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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  Vue-ish - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bubb G - June 27 - 2:00 am

  After 1000 miles we are quite happy with our VUE. Mileage is about 20.5 without any significant freeway driving. Acceleration with the Honda powertrain is excellent. Steering is soft but acceptable. Handles and rides well though road bumps come through the cabin harder than I expected. Back window always dirty No key-way for back door??? Good interior lighting. Brakes feel good. Like shifter design/placement. Heater-a/c controls feel and look cheap. Great step in/out height for me at 6 and my wife at 57". Like the sporty/athletic/aggressive look

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  Another fine Saturn product - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rotatinganode - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with this our third Saturn. I bought the car because is tows very easily behind my motorhome. It is a dependable and fun car to drive. Love the grocery compartment. No complaints.

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  1 month and counting - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By andy&peggy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle. Have only had it a month now and like it so far. I love the exterior design and the green metallic paint is hot! The V6 is outrageous. I have not been beaten off the line since I bought my VUE. Smooth and powerful, yet quiet and easy on gas. I love it, my wife loves it, and our friends are jealous.

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  Surprisingly Refined - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MechaDavef - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle was a standout from the pack with its 250 hp engine and the 5 speed transaxle. It is unbelievably smooth in routine driving, but it roars like a tiger when you punch it. Scary fast acceleration, especially because the torque steer. GM should work on that. I havent seen the All Wheel Drive in action yet, but my experience with front wheel drive in the snow leads me to expect it will do fine. The Vue has good ground clearance, and its independent suspension gives an exellent ride quality. The interior is roomy, although the rear seats seem rather low to the floor.

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  Shame on GM and Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By dissatisfied - June 17 - 4:10 am

  I purchased this car because I was attracted to the exterior and interior design, I have since grown to loathe it because of the problems it has. The seat fabric which I initially thought was nice turned out to be cheap. I paid for extended service on the fabric, but since Saturn folded,my extended warranty no longer applies,theres no longer anyone to honor it. The fabric stains easily and the sides of the drivers and front passenger seats crease and are beginning to fray and show signs of tearing.Ive contacted Saturn and they sent me to a GM dealer who said it was "normal" so they take no responsibility for an inferior product.This has never happened in any other car Ive owned.

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  Great Car - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Wes - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Unlike the title says, this is the FWD, not AWD Anyway, acceleration is very quick, not torquey but still quick. The engine approaches the red line very quickly (7000 rpm). The speed can be deceiving, when going 50 it feels like about 30. Braking is good, since it is such a light vehicle. The car handles beautifully, without much sway at all. It feels stable at all time. I was especially surprised by the ride, it was very smooth, much smoother than i was expecting. Back seat space is very limited, people over 6 feet would have problems sitting in the back.

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  Great Car - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By wes - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Unlike the title says, this is the FWD, not AWD Anyway, acceleration is very quick, not torquey but still quick. The engine approaches the red line very quickly (7000 rpm). The speed can be deceiving, when going 50 it feels like about 30. Braking is good, since it is such a light vehicle. The car handles beautifully, without much sway at all. It feels stable at all time. I was especially surprised by the ride, it was very smooth, much smoother than i was expecting. Back seat space is very limited, people over 6 feet would have problems sitting in the back.

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  7th one didnt cut it - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By guitarmedic - June 14 - 2:00 am

  We have owned 6 other saturns and was happy with all of them. I decided to turn my VUE back because of 1. excessive torque steer (almost ran off the road when passing), 2. not enough room and 3. I had it would not pull my light weight trailer without using 3rd gear of the 5 speed automatic (in other words you cant select 4th gear.

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  This car is a mistake - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Sarah Colantuono - June 8 - 5:20 am

  Since Ive gotten this car almost two years ago, Ive taken it in probably 10 times if not more. Everything keeps breaking down on it from the transmission, to my radio falling out, doors not opening, wipers not working, and a horrible rattling and vibrating sound that is still not fixed. Another time I was stranded on the side of the highway with my 2 year old daughter, after the car completely stalled and lost power on me. I feel this car is unsafe, and I am looking into a sell already after not even two years. I know somebody that got the Chevy equinox- and after driving that- I know where I went wrong. Thumbs down to VUE

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  excellent vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By pauldmd - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Thsi is my first suv. Never founf one previously that was car like enough for me and large enough for my family of five. I traded in my mini van for this and will never turn back!!!