. If you stay around 65 mph on hiway you will get better mileage but that is too slow for me. About 3.7K rpm at 80mph. Gear ratio at 5th gear need to be adjusted.