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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  2008 Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Gord - March 19 - 12:23 pm

  Performance is fine as I wanted a 4 cylinder for the fuel economy. Overall very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Wont hold up - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By JP - March 18 - 8:43 pm

  This vehicle will be great as long as you have warranty coverage left, but that isnt very long. There is no extended powertrain coverage and the major system problems start at about 45,000 miles. In less than 50,000 miles, the entire hydraulic system for the clutch went out ($1,500) and parts are increadibly tough to get. It took almost a week to get repaired even though the work only took a day after the dealership got the parts in.

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  Great car - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By PMM - March 17 - 4:30 am

  So far, about 3,000 miles of driving. The car meets all of my expectations in terms of size, flexibility, utility, handling and comfort. Gas mileage for 6 cyl AWD on steady highway of 26 mpg; 17-18 in city; overall 22 mpg. Good smooth and strong performance from engine and trans; heated seats are real nice. The sound system is decent and it has an MP3 jack. I really like the storage flip up system in rear. Chrome dresses it up and the fog lights are super. The sun roof works great and closes completely -- no whistle from wind. Since I live in New England, it is the perfect blend of vehicle for all climates.

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  Great value! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Spike - March 13 - 3:06 pm

  Excellent value. When you consider gas mileage, comfort, power of engine, and pick up, all on top of a great price, you have to call this vehicle a great value.

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  Tried them all before I purchased - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Bill D. - March 7 - 6:33 am

  I researched and test drove all the small Suvs and I chose the Saturn XE. Just returned from a 4,000 mile trip and I couldnt be happier with this vehicle. Mileage 24+ on highway and very comfortable with a good ride for a small SUV. Looks great and for me has plenty of power, I wanted good mileage and ordered the 4 banger with front wheel drive which has plenty of pep for me. Love the OnStar and satellite radio. One thing that I do wish this vehicle had and that is a pop-up rear window for hauling those over 8 feet items.

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  Not a bad Vue from here - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By 4norm78 - March 2 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Certified Pre Owned (CPO) Saturn Vue Redline a month ago with 47,000 miles on it. The five year, 50,000 mile warranty was done, but the 12 month, 12,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty tagged with free regular maintenance for 2 years or 24,000 miles made up for it. I’ve been averaging over 19 mpg driving on my 12 mile loop to work each day. I did get a rather curious mpg reading driving around Arizona. From Phoenix to Prescott, going up the mountain, the car was getting 19 mpg. Going done the mountain, the car registered 29 mpg, averaging just short of 25 mpg for the trip. Driving from Phoenix to Tucson, which is relatively flat, the car only got 19 mpg. I looked at the XR model, but I liked the upgraded Redline interior much better. The car rides rather firm, but smooth. The engine has adequate pick up, but the transmission does seem to hunt for the right gear from time to time. No problem with the A/C, but I did have to take the car in for repairs to the passenger side windshield wiper – twice. My car has the remote start and rain sensing options. I’m having no problems finding parts. Found a new cargo shade for less than the dealer price, delivered with no sales tax. When shopping, I looked at RX 330’s and 350’s, but the prices were just too high for a high mileage Lexus that uses premium gas and you see one of them every time you turn your head. The Saturn is out of production, but the current Chevy version of the car provides dealer service and warranty work options.

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  Nice Package - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By K2QO - February 28 - 8:26 pm

  Bought this Vue to replace a high mileage Buick Rendezvous that was having issues. Not as much interior space but I knew that going in. The Vue is fun to drive, the engine revs to make the power you need without complaining, the ride is quiet and controlled, and the controls are easy to use. I get 25-26MPG on the highway and 22 in town when the WX is above freezing. For winter, I bought four Pirelli snow tires with steel wheels and sensors. This combo on the FWD is awesome. The Firestone LE tires are crap on snow and ice. Winter MPG has not slipped below 20MPG and that is with remote starter use and lots of slow traffic on snowy road. So far at 13,000 mile, reliability is perfect.

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  BEST MOVE BY GM - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By SMART VUE - February 25 - 2:00 am

  BEST MIDSIZE SUV ON THE ROAD. GM HAS INSTALLED A 3.0 HONDA ENGINE IN THE 6 CYL VUE, WOW DOES IT MOVE!!VERY SMOOTH AND ALOT OG GET UP AND GO. WHAT A GREAT MOVE TEAMING UP WITH HONDA...

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  Surprisingly Positive SUV! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Rich/Jerz - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We tested the 6 at first, then the 4. If you need to race other parents home from soccer practice - the 6 is wicked.... Hence we sought practicality - landed the 4. Although it does not have the same cargo room as the Jimmy, the pasenger room is definitely larger, especially the front seating area, waist and head room. The ride is more stable than the Jimmy, especially in curves. The four cylinder is not bad. I especially enjoy the gas milage - I cant believe the needle doesnt move when I step on the pedal. My VUE is equipped with a sun roof, power package, floor mats, cloth int., CD - 6 speaker, and exterior mold accents on the lower quarter.

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  Outstanding Car to buy - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Kellie Herrera - February 24 - 10:00 am

  What can i say I love this car - It is spacious and roomy and very comfortable