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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  Outstanding - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By City Dweller - October 13 - 4:06 pm

  The vehicle gets 29 mpg on the highway and has excellent handling capabilities in the city. The 250hp V6 engine provides excellent power and lets people take notice of the Saturn.

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  big change - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By cacer - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I went from driving a 92 Chevy Silverado to my 04 Vue. What a difference 12 years makes. I love driving my Vue in addition to being the first vehicle I have ever purchased. I have a 2 year old and now she has planety of room to grow up in. Ive had a blast with the gas mileage. I used to never want to drive because it would use about half my tank to get anywhere decent, but with the Vue, I am always volunteeering to drive. Plus, my friends all think its comfortable.

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  2004 VUE V-6 FWD - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By 68eldo - October 4 - 10:00 am

  A great mid-size SUV, very peppy and has great utility. The XM radio is a plus along with Onstar. At home in the city and on the interstates. Very solid.

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  Flower - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By hewitt - September 30 - 9:50 pm

  We had a Suburban that we only got 16 mpg. My wife and I talked about hybrids and I suggested the VUE. We love the car great gas mileage we average 28mpg around town. I like the way it handles and rides. I would get another one when the time comes. Love the car.

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  I see the vue. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rusty24 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  i purchased the vue with aprehension as i have not owned a GM vehicle in over 30yrs iam suprised and satisfied so far with the over all drivability and performence of the vue.

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  Piece of junk do not buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Saturn owner - September 27 - 5:06 am

  I just purchased what I believed to be a nice little reliable SUV, WRONG! After buying it I was driving it home and half way there the transmission failed! Completely gave out, I have a full 100 point inspection done before purchasing it and it cleared everything no problems. Even the transmission according to the inspection was in perfect running order. I am now having to pay between 5000-7000 to replace it and am out a vehicle. I had no idea I was getting such a piece of junk when I bought it. I would never buy a Saturn again and warn anyone to stay clear away. I wish I had seen all these negative reviews before purchasing it!

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  Zippy Little SUV - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ted - September 26 - 1:13 pm

  Reliable, good gas mileage and different styling than all the cookie cutter SUVs out there. Drove it half way across the country, rides well, accelerates well, did great in the mountains. Front seats could use better lumbar support, bought a lubar pillow at the local discount store, it was a great investment. Drive it across the city every day to work and back, does well in traffic and accelerates well, even with the 4cyl. Had my doubts about buying a SUV with a 4cyl, but it is a zippy 4cyl and I have no regrets, especially with gas prices going up. Lots of interior room. Excellent turning radius, I can turn around on a 2 lane road without using the old Y-turn. I would buy another VUE.

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  Awesome SUV! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Dianatlol - September 15 - 6:33 pm

  We looked at the Mazda CX7 and the Redline the year previous we decided to check into the Vue again. We fell in love! I love the new style, I love the Retro look inside. V6 engine is the best. This SUV is a sports car in hiding! Wish they had the sunroofs available from the manufacturer, but that only means will will upgrade in 4 years!;)We love how it drives and the comfort, out beats the CX7 anyday!

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By paul - September 15 - 9:06 am

  You got to love this new VUE. Its like a rocket compared to others in its class. Love the new look on the outside. The inside looks OK, compared to the 05 VUE

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  Maybe its just me - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Ednava58 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Service writer is great. I bought the car in December and its been in the shop at least once a month since I bought it. Dont even ask about December and January. Two main complaints, there is a knocking noise, like someone is pounding on my car near the gas tank and Saturn hasnt found a fix for it. The other complaint is sometimes while driving, its feels like my transmission is slipping, or not change gears. This is one of the problems that I keep taking my car in, they did an upgrade once, but of course it never does it when a technican is riding with you. I think I would love this VUE if it didnt have problems, I think its possessed.