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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  The VUE Rocks - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By pacificnorthwest - May 15 - 7:53 pm

  The VUE is one of the best SUVs around for price, with looks, performance and reliability. The layout of the center console is great, and both the driver and front passenger can control all the power windows and both power mirrors (If you have the power package). The design of the headlamps and grille are very unique.

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  Wow - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By ILOVEVUE - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I drove all the rest and this one is the best!!!!

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  I Love my Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By jjufon - May 5 - 4:30 pm

  I’m very much enjoying my new 2008 Redline Vue! I traded a 2004 ford Cobra so this was quite a difference, but I couldn’t be happier! My mileage was better in the Cobra but the fit and finish and options more than make up for that. I’ve been in much more expensive SUV’s and I’ve got to tell, ya, you’d be hard pressed to find a better interior and fit and finish anywhere close the this price. The NAV system works flawless and the way it handles MP3’s burnt to a disk is second to none too. If Saturn continues to offer this level of vehicle and price, I’ll be driving another new Saturn in three years.

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  Great VUW - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Trmx2 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  A solid value in the small size SUV catagory

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  Love my VUE! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By cmw123 - May 1 - 11:36 pm

  I absolutely love my VUE (V6, FWD)! I had a minivan prior to my VUE & I was afraid Id miss the cargo space & sliding doors, but I dont. I gained much better gas mileage from my van & the VUE is fun to drive. I average 21- 24 mpg, but on long road trips I average 26-28 mpg. I am thrilled to have something that has decent gas mileage, but still has plenty of room inside for my husband, myself & our 2 kids, who are both in car seats. The doors have large openings which makes it easy to get the kids in & out. The only thing I noticed is some wind noise due to the body design around the front windshield, but after driving it a few months I dont even notice it except for really windy days.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Jaysurf - May 1 - 7:20 pm

  The 4cyl engine has more zip than I expected, plenty for local traffic or entering the freeways. Seems as comfortable as most on the market. All cars seem to have a lot of plastic inside so dont see where the prior criticism has much merit.

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  Its my VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Renee - April 30 - 12:50 pm

  1st time Saturn purchaser went from a Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Ed. to a VUE FWD 6 and I Love, Love, Love it. Gas mileage is great Its fun and comfortable to drive I have put 2300 miles on it since the end of August. The interior is really nice and I feel that I can actually pack more into this vehicle than I could the ford. The wind noise is a little loud at times and the passenger seat isnt as comfortable as the drivers but its definetly better that my old SUV. I have the comfort package and love the dual temp heated seat(usually only have 1 temp in other vehicles) This is a fun vehicle and I can plug my IPOD right into the dash which I havent seen on any other vehicle(even high end)

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  Ride quality is exceptional - owned 1 yr - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By V6 XR owner - April 29 - 9:26 am

  The 2008 redesigned Vue has an exceptional ride quality. The comfort of the interior is much higher than several leading competitors we considered. The V6 XR is recommended over the V4 because of the vehicles weight. The 3.6 V6 is refined and smooth. Gas mileage could be better - but a steel unibody and a wealth of standard safety features are worth some trade off. A great vehicle, despite a couple irksome fit and finish repairs that were fully covered under warranty. Perhaps the best product thats come out under the Saturn label. Its amazing that a previous reviewer is trading down to a clunky Nitro rattle-box from this refined small suv.

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  Best Value for the Money - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By 2009 - April 28 - 2:06 pm

  I dont understand expert reviews that say the 2.4 Ecotect motor in the Vue is underpowered. Wards Auto World rates GMs 2.4-liter Ecotec as one of the best engines built in America. While not a dragster or a muscle car it has plenty of power to get on the freeway. It defiantly is not sluggish espesially from a stand still. Its gas mileage is better than expected at 26 miles per gallon city/freeway. We are past owners of Cadillac’s. Mama has not had to give up any luxuries. In fact some of its standard features are options on other sub-compact crossovers you have to pay extra for. We really do not feel we could have found a better value for the money. So far we couldnt be happier.

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  No more American Cars for me - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Juan Ontiveros - April 24 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this car because my wife thought it will be a good car for us. I bought it with 40000 miles and it has been problem after problem O2 sensors changed both front and back, muffler under warranty was changed now I have to change the thermostat this car only has now 75000 thousand miles and I dont want it anymore and we promised ourselves we will never buy an American car anymore only Toyota or Honda.