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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  I love it... so does my family - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Patti - April 3 - 11:30 am

  I have enjoyed my new 2005 Saturn VUE now for 2 months and got it just in time before the gas prices went up. I get 22-25 mpg, much improved from my AWD mini-van that I traded. The tank is small, holds 16 gallons, but with the improved mileage, I dont have to fill anymore than before. Buying it was a dream, easy and simple. It has enough room for my 3 kids and all their stuff too. With the VTI 4 cyl. engine I have as much speed up the hills as a 6 cyl. I recommend this Saturn for any one who wants an AWD, interior room and a classy cross over look to boot.

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  saturn dealerships deceiving - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By martii scheer - April 3 - 2:00 am

  the vue rides beautifully and is very attractive inside and out. only MAJOR complaint is was not told that tire snow chains can only be purchased at the dealership and was caught in the sierras, donner pass without chains in a freak storm heading for reno on business and had to turn around as no one could sell us chains for a saturn car.

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  Amys Saturn - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mewotell - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The Saturn is the best car we have ever owned it has been incredibly cheap to operate, fun to drive and it give one a sens of feeling safe. We live in Florida and the air conditioning system is incredible.

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  great ride - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By wide-glide - March 29 - 10:00 am

  we really enjoy our vue, and people are always wanting to check it out!

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  so far so good - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By geoff - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice vehicle, V6 very powerful in all situations. Getting on to highways is a blast-nobody takes advantage of this little truck. Surprisingly good on gas. Getting 22 mpg. on the road. Smooth shifting automatic! Plenty good A/C. Quiet ride. Roomy. Good looking.

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  Nice Little VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By AH Sprite MK4 - March 29 - 12:16 am

  4 cyl 5 speed manual nice little VUE, good handling but little light on the power. Yet, not impressed with the MPG so far. 22-24 in-town and hi-way but have not had the Vue long enough, bought it coming off a lease at 25Kmiles, for the Lucas injector cleaner to work. I also own a 96 SE Coupe 5 speed manual and love it at 140K miles getting 30+MPG using Lucas Injector Cleaner. I used an engine analyzer and it appears the O2 sensor may not be working quite right as it should toggle between about 0.1V to 0.9V (pulse width modulation) which is between lean and rich. Might be more on the rich side. The dealership will look into this as it might be the cause of low MPGs.

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  My 2005 3.5L Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By maojr - March 27 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car for my wife because, (1) it has a plactic outer shell and never gets dimpled (2) supposedly it has a Honda Engine. It also had a 0.5% interest on the loan...what a deal. Its just now giving some problems. Had to replace the middle drive-shaft support and spider bearing. Otherwise no major problems/issues after 120K miles. This is the first signs of major ware so I expect a little at a time as the mileage increases with more use. We use this car every day! I would buy/trade another with the same features....too bad they are no longer available.

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  So far so good - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Marshal - March 27 - 10:00 am

  purchased vehicle like most of us from reviews and opinions-Suv has power V6- a looks of interior room. But somethings you stop & thick what are the thinking--no under dash lights, map lights shine in your face, sun visors is too small, no dash board indicator for cruise control. Overall the Vue drive well and appears to well built.. Time will tell..follow up in a few months

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  AWD V6 - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By traffic - March 27 - 12:06 am

  The 07 Vue is a nice-looking car. Good pickup. It even seems more powerful than the V8 SUV I traded. I like the steering wheel radio controls, safer. It seems roomy enough, even though it is much smaller than my old SUV. I had to get used to it being lower than my old SUV as well as the window buttons not being on the window, but so far not a problem.

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  Safety first! To the uninformed... - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By shawna - March 23 - 6:40 pm

  Saturn VUEs have a 5 star front and side impact rating. This is due to the side polymer body panels plastic as some would say. Behind it is a steel space frame that protects you AND saves you money. I got broadsided by a large truck, Im not talking a pickup truck, but a delivery truck. To my disbelief the damage was minimal. A simple matter of replacing the panels on the passenger side was much nicer to my pocket then replacing all doors and fender. Drop out engine is a plus. Drives beautifully and I love it. Someone else said they hope they dont get hit by a VW, but I say bring it on VW, and large delivery trucks, too! I feel safe as can be.