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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  Hybrid Goodness - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By YankeeHybrid - June 2 - 2:16 am

  My VUE Green Line has been a smooth, miserly ride for these couple of months. The hybrid actions took very little to get used to, and the fuel economy has been very good. My last tank full came out to about 30 mpg!, not bad for an SUV of this size.

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  2003 VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mrstwh - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Our new Saturn Vue is a delight to drive, it handles very well with no nonsense steering. Being on the short side (411") I must admit I was at first a bit intimidated with the overall size of the vehicle, but I quickly became accustomed to it and now drive like a pro. The drivers seat, mirrors etc.... are all very easily adjusted to accommodate me. It is a bit noisy on the road but I find that the overall performance of this vehicle makes up for any of its short comings.

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  Saturn Vue Hybrid 09 - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By D&L B - May 28 - 7:53 am

  Excellent exterior styling, very much like a Lexus RX330. Interior well laid out, comfortable, and quiet. Like the climate controls - even though not dual-zone, can set temperature. Lots of room. Mechanically, the vehicle performs very well - hybrid action almost unnoticeable. Only indication really is a sense of background "braking" as the energy recovery system kicks in on some deceleration, though that is not objectionable in the least. Acceleration is very good, especially for a 4-cyl. Sound system is excellent (love the satellite radio).

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  VUE 08 XR - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By towanna - May 26 - 2:03 pm

  I love the cloth heated seats, the lighting, the color, easy parking and handling. Little problem w/ the cd player. I get postive comments everytime people say wow thats a Saturn?

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  Great small SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Adrian - May 24 - 6:56 pm

  I must say that I held off writing this review until the first year was over. This is a fun car to drive, and who would of thought a manual shift SUV would be fun? The entry level front seats for a long drive are not the greatest, so upgrade if you can. The sound system is very poor and should of never been in a modern vehicle. Other that that the car is laid out very well and I would recommend this SUV. A great every day car for those with a budget.

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  I like Mine! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Telaine - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I like my 2003 Saturn Vue. I like the large doors and sunroof. It rides smoothly and handles very well. I have a V-6 which my husband suggested and I am glad I did. It is powerful enough to get on the freeway and get moving quickly.

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  Made in the USA - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Robert L. Garrison - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded a Cadillac in on this new Vue in 2002 instead of 2003. I am so very much impressed with the appearance, the road stability, the electronic steering, roomy interior. I get great gas milage also. Saturn Service provides a loaner or rental car when it is necessary to keep overnight or an extended time. I am proud of my Vue, I am even prouder that it was fully Manufactured and assembled in Tennessee right here in the United States of America. Body, engine and transmission made here in U. S. A. from scratch.

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  excellent - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tommy Saitta - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I own a saturn vue, and we are very happy with it. Its fuel economy is excellent, and its optional gearless transmission is essential for maintaining highway speeds. My only regret was not going for the all wheel drive, but that will be our next Vue.

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  I LOVE MY SATURN - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BGTAX MAN - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE LOW PRESSURE ATTITUDE SATURN HAS WAS VERY ENJOYABLE,THE SALES REP WAS FRIENDLY AND OUTGOING,AFTER WE SELECTED THE VEHICLE WE PURCHASED, SATURN OF BOWLING GREEN HAD THE SUV CLEANED AND FILLED WITH GAS IMMEDIATLEY,THERE WAS NO HAGGLEING OR BACK AND FORTH TO THE"SALES MANAGER". JAY OUR SALES REP OFFERED US A FAIR VALUE FOR OUR TRADE IN RIGHT OFF THE BAT AND 2 FINANCING OPTIONS WITH NO PRESSURE. WE WERE IN AND OUT OF THE SATURN DEALERSHIP IN LESS THAN 1 HOUR!!WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE SATURN VUE TO ALL,AND SATURN OF BOWLING GREEN!!!

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  Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Howard Watson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have an all wheel drive v-6 2003 with the extras. People that ride in it are amazed. I love not having to step up to get in the seat and being high enough to see over the traffic and being able to see all around me. There are no blind spots and with 22,000 on the odometer I have not had anything more than the regular maintainence. I love not getting dings in my car doors - I could have gotten a more expensive SUV - a Lexus, Mercedes or Porche - but the difference was not significat to me. The cost of insurance is much less for this SUV and the safety factor is high in this too.