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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  2005 Rolling Lemon - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Aphonopelma - December 24 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my VUE based on other peoples experience of the brand being reliable. The one I purchased was not. The 3rd member started making gear noise at 17K miles and was warranty replaced by Saturn. At 26K miles gear noise in 3rd member was back again. Local Saturn dealership claimed they couldnt hear the noise every time I took the VUE in for routine maintainence right up until the warranty expired. At 29K miles the CD played started having problems. At 31K miles warranty work had to be performed on the front suspension (it turned out to be a direct from the factory problem). At 34K miles water leaked in around the windows during rain. At 45K miles Id had enough and dumped the VUE.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By shop_girl - December 17 - 11:26 pm

  My Saturn Vue is a five speed manual and it is so fun to drive! I have not had a single problem in over two years. It is extremely safe and great to travel in. I am in college so money is tight, but this gets excellent gas milaege. I usually get about 28mpg.

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  Saturn review - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Sheila - December 17 - 12:26 pm

  Ive owned my Vue Hybrid since April and enjoy the gas mileage tremendously. I like the way the car looks and the comfort of the interior. Ive had a problem with the rear passenger side door rattling. I took it to the dealer last week and it doesnt rattle as much, but it still rattles. Other than that Ive had no problems with it.

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  Excellent car! - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Mdewman77 - December 8 - 11:10 pm

  I really enjoyed our 2007 Saturn Vue. We had it for a year and half but had to get rid of it and trade it in for a van because we now have two kids. We only had a problem with the engine light coming on. It handles horribly in the rain though, be warn! I was in a rainstorm and I had to drive 45 miles just so I didnt slide all over the road. Ive had other SUVs and this one handled the worst out of the 3. I hope they fixed it in the 2008 model!

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  i dno - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By SOKKERKID!! - December 8 - 10:00 am

  i love this car its very nice and affordable

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  Slip Slidding Away - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Joel - December 8 - 6:10 am

  Bought it new off the lot. opted for a little better milage over the AWD. BIG mistake !!!! This is one of the worst vehicles Ive ever driven in the snow. Tires are too wide, and the anti-lock brakes are WAY to touchy. Just seems like in snow, the anti- locks go on and there is no braking at all ! Traction control via the throttle reacts way too slow too. I also have a "02" Saturn wagon. Traction control via brakes and anti- lock are much better. NOt to mention, on the wagon you can turn it off with a button. On the Vue your stuck with it, unless you want to drive in Lo gear. Had it in three times to the dealer before warranty ran out "Nothing wrong with it!" ????????

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  The Vue outperforms - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By george barrantes - December 6 - 1:00 pm

  Take some time to understand how this vehicle works. It is an economical car that can give you a pleasant drive back and forth to work. I take this SUV to work everyday for a 70 mile round trip. Is comfortable and economical. I am the type of driver that doesnt need to show much power when driving, but when in need I press for power, and this one delivers. Hopefully people will start looking at the VUEs as the best value and economy. When now a days the gasoline prizes are higher everyday. The 2.2 liter engine duplicates the capacity of many Japanese trucks in the past. This makes it a good match that proves that you dont need anymore power that the 143 horse-power.

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  Good car for the money! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mdewman77 - December 5 - 10:40 pm

  I really enjoyed my 2005 Saturn Vue. I had to give it up though because of the monthly payments, but I would buy another one in a heart beat. I wish the gas mileage was better at 22, but hey its prety good for a SUV. They improved the exterior design alot in 2007 and redid it in 2008, so I cant complain there. We only had the gas cap fail the emissions, other than that we didnt have many problems. I recommend it!

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  Overall Very Happy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By dakrtgrl - November 30 - 1:03 am

  I bought this car in April of 08 and I traded in my Buick Redevouz since I wanted something a little smaller but still needed some room for my 2 year old and all of her stuff! I bought the 4cyl because of the better gas mileage. I get 26 mpg on the highway and about 24 in the city. Sometimes I wish I had bought the 6 but I find the 4 has enough pep for me and what I need it for, just everyday running around. I love this VUE and have had no problems with it at all. Very fun to drive and I love the looks! I bought the orange one. Even pretty good in the snow without the AWD because of the traction control. At this point I would definitely purchase again.

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  A great vehicle - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Melani - November 25 - 12:26 am

  My Saturn Vue was a pleasure to own. Never had a thing go wrong that required a trip to the dealer. I love it and highly recommend the Saturn for trouble free ownership.