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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  Its Ok to Buy American Again - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By so1stros - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Just bought 2 weeks ago, this car is a lot of fun to drive. The 5 speed is great, lots of room, great (blue) color. Lots of people notice this car. Not the same old, same old SUV look, and looks like it costs thousands more. Im a Nissan/Mazda devotee, but was impressed with ratings, so Im hoping this car proves its OK to buy American again...

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  Love/Hate relationship - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By MP - September 13 - 2:36 am

  Ive had the Vue for 3 yrs and enjoyed until it started having problems at 40k miles. Handles OK in snow. Was able to get up steep hill in 2 in snow with minimal slippage. Gets 19/26 mpg. Love the layout of trunk. Unfortunately needs work now. Hubs bad and thermostat went out last year. Work cheaper to get done by someone other than dealership. Loved it and hoped to own for several years until it started breaking down at so few miles. Wish it didnt have problems.

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  Awesome Ride - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Lauren Anne - September 8 - 3:36 pm

  This SUV was everything I wanted and more in a car. The quality is outstanding. This car has an incredbily smooth drive, great turn radius, and is an all around safe SUV. I cannot imagine owning another SUV and I would highly recommend the Saturn VUE to anyone.

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  Our Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By harrisfamilyfarm - September 8 - 10:00 am

  After having numerous repairs done on our old van, we decided to purchase a Saturn Vue. This vehicle has been reliable and comfortable for this family on-the-go. We are very pleased with our purchase and look forward to many years of driving pleasure with our Saturn Vue.

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  Michaels Vue of the Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Michael Fodor - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I feel it is the best machine I have ever had. It does everything it is supposed to do, very well. A good value for the money, which is quite a bit less than the gas hog suvs. And speaking of gas mileage, mine does better than rated both in town and highway. Its a well made, well thought out machine. But for the people who want to compare this suv against an suv that cost twice as much as a Vue does, well these people are bound to find some differences. But for half the money in some cases, I can do with less chrome and better gas mileage. Then again, for thoes people who want to put down the Vue, maybe I got the only good one they ever made. :)

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  Love my VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By driver - September 3 - 4:03 pm

  I love my Saturn VUE. This is the second Saturn Ive owned. Im so sad that GM has chosen to end this great car company.

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  ETC problems - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By torres7 - August 29 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car new in 2008 and the service I received from saturn was great, but now they are no longer here. I have a problem with the ETC light coming on and my brakes lock. I thought this would be under the warranty . But the GM dealer wants $$$$ to check the problem first and then I know Ill be seeing a bigger bill for the repairs and on top of that I have three items on recall which I never received any notice.

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  Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Kate - August 28 - 10:30 pm

  I have owned Saturns since 1995 when I purchased my first a 1995 Saturn LS 4 door. I loved that car. I was involved in a hit and run and they were able to fix the car with out having to total it. I drove it until 2002 when I purchased my second a limited edition L100 at that time I handed down my 1995 to my son for his first car. My 2002 was hit by two different deer the first in 2003 on the drivers side and then in 2005 on the passenger side. The car was repaired both times and you could not even tell it had been in hit. In 2006 my husband and I were ready to move up to the SUV so we purchased the 2006 Saturn VUE V6 AWD. This has been a great car and still going strong.

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  the best car I ever bought - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bill mardavich - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This suv is a fun car to drive,easy to understand,smooth ride (on the bad new york roads). You really can see saturn tryes to build a great car(suv) and really put this one together well. I think when people understand what this truck is all about, saturn will have a hard time keeping them in stock..

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  Would do it again... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MaineWoman - August 28 - 10:00 am

  It is very comfortable and predictable to drive and I love my bright red one!! Not crazy about the interior design...but getting used to it. Handles well!