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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  Great College SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Lillian - September 25 - 9:43 pm

  This car was purchased for my daughter to travel back and forward to college. We love the reliability, OnStar, and cargo space. We no longer have to haul her college supplies. She enjoys the interior space and thrilled with its handling. Im no longer worried when shes on the road. Her only complaint is the gas mileage, however, shes a college kid and has to purchase her own gas.

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  Terrible Road Noise - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Mary - September 23 - 11:50 am

  I bought my 2006 Vue new and have no complaints except for the road noise. I thought it was the tires so I changed and got new ones but it still is so loud. It sounds like a 4 wheel drive truck. It is a really loud humming noise and it about drives me crazy. I love everything else about the car except this noise. Excellent gas mileage, plenty of room. The seats could be a little more comfortable but not bad. The power it has is unbelieveable and when washed and cleaned up it looks brand new. If only I could cure the noise, I really dont think I could stand to go on a very long trip in it.

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  Reminds me of a Cadillac - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fkgaza - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The "Vroom with a Vue" article hits it on the head. For me, this is a very nice car. Im 64" and have plenty of room up front. Looked at the Honda CRV but was always hitting my leg getting in--and the CRV is sort of feminine, whereas the VUE is a more masculine car. And the Honda V6 really makes a difference for me as I have always thought GM engines are not as good as Japanese. Ride and power is great. The 17" wheels look really good too. And the leather seats, satellite radio and huge sun roof give it a Cadillac feel that just puts a smile on my face. I really like the care---and I thought I was going to buy Japanese.

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  More Fun Per Dollar - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Taoman - September 23 - 10:00 am

  My VUE is what a car should be, practical, economica and reliable. For under 25,000 I have V6 power, leather, heated seats, sun roof, 25 miles to the gallon and great dealer suppor. I am a new Saturn customer who likes what they got for the money!

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  03 VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Whip - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We have had our VUE only 3 weeks and love it. Thus far we are very satisfied. Had a minor alignment problem, it drifted left, which the dealer quickly fixed. A solid vehicle with good performance for the money. Well thoughout utility throughout the vehicle.

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  Big hybrid - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Tom Roberts - September 14 - 10:03 pm

  It does not get what I had expected in gas mileage, I really only get about 15 miles to the gallon. I could have done better with a smaller engine or a smaller car. Its a nice car to drive and very comfotable. I think they are misleading in gas mileage numbers and real commuter driving. All the repairs parts cost a small fortune also as well as the initial cost is more.

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  I love my Saturn! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Stephanie - September 11 - 9:56 am

  The fact that ours is a standard allows us to get better than average gas mileage. The best thing, though, is that we can fit everything we need for our three small children (ages 4 and under. Plus the dog! My husband is 63" and he fits in it comfortably. And the seats drivers seat adjusts completely. I was able to get in and out comfortably two days after having our second two children by c-section and could drive comfortably even at 8 and 9 months pregnant with our third! This vehicle is great for families with up to three children. And the safety ratings are very good. There are child locks on the back doors and you can lock the windows so that they are controlled only from the front.

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  Grounded - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Vicki - September 9 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased my Saturn the exact day I moved to Anchorage, AK. My husband bought a Ford F350. My husband had several issues with sliding and such with all the snow and ice. In the 3 years I have owned my Saturn VUE I have only had 2 situations that involved me sliding on the ice, and they were both at corners, where I was turning. I felt the back end slide around just a bit as I pushed on the gas to turn. Both times were corrected by simply releasing and reapplying the gas pedal. I couldnt ask for a better car. Its traction has kept me safe and sound for three winters in Alaska. Sure put my husbands 4x4 pick up to shame.

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  Last forever - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By caochnaylor - September 9 - 10:00 am

  No worries; no problems @ 40k miles. Electric assisted steering not perfected, but most wouldnt notice. Nibble handling for an SUV Box.

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  Good Bang for your Buck... - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By LisaM - September 7 - 1:26 am

  I have owned a few of GMs vehicles. After talking with other Saturns owners, all of them said that they would not purchase any other vehicle. So, I decided to purchased the VUE. I just love it. Ive got so much for my money. No need to purchase packages, no need to add on anything, unless you want sunroof, leather. I didnt need that. But, everything else came in one package. I even got OnStar. The ride is wonderful. I previously owned a Buick Regal and it was a 6 cylinder and now have a 4 cylinder and I cant tell the difference. I now fill-up every week and 1/2 instead of filling up every week. Trust me on this. This is a good buy.