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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  Worst Car Ever - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By 2002vue1229 - June 12 - 9:31 am

  One month after purchasing this car the engine light and wrench light came on. The DRLs will turn off and on randomly, the horn will come on randomly and wont shut off. Now the vehicle wont start. I shut it off at home and the next day it wouldnt start. This happened once before and I had to reset the security system and it worked, now nothing will work. I dont know what to do with this junk. Dont buy this car!!!

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  alternative to CR-V - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By BadgerBacker - June 11 - 8:36 am

  After seriously considering the CR-V and Element from Honda, the option to get a Honda-made V6 renewed our interest in the Vue. This is our second Saturn (98 SL2), and I can say that the designers have improved on earlier deficiencies- better soundproofing. Nice gauge cluster with aluminum trim. Center controls (small buttons) will be tested with winter gloves - but probably not too much, as the heat is quick & heated seats are toasty. Its a quality car for the money. Im hoping for Honda gas mileage, but not seeing it yet (21 ave MPG). Roomy rear seats, easy to fold down, cargo bin functional, but seems cheap (plastic interior comments are true, but its not a Lexus); tight ride.

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  Another happy Saturn VUE owner - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By caseas - June 11 - 5:53 am

  This is a great vehicle. Very quiet with plenty of zip. Very comfortable ride. I think its one of the best kept secrets in the small-mid size SUV range.

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  Great Updates for 2006 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By VUE - June 3 - 5:10 pm

  Great vehicle especially after the updates for 2006. If you drive the 4 cylinder automatic near the speed limit you will get over 30mpg highway. After more than 10K miles no problems and gas mileage is great. It does have pep for a 4 cylinder though it will degrade gas mileage quickly if you race it around. I use an iPod with the aux input. Just buy a 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack from RadioShack. OnStar diagnostics are emailed. OnStar is great and safe. Green Line hybrid version should be interesting when it comes out later this year.

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  Steel safety cage saved our lives - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By robin - May 31 - 8:40 pm

  Originally bought my VUE for increased security and safety for commuting 84 miles to work daily. We were t-boned 10 miles from home by a truck at a speed of 85 mph from drivers side. the air bags deployed without causing any injury. The steel crumple cage performed as designed with the driver/passenger compartments remaining intact. The ability of the VUE to take this kind of impact with minimal injuries to driver and passenger has convinced me to buy another. The other truck exploded on impact and was destroyed. Very thankful to have purchased my 1st suv from saturn.

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  Sleeper SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By WinSideJax - May 28 - 9:53 pm

  I drove everything SUV. The Saturn was the last place I went to and I fell in love with this vehicle. It screams, handles great, and is quiet at 70mph and itll get there quickly. And all for 10k less than anything else! The interior is very nice, doesnt feel cheap. I love the mix leather and cloth seats. The stereo rocks with XM. OnStar was a huge plus. And there is more than enough room for me to carry everything I need for work, and thats a lot. Its engine is made by Honda. I just cant find anything wrong with this SUV. Quiet, comfortable, open, with alot of git up and go.

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  First SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Beldar - May 28 - 10:00 am

  First the cons: The "sloppy steering" is correct, especially when quickly accelerating or accelerating on a rough surface. Seems like the vehicle wants to float to one side, and when braking hard it pulls to the right (supposedly by design). The pros: good ride, great price/value (heated seats are wonderful for those with back problems) remote keyless entry, power windows/locks, etc. make this vehicle easy to get in and out of (yes, large doors too) and even with all this it was only in the $21-22k range. 24 MPG in the city, about 30 on the highway isnt bad for a 4-cylinder SUV.

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  The Vues OK - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Former Forrester Guy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Peppy engine really gets up and goes, but MPG around town 15-16 range. Wanted more room than the Forrester, and got it. Visibility limited when turning due to large corner pillars in front.

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  More Bang for the Buck - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Hometown - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The VUE with the Honda engine is a screamer. It meets my standards of ride and handling. Nothing in the same price range (with incentives) is close. The VUE goes for about what a plain Jane V-6 Accord or Camry does. When you look at the V-6 SUVs, they cost a lot more and have worse power to weight ratios, for example the base line Porsche Cayenne. It about the same size, has about the same set of standard goodies, but it has 3 fewer horsepower and weighs 1100 pounds more. It also costs about $24,000 more. IÂ’m happy as a pig in mud with the VUE. IÂ’m mystified by the number of connoisseurs of plastic. How much do they want to pay for better looking plastic?

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  Great SUV; some problems - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Saturn lover - May 18 - 2:40 pm

  I bought the VUE new in September of 2003 and have loved it. Ive always had good gas mileage and it has always been dependable. After owning it 6 years I finally had to replace the battery (replaced the tires at 5 years). The only major problem Ive had was an electrical short that cost me $1000 to fix. I first took to a Saturn dealer in December and they tried but obviously did not have anymore experienced mechanics. I finally took to my local GM dealer (Chevrolet) and it took a couple of trips but their mechanic knew what he was doing! It still runs great and this is the 3rd Saturn Ive owned and I would buy another if Saturns werent being phased out!