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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A lot of fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Tollag - November 22 - 10:00 amIf youre looking for a FUN suv, give the 2004 Saturn Vue, with the 3.5 liter Honda/Tranny. This thing is a blast to drive. Its about as fast as my Mini Cooper S, but gives you all the comfort of an SUV. Ride is comfortable, and youre given a feeling of security. The thing looks mean with the new 17" stock wheels, and youre left with tons of uprgade options. DId I mention its fun to drive?
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Becomes Junk after 30,000 Miles - 2004 Saturn VUE
By supercell777 - November 22 - 10:00 amFor the first 6 months, the VUE is great. It still turns heads, but it has become a 7 month-long nightmare of constant front end, suspension, and steering problems. Anything but freshly paved roads is not recommended. The interior is exceptionally noisy. The steering and suspension always rattles, and Saturn calls this "Normal." Many VUE owners agree. VUEs have rather pathetic build quality. I do not recommend the Saturn VUE to ANYONE. For a complete breakdown of all the VUEs constant problems, you can visit Saturnalia and choose the VUE Forum. This will help you make your decision to NOT purchase a Saturn VUE.
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Not Reliable - 2006 Saturn VUE
By TM - November 21 - 10:46 pmThis vehicle is not reliable. I have had 7 warranty related issues in two years before hitting the 30,000 mile mark and they keep happening. The dent resistant panels may keep dents away but they are starting to come undone at the bottom so when you open the back doors the panel catches and the door has to be shut and opened again. This is not covered by the warranty either. I have had one door that would neither open nor close (at 8000 mi) and twice the locks froze up so the door will not shut until it thaws 30 miles from home w/ 2 infants in back. The entire onstar system was replaced. Carrier bearing had to be replaced (20,000 mi). Service not helpful either.
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Love our little Vue!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By vuefor2 - November 19 - 10:00 amWe have had our Vue almost four months and we love it. So convenient and fun. We get stopped all the time by people who want to see it or ask questions. We have had no repair issues so far and we love our Saturn dealer!
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UNHAPPY VUE OWNER - 2004 Saturn VUE
By goofy girl - November 15 - 10:00 amtheres not enough room to write. my vue is just about a yr old w/only 14,000 miles and has been back to the dealership at least 10x for anything and everything you can think of. when i had it a month, it had to be towed. i have contacted Saturn Corp and filed an official complaint,and although they have been somewhat helpful, i dred driving that suv, i dont feel safe at all. i strongly urge anyone to NOT buy it. i am in contact w/a lawyer reviewing the lemon law. its a shame that after a year, i am looking to trade this car in. not only do i regret getting the Saturn, but I also regret that i bought it, b/c i feel like im stuck with it, i hate it!
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New Owner - 2004 Saturn VUE
By PDC - November 15 - 10:00 amWanted roomy 4 door, easy to get in and out of (am 6 3"). Dont need 4 wheel drive but did want front wheel drive with limited slip differential. Honda engine with 5 speed tranny a big plus. Good fuel economy. $4,000 rebate off trade price a big plus. Like fold down right front seat. Is very smooth and quiet on the road. 1500 rpms is 60 mph. Dampens bumps very but there is some road noise.
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Sleek SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Steve - November 14 - 10:36 pmGot a great deal on a 4cyl certified VUE so I went with it. The car looks great in and out, the only downfalls I dont like about it are the power of the 4 cyl (cruise control is not very comfortable) and the gas mileage for a 4 cyl(averaging about 23 mpg). I would recommend this if someone is looking for a sleek SUV that rides nice.
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Not your plastic Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
By YDKCooKiE - November 14 - 1:00 pmBeing my first SUV, Ive tried quite a few out; the Rav-4, the CR-V, Ford Escape, and little did I know the 2008 Vue was available. Upon going to the dealership, my fiancee and I took a test drive and we were sold. The vehicle looks much like a higher-class SUV rather than the cheaper 2007 model. The drive is great, comfortable, and extremely enjoyable. Ive been pleasantly surprised by the drive and quality of this car, and everywhere you look, theres something new you discover about it. Id easily recommend this to friends and family.
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Great small SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
By chris3259 - November 10 - 10:00 amI have put 15,000 km on my VUE and my son is driving it as well. I really like the 4cyl and 5 speed combo. You can loaf around town shifting at 2,000 rpm or keep it on the boil at 3,500 and it becomes very sporty and light on its feet. Reliability has been perfect, the dealer was very friendly, and gave me a package that beat the Ford Escape all day.
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Our First Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
By Bruce Walters - November 10 - 7:36 amThis is our first Saturn and we love it. My wife is the main driver of this VUE and we just got back from a trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennesee. We put on 2200 miles after only having the VUE for 10 days. It performed very well and we got good gas mileage, about 27 mpg on the road.
