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:

• 

  I love Saturn! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Daniel - July 8 - 7:56 pm

  Fantastic SUV! Best costomer service. This is the second Saturn I have owned (2000 SL1) and I love them. Except for normal wear and tear (tires, brake pads, battery) I have had no issues in the 4 years I have owned it. I bought it with 85000 miles on it and it now has 140000 miles! And still the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Even more than my Toyota Celica. Foreign Shmoreign! Saturn has done a supurb job on quality and always friendly staff! But because I love being able to park it in tight spots without a care in the world with the dent resistant door panels it REALLY disappointed me that they discontinued that on the new models. They need to bring them back!

• 

  Great Value In A Sport Utility - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Dale Chesney - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent seen a better value in a SUV. The Saturn Vue gives you a good sense of security in all kind of driving conditions. Great road clearance, passenger room, cargo capacity and overall comfort. For my family, its our second vehicle, that usually gets picked as the first choice for those trips around town. The composite exterior suggest that my Vue will look like new many years from now.

• 

  The good, bad and the ugly! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By cbruckner - June 23 - 11:58 am

  I bought my 2008 Vue 14 months ago with 33,000. I loved the comfort ride and all the bells and whistles, with the heated leather seats and nice interior design. Other than having to change the battery, with under 50,000, I had no problems or issues. Until last week while I was driving home and the RPMs started reving up and going back down and then the transmission felt like it wasnt engaged and I was stranded alongside the road side waiting for a tow truck. Verdict...transmission needs to be pulled to determine the extent of the problems. Now I have a rental with no promise of when my vehicle will be up and running again. Thank God it is covered under the 100,000 power train warranty!

• 

  Beware - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By LKO - June 20 - 10:50 am

  This is a really bad SUV. Do not buy, many things will break such as windshield washer pump, head gasket,oil will appear like a frappichino. All this will happen at 70K. This car is a total piece beware.

• 

  A View of the VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wlondon - June 20 - 10:00 am

  We ordered a VUE before the were available. Weve always had good experiences with Saturns. We picked burnt orange as a color because we liked it an we thought it would be different. Obviously many others thought so too.

• 

  Never again - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Lu - June 16 - 6:36 pm

  This car has been a nightmare from the beginning. Seems like ever 3 months something strange and new goes wrong with this car. If I could afford it I would dump it today and buy anything else. Today my husband is coming back from a trip and just called me to say the check engine light came on, and it wont accelerate going up hills. Its okay on flat ground. What a mess, we have to go find another dealer.

• 

  Im glad I dont drive much - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Boston - June 16 - 6:50 am

  I bought the VUE because I use public transportation and mainly needed an errand/recreational vehicle--so, mpg wasnt that important to me. Since Im averaging 18 mpg city driving, Im really glad I dont need it as my commuting car. That said, the car is nicest thing Ive driven and rides like a dream. I have the leather interior package and the heated seats, lumbar support, and climate control is just fantastic. My back windshield fluid sprayer doesnt work, but thats a factory problem and the dealership will fix it.

• 

  I like it!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Vue Crazy - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Nice body style. Drive smooth. pretty good for a 4 cynlinder.

• 

  Saturn Vue is Graet! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By RichJ - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This was the best purchase Ive made in a long time. Im a proud Saturn owner

• 

  So far so good - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Matt - June 14 - 8:23 pm

  I am impressed overall. The mileage is what I was looking for and have gotten it. Comfortable, stylish, and versatile. Just what I was looking for in small SUV.