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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  So far so good. - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By DK - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I decided to write this in defense of my vehicle, which I have had for 30,000 miles. I believe that if an owner takes care of a car, the car will work as intended. I find that most people that complain about vehicles are the ones that dont do routine maintenance and abuse their vehicles. My car has never failed me and I doubt that it will. I live in the Chicago suburbs. I love this car. It is great. It is quite fast. I love the heated leather seats as well. The exterior design was what initially caught my interest. I have owned 2 Chevrolets (Camaro,Cavalier) and a Buick LeSabre in comparison. I do love this car.

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  What happened to Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By kdoody - February 20 - 11:00 pm

  My 2nd Saturn, had an SL1 for 7 years with only a problem in the 6th year. The shift line to the transmission broke. My Vue, which I generally like has now made it the the shop for the same problem in 2 years. I bought it new in Dec 2005 and a year later I was leaving work in a blizzard and tried to start my car and it turned over once and then nothing. They said it was electrical or something to do with the battery, but it just happened to me again the other night in 10 degree whether in Huntsvill, AL. They have no idea what to do to fix it. I have other issues, like it feels like when driving on a hwy the wind is going to rip my doors off and the heat is gone in the driver seat.

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  Loving it So Far - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By clayg420 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I was pretty much set on an Escape-my sister has one and I liked it well enough. Then I read an article on Honda motor in the Vue. Then I went and drove one. Wow, much more car than the Escape and I could get one about the same price. Wanted the Red Line because of articles, but in reality thought it added nothing. Guess I dont drive quite as wild as reviewers. Everbody comments it is much nicer than they had imagined. It rides great, comfortable over our bad Nashville streets, fast enough to merge with confidence. I think the interior is getting a bad rap for previous years. I will say the tan looks much better than the grey.

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  my vue of the vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By sumo - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this for towing a camper and so far it has performed excel. it acts as if there is no top end ,for a 3.0 Im pulling 2400 lbs. & it has not complained once.on the flats or thru the green mtns.it gets a smoother ride loaded down

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  Honda + plastic = great value! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Robert - February 14 - 3:56 pm

  This is my fourth Saturn (SW2 and two LW300s), and this is a great SUV. With the combination of Honda drivetrain, polymer body panels, and Saturn buying experience, it pretty much left the competition out of the running. It drives and handles great, has terrific acceleration, will easily tow my Harley Sportster, easy to get into and out of, and the MPG is terrific considering the performance of this 4900-pound vehicle. Ive added 18" wheels, performance muffler, side step rails, splash guards, vent visors, billet grilles, and have a K&N cold air intake kit on order. This SUV just gets better the more I drive it. Unique looks, performance, no-hassle buying experience. Its a winner!

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  Love it - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BALUSHNA - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Never thought that I would buy American again but so far so good. Love the smooth Honda engine and love the looks.

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  Freaking amazing car!! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By matthew_w - February 1 - 11:09 am

  Ive owned very many cars, but by far this is the best car ive ever had, put hankook tires under it and it will run forever... Great SUV fast, and powerful when needed!!

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  piece of JUNK! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By saturnowner - January 29 - 9:23 pm

  This car has less than 43,000 miles. It seems every time I turn around something has to be fixed. A/C went out twice, "small leak" in emission control 4 times, power windows stopped working, valve job, sway bars and struts had to be replaced, master cylinder and slave cylinder on clutch had to be replaced. Ive spent more on repairs than the car is worth. Pass the word - Saturn is very unreliable. If you have deep pockets and enjoy spending a lot of time with the service department (and being without a car for days at a time for repairs)this might be the car for you. Ill never buy another American car! Not surprised theyre going out of business.

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  4cyl 5-speed Sport Review - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By hagenlarry - January 28 - 1:20 pm

  Seems like everyone worries about the big HP cars. We were looking specifically for a 4cyl. Concerned about an economy suv, my wife insisted on the power package (16" aluminum rims, 5-speed manual trans, & sunroof). Turns out, if you can live without awd (as folks did all up until recently), the performance of the ecotec 2.2 is impressive. Even better is the maintenance (oil change can be done in 5-minutes without spilling a drop), dent resistant doors (which were tested by a shopping cart the day we took it home), & roomy back seat (at 6- 2, I rode in the back with no problems).Overall, for middle class folks, after 15,000K we have yet to question our choice! 30 mpg hwy didnt hurt either

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  Not fancy, but a great all around vehicle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By keith plant - January 26 - 10:50 am

  I love my Saturn VUE. I driven it on soft sand at the beach to the mountains of Big Bend national park. I have yet to have any problem with this vehicle. It is a great buy and very affordable to insure.