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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  1st Hybrid, So Far, So Good - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By tex - April 22 - 1:03 am

  We were instantly interested in the Green Line when we first saw it. We moved from a mini-van to the VUE to keep with the good mpg and cargo capacity. We ordered the car the way we wanted it (with all the options) and find it to be comfortable, practical, and economical. Mileage has been as advertised, running 26 mpg on the first tank in the dead of Wisconsin winter, to between 29 and 33 in early summer - mostly rural driving. The options have been worth it, especially the sunroof, heated seats, and XM radio. Drive it like a hybrid (easy does it) and be rewarded with good milage and decent handling - like a sports car (its *not* one) and be disappointed. Looks nice outside, OK inside.

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  Our Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By delrob - April 21 - 8:33 pm

  Nice car with great handling and performance. Good looking car with redline package and owner installed spoilers (front hood, sunroof and tailgate).

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  Reliable and Safe - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By wgpenguin - April 20 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Vue used in 2004 with 16,000 miles. I have had a couple of big things go wrong (transmission control module, water pump), but thats to be expected in a 9 year old, lower end car. I bought an after market extended warranty for $1,500 that is still in effect even now, and its been worth it. I now have over 120,000 miles on it and I still feel like its very reliable. My sister in law also had one - rolled it 9.5 times on the interstate and walked away with just bumps and bruises. Very safe!

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  VUE holding up OK - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By relantel - April 16 - 12:56 pm

  The 2004 VUE has held up well over the 3+ years we have had it. (69k on it in 39 months) No major complaints other than Saturn reneging on a warranty repair to the radio (it would not keep time) earlier this year. The 04 has a Honda engine - about the only reason we havent traded it in given our other difficulties with Saturn of late. Rear seat legroom is a bit cramped in the VUE. The audio system (6-disc in-dash changer) is a good one, and the original tires held up a full 60k before being replaced. It could use more than the front airbags, and the rear drum brakes, even though ABS, are a drawback as well.

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  The V-6 is the one to get - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jer2315 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle about 4 weeks, but it is already one of my favorite vehicles ever. It is fun to drive, has a kick to it and is roomy. I am 65" and I have the legroom ive been longing for in a Saturn vehicle. I have read very few problems with the V- 6 Honda engine in the 2004 - stay away from the Vti (4 cylinder automatic models)

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  4 Year Review Of the Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By DC270 - April 10 - 5:13 am

  This vehicle replace a 2000 Toyota Avalon with 118k miles. This car was bought new. It was quite good on styling and the comfort level was good for a vehicle this size and type. Ebgine performace was exceptionally good for a V6 type. The quality started ear;y on with the windshiled washer motor going out twice and some of the interior harware coming apart or just breaking with normal use. This was aggrevating and a dissapointment. We had the typical 65k brake job but did not expect the rear main seal of the transmission to go out after 65k miles11 This required the trans to be pulled and was a $600+ expense. I am not so much impressed with this vehicle now- the reliability is BAD!

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  Saturn VUE Better value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mike Nigara - April 8 - 3:46 am

  We chose the Saturn Vue over the Chevy Equinox because of the better value.The Bigger 250 Hp engine cost less than the smaller 185 hp Equinox. The Vue was more carlike and has a luxUrious interior versus the Equinoxs more industrial interior.The Vue has more standard features, less cost.The traction control system comes std on the Vue. Easy to drive ,easy to park, love the rear door access with the clever grocery-package compartment.Plenty of power with extremly smooth shifting.Go anywhere do anything with very good Standard value should make the Saturn Vue the right choice when deciding on a new SUV.

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  Horrible! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By mres08 - April 4 - 3:21 pm

  Worst car ever. After owning for 1 1/2 years, I have to get rid of it. Have is the key word. It died on the highway. Nobody can tell me specifically whats wrong with it because theres about 8 different things wrong with it. The engine is about to go. There are brake problems, engine problems, thermostat problems, etc. I regret getting this car-- its had problems since day one. No wonder Saturns out of business. The reliability of their cars are seemingly terrible.

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  Great car for school - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Cody - March 30 - 5:00 pm

  I love the car... I had a Firebird before and the VUE gets better gas mileage. I got a great price on the car. Its fun to drive, and looks great. It has lots of room. Its very reliable and has great quality, and comfort.

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  Its been a good car to me... - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By KAC1111 - March 16 - 8:43 am

  Ive loved having this car over the past 5 years. Its been reliable and has held up in looks and performance. Ive been extremely pleased with the aesthetics of both the interior and the exterior. I could never be happy with a car that lacked in either of them. The size has also been great. But now I have 2 large dogs and a child and sadly, there is not enough space when we go camping, etc. But Ive really loved this car even with its imperfections, i.e. the noises and the steering wheel stereo controls that change function from day to day. This will make a great used car when its time for me to sell.