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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  Happy owner - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By h hetrick - January 19 - 1:33 pm

  We have owned this greenline for almost a year. It has had two recalls, both of which were very pleasent waits. Great tow vehicle behind our motorhome. Vue carries two med sized dogs and my wife along with three weeks worth of supplies and clothing to our campsites. Fully load and crusing above CA speed limits we still ave. 28 to 32 MPG. Ride is great and steering is dependable in rain and sun. A pleasure to drive on freeways as well as mountain roads. We had a QX4 for 5 tears and the VUE outdoes the QX4 on all accounts excepy offroad. But we knew we were not purchasing a 4 wheel drive. Combining 4WD in the VUE would be a motorhome owners dream car. LOVE this little car. Buy one!

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  Big Mistake!!! (Shouldve kept my CR-V) - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By bigmistake - January 18 - 9:50 am

  The design pulled me in at first. Nice test drive. Then things started to go wrong. Cruise control is terrible, it revs really high when going up the slightest incline. Brushed metal trim on steering wheel started peeling off and cut my wifes finger twice. Had it replaced, only to find out the audio controls on the new wheel didnt work. Had a 3rd wheel put on. A few weeks later, the chrome passenger door handle started peeling as well. Had to have that replaced. Gear shifter rattles when temp is cole or hot. Dealer cant find anything wrong.Very limited storage in the back (holds 1 stroller). Should not have even offered a 4 cylinder option. Wish I still had my 05 Honda CR-V.

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  Still Honeymooning - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Alan From New York - January 15 - 10:23 pm

  Purchased a little over a month ago with 48000 miles on the clock, theres not a whole lot to report. The VUE has gone back to the shop for a new water pump, but I dont consider that unusual. What with the recent drastic weather, the VUE has performed admirably in the snow as well as on warm, dry days. Yes, the VUE is far from perfect. The steering is noisy at low speeds and the suspension rattles with anything less than perfect blacktop. Although it runs fine, it feels flimsy. Its also comfortable and doesnt tire me out on long drives like so many others seem to. The steering is good but offers no feedback. Fuel economy is adequate, about 22 mpg overall. So far, so good.

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  VisionVueOutlook - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Watson - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought 4 with 5. Great fun

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  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SUV!!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Eric (Modesto, CA) - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Never in a million years would I have seen myself in an SUV. I was always the person saying "Ill be driving a CAR for life!" But the Saturn VUE changed my mind. This SUV is not only fun to drive, but its affordable, gets GREAT gas milage, and the insurrance is relatively cheap. This SUV is a vast improvment from my Dodge. But this SUV still provides all the comforts of a car. Ive driven some SUVs before that feel tipsy (Chevy Blazer). THIS SUV IS AMAZING! Tons of standard features plus many more available at a decent price. This SUV not only has a great reputation, but is the ONLY SUV you should consider!!!!

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  vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mike f. - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Had brand new vue for one week in shop for four problems .I Had up to 1500 miles to trade out for another brand new vue. Dealer was very nice about this problem. Secound brand new vue I had for three days and its been in shop already for empty clutch fluid. Poor craftsmanship would not recommend this vehicle.

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  Think Again!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bad_Vue - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Hopefully you have not purchased your Vue yet! Please consider and read all the low rating reviews first. Here is a list of problems that have gone wrong with a year of time: 1)Inaccurate fuel reading, 2)Low gas mileage, 3)Steering wheel noisy when turning, 4)Check Engine Light On (Even today had to bring in. 4 Time in 1 week. Replaced upper and lower fuel sensor. Fuel pressure switch. Still came on a day later after service. Just have to live with it, Service writers words!

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  CRV Killer - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bobl - January 1 - 3:20 pm

  Having worked at Honda dealers for 18 years, when I decided to buy an SUV I naturally looked at the CRV and Pilot. The Pilot was too expensive and bigger than what I wanted and the CRV seemed underpowered to me. I looked at Nissan and Toyota but didnt find anything that was comfortable, reasonably priced and had some power. I read that the Saturn vue V6 was powered by a Honda 3.5 liter engine which I was familiar with as it is the same engine in the Odessy and Pilot. It only took one test drive for me to fall in love with this SUV. I have been driving mine now for over four years and just love it. I am a large guy and I am very comfortable on short or long drives.

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  What a Great SUV! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By happy camper 2 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had our VUE about a week, but it drives and runs great. I talked to many people about Saturn before making the decision to buy, but have been a happy camper ever since.

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By gr82balive - December 28 - 11:14 am

  I purchased the 2003 model in 2009 without doing my homework. 13 months later (after the one year warranty expired) the tranny went out.Cost me 5200 to fix 3wks later the front differential is starting to go out, quoted price:5600 to fix. After new tranny was put in my mpg dropped from approx 13 to approx 6mpg. If I wasnt locked into payments I would have scrap heaped this piece of junk when the tranny went out. Most regretted purchase of my adult life. Saturn/GM dealerships have been useless. Once one problem is expensively fixed another one rears its pricey head.DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY DO NOT BUY!