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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  Fast and Fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By PADriver - November 9 - 1:53 am

  This VUE has some very good acceleration. From the get go it will knock your socks off. Going up the hills and mountains in westren PA are a breeze. Great engine and transmission. Smooth shifting the whole way. Just started the winter season. Took the VUE out in the snow yesterday. Have to get used to the AWD system, it differs from 4x4 slightly. When the wheels slip you seem to need to keep on the gas a little and it grips right out of the spin. The AWD seemed to work just fine, just a little to get used to if youre used to 4x4s. All in all this was a very good vehicle to purchase. Very comfortable on long trips and about town. Im very pleased with the VUE.

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  So far, so good! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Jo Ann - November 6 - 10:56 pm

  Ive only had it for 4 1/2 months, and so far I love it. It is fun to drive and has a great console and features. If only it had some hidden storage, it would be even better!

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  Best Buying experience ever - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bob 253 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  The VUE was the best SUV for the money I could find when looking for a car to use for most of the non hauling chores of our F250. Plenty of room for family,dogs and light hauling. 4 cylinder has surprising power 5spd is easy to shift. The sales dept. made this the easiest and most pleasent buying experience that I have ever had in 30 years of buying new cars.

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  Saturn is now GM - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Va Gator - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Sorry to say Saturn has finally sold out and is now just GM junk. In the first year in the shop for 3 warranty items. Cracked A/C condensation pan that leaked on carpet. Bad thermostat, and when the dealer fixed they failed to reseal the radiatior hose. Warped disk rotors at 11000 miles!! Most Jiffy Lube can change the oil because they need a special tool only a Saturn dealer has. Very loud road noise and a wind whistle that sounds like a bee in your ear. What a shame, my prior Saturn was super, but I will not be fooled a second time.

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  tons of trouble - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By amber1 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Way too many problems. Creaking noise, at ear level, from door frames when rubber seal gets warm. Was told to live with the noise by 2 dealers. Fronts struts replaced twice. Heater sheild fixed twice. Handling & steering could be better. Very lould engine noise. Suspension could be better, plus rattles. Gas milage is ok. Muffler knocks. Play in the seats, also seat rod replaced due to noise. Both washer nozzles fell out. The VUE pulls when AWD kicks in. Lots of rattles, squeaks & noises.

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  Best value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By jben111 - October 25 - 2:16 pm

  I have 5 speed manual Vue with the 4 cylinder engine. After about 2000 miles, the car handles and rides great and is very solid. The heated leather seats are a plus. I cant wait for spring to open the sunroof and take it on some trips. Only criticism I can thing of is that the interior buttons and inside door panel use too much cheap plastic. But for the money, this has got to be the best thing out there. Saturn service cant be beat and (this is my 4th Saturn) the cars are very reliable.

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  Saturn 05 Vue never gave me trouble - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By sandy131 - October 25 - 8:52 am

  I am giving my Vue to a friend in need. I purchased it new in 2006. I changed the oil every 3K miles and its at 240K miles now. It has always started and drove perfectly and still does. The only odd thing that happened was at 200K the brake light went on. A sensor in a rear wheel malfunctioned. It wasnt much to fix. I did have to replace the front wheel bearings twice. That may have been due to driving often in NYC and rough roads in the Catskills. Just usual replacements other than that (muffler, tires, battery, brakes).

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  Good small SUV - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By wash51 - October 21 - 6:33 am

  I am happy I decided stop in to see the new Vue. I did the usual and checked out the CRV and Rav4 as well as the new Forester. I have a 97 Outback and love it even with the unbearable seats. I so much wanted the new Forester to make the grade, but the seats were to much to take. In dismay I drove into the nearby Saturn dealer and test drove the Vue. I was knocked out by the quality, fit and finish and comfort. The details are great from rain-sensing wipers to forgotten turn signal warning tone. I have had it for about 3 months and love this vehicle.

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  Love my VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Paul - October 15 - 6:20 pm

  I was just about ready to buy a CRV, when I saw this on the next lot over, my wife wanted to look and Im glad we did. The v6 gots a ton of horsepower but still gets great mileage. I average around 25 mpg, and I was so relieved by the low pressure sales approach. Would definently recommend to anyone in the small SUV market

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  You Get What You Pay For! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Jaysmo - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2 yr old Vue has been into the shop for many problems: the AC leaked into the interior, (I was told this was normal), the breaks sqeek, (again, normal), I need to double shift to get the car into 1st, (again, normal), the front struts needs replacing, and finally the ceiling fabric and lights came crashing down after the dealership screwed that up. This not including the 12 times we have been back to the dealership after they either scratched the paint, floor boards, and radio or got grease on the seats. Finally, Saturn doesnt want to be bothered once you purchase the car. Ill never by another GM, let alone another Saturn.