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 a car! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By scottresti - October 11 - 9:13 am

  Looked at them all and have owned Lexus RX & Honda Pilot in past. This SUV is the best I have owned so far. Only have 3000 miles on it but have nothing but praise for performance and quality. First US made car in many years. The VUE brought me back. Did 2000 mile trip in first 2 weeks and it was flawless. GM can compete if they keep the mentality they put into the VUE. Stopped by dealership on a lark and owned the car in one day. 4 cylinder just didnt make it, but 6 is a dream. Make sure you drive it before you buy anything else, I know you will love it.

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  I love my Vue - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jlongstreth1 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful vehicle, comfortable little SUV that pampers my bad back by providing a car-like ride. Very fuel efficient, with the five-speed manual transmission I get almost 30MPG. Excellent highway ride, great visibility. Limber in the city, easy to park, easy to drive.

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  VUEto economy - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Saturn Vue - October 8 - 2:56 pm

  I have the VUE AWS 3.5 which has the Honda motor and also the Honda Auto Transmission. I also pull a Jayco tent trailer and on oru last trip from California up to Montana and Idaho (mostly hills) I got an average of 20 miles per gallon pulling the trailer with it On normal commuting mostly stop and go I average around 21mpg The vehicle as plenty of power with 250 hp and accleration is very smooth as is the ride compared to mostt SUV vehicles. Handling is pretty good and stable, and the VUE is easy to get in and out of. Saturn really thought this one out and really did a good job with

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  30,000 miles of torture - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Not Happy - October 8 - 4:36 am

  Where do I start. On my way to the airport the clutch went. Before and since it was fixed it is almost impossible at times to put into 1st gear, other times big problems shifting down to 2nd gear. Was informed that this was the way the car was designed, go figure. Air conditioning broke. Cap flew off windshield wiper fluid dispenser. Driver side door handle broke. Lid on console will never stay closed. There was a recall for something. Now it is in the shop once again to have the gear shift fixed also found out that not only does it need new brake pads but the rotors are rusted out and need replacing at a cost of $550. I dont want the car any more and am shopping around for a new one

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  Great Value - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By John H. - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Saturn. I previously owned an SW2 and an L100. I was in a serious accident with my L last year, but came away unscathed. Im sold on the safety and reliability of Saturns, but wanted more car around me. Hence, my move to the larger Vue. Ive had the car for 15 months, and love it. I went with the 4-cylinder, to get better mileage. The acceleration and power are adequate. Ive read reviews from owners unhappy with various aspects of the vehicle, but my experience has been good. Ive had only one mechanical problem - a front rotor that was defective. No drivability problems.

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  Transmission issues - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By horriblecar1 - October 2 - 11:44 pm

  I purchased this car 4 months ago used and now am experiencing issues with it. It was shaking back and fourth.... stop and go traffic was horrifying because I was afraid the rpms were going to drop and the car would shut off. Also the car had extremely poor pick up and when I would come to a stop the car would occasionally not go when I put my foot on the gas and then it would take off and sound like someone hit me from behind. Dont purchase this car better yet just get a bike...

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  Love this SUV! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By gb - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saturn, and the Saturn dealership experience cant be beat. I cant get over how NICE this VUE is for the price! The handling is precise, the engine is peppy (could use a tiny bit more horsepower but wouldnt necessarily want to sacrifice the great gas mileage.) It has the most comfortable drivers seat of any car Ive owned, and its easy for everyone to step in and out of the car (a big plus with kids!) The sport edition with all the "free" upgrades makes for an incredible deal, Im loving the CD player, sunroof and alloy wheels everyday!

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  Love this SUV! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By GB - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Saturn, and the Saturn dealership experience cant be beat. I cant get over how NICE this VUE is for the price! The handling is precise, the engine is peppy (could use a tiny bit more horsepower but wouldnt necessarily want to sacrifice the great gas mileage.) It has the most comfortable drivers seat of any car Ive owned, and its easy for everyone to step in and out of the car (a big plus with kids!) The sport edition with all the "free" upgrades makes for an incredible deal, Im loving the CD player, sunroof and alloy wheels everyday!

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  Cant find anything wrong with it. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By dar4113 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my new Vue for one month. I have not been able to find anything wrong with it.(and I have tried) Drove from Marietta Georgia to Lady Lake, Florida on less than two tanks of gas.

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  Many issues *Thank God for Warranty* - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Loader73 - September 28 - 5:30 am

  Well in the first couple of months the computer module went bad and I lost all power in the vehicle - Warranty $100.00. Then there was an awful squeak in the front end - Warranty $100.00. Then the front left wheel bearing went - Warranty $100.00. Then the computer went again and this time nothing in the truck would shut off and it sat on the tow truck and at Saturn until the battery went - Warranty $400.00 fought and got 100.00 back (battery cost over 100.00?) Then the rear right wheel bearing went - $100.00. And now the Front Rotors are bad and I am doing them myself... Service dept doesnt even ask if its warrantied until they come and ask you to sign for the total amount for repairs?