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:

• 

  New Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Melisse - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Had a 280ZX Turbo and this corners and handles sometimes better. Just returned from snow in mountain and it handled just as good or better than other all wheel drives on the same road. Very impressed.

• 

  Saturn SUV, Polar White - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MistyTatianna - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The speedometer is not accurate. Everytime, it gets to 1,000, it clicks back to 0. It will not show the thousands. How do I know, if this particular SUV, did not have thousands of miles on it, because it just showed 34 when I purchased it. It doesnt have the amenities that my Saturn coupe had, such as fog lamps, which I depend on heavily, as I live in "fog" country. The defroster works great.

• 

  LKLs Review - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By lkl - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the most comfortable SUV I test drove in this price range. It is very easy to get in and out of even for my elderly aunts. It handles beautifully in the snow, and goes up my steep snow covered drive with no problems at all. I like the plain interior, but I do not care for the location of the automatic window buttons. I love my Red VUE, and I smile each morning I go out and hop into it to head for work.

• 

  summer car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By little Mac - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I found that winter driving is not all that great. I put in two sand bags over the rear wheels. New tires on car, "all weather" do nothing for the car. Car is way too light with all the plastic in it. Rocks when cars/trucks pass. Fan squeeks when on low.. windows fog up and feet freeze as well as your rear passengers. Engine is VERY loud and outside sounds are like the door isnt even shut. Drink holder very awkward for driver. 8 cargo has to be on dash to fit.

• 

  AWESOME TRUCK - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jim stone - July 21 - 2:00 am

  LOTS OF POWER! FUN TO DRIVE, NOT SURE WHY THE REVIEW SAYS STEERING SLOPPY. I FIND IT TO BE NIMBLE AND PRECISE.

• 

  Saturn VUE- - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By stpetegirl - July 21 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle is very nice- but when spending close to 25,000 I feel like the vehicle shuld be a little more nicer then what it is.

• 

  Nice ride but gas is expensive. - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Ajel - July 20 - 10:00 am

  The get up and go is really nice, there is a bit of torque steering mech sais that is because the turning rad is so short. Braking, snow handeling, & highway is fine, engine is a bit raspy, the auto trans can be jumpy. The Gas mi is 14/16city 18/21hwy, over 5400 miles. My 1989 Montero did 19city 24hwy. My VUE is gold, I recieve alot of great comments.

• 

  very happy - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By kansas5 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I like the overall styling of the vue. It has a very comfortable ride and is fun to drive. I was surprised at the get up and go. the (2.2 liter 5sp manual) has plenty of power, I would recommened the saturn vue to anyone

• 

  I love this vehicle! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ellen Lee - July 16 - 11:23 am

  We purchased this vehicle as we are expecting our second child, and need more space for the second car seat. This SUV fits the bill perfectly. Spacious, with a nice ride. I feel very comfortable driving this vehicle. It does steer a bit like a boat, but I got used to that right away. We needed to save some money, too, and the lease affords us a savings of $100 less per month than what we were paying for our Mazda Protege 5. We enjoy this SUV very much!

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Wolfman - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my VUE a few days ago. So far, the vehicle meets or exceeds all expectations. The CVT transmission is glass smooth, and runs at lower RPM on the highway than even the manual transmission equipped VUE. Kudos to Saturn of Arlington. This is the first time Ive ever been allowed a 90 MILE test drive. Fuel mileage for its first fill up came in at 23.6 mpg - not bad considering the car had only a few hundred miles on the odometer. Fit and finish is superb. Im hoping that the same level of attention was given to the CVT. Acceleration is about average for a four cylinder vehicle this size.