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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  2004 Saturn Vue V-6 model - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Apacherae - March 15 - 9:06 pm

  Saturn has built another great vehicle. With lots of power, great handling, and good looks; its hard to go wrong with a Saturn VUE. It rides very comfortably, dampens out road noise extremely well, and handles like a champ. When you need the power to get up and go, its there. The all-wheel drive with independent suspension is awsome. Plenty of room in the front and back seats and the cargo space handles most anything I have tried to put in it. Good standard stero package and the option to have a sunroof. For an SUV, the gas mileage is pretty good; just dont expect to get 30 mpg. I average 21 city & 26 highway mpg.

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  The Vue is sweet! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Mattpowl - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Being the third Saturn in my family, I had great confidence in the new AWD V6 Vue. Hats off to Saturn for a great design with some unique features. The electric power steering is really smooth. Handling is excellent and the gas mileage is very reasonable. The cargo organizer is very useful for grocery shopping. The AWD is great on snowy roads. Would definitely recommend to anyone!

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  good so far - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By grobby - March 12 - 5:03 pm

  I bought this car new a year ago. Its the 2.2 engine. Leather seats and sunroof. So far this has been a great car. I have 22,000 miles on it. I know others think that it is load inside, I actually dont. The car handles well and gets good gas mileage. I think that 06 Saturn was the best small SUV on the market at the time. The 06 had a make over both inside and out. I think it looks much better than the earlier models. I drove them all and settled on the Saturn. I really enjoy it

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  2004 sautrn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jbk - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The response, while not high performance, is exceptional in the 6 cylinder motor. Gas mileage is surprisingly as promised at the dealership (24 town, 26 highway). Steering response is acceptable, while not oversensitive.

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  A seat with a Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By yhensley - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I really have enjoyed by Vue. I have had many people stop me and ask about my experience with my Vue. They also comment on its sporty look. I must agree.

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  do not buy this car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By tm51 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  under powered plastic piece of junk poor gas milage 12mpg at best vti auto very noisy with tons of hesitation. interior noise every item squeaks from dash to doors. Unfortunatly i love exterior of car!!!!!! do not buy. also i own this car 5mons and msrp 23,400 car now worth 14,000 trade in wow never buy this car stay away

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  VUE THIS ONE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By ROOM 4 A VUE - March 4 - 10:00 am

  BEST SERVICE DEPARTMENT GREAT SUV GREAT ON GAS COMFORT DONT EVER GET ANOTHER DING HAD 2 YEARS NEVER GOT A SCRATCH YET GREAT PAINT QUALITY

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  uncomfortable - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By George - February 27 - 7:53 am

  The drivers cockit is tight and the seats are extremely uncomfortable. The gas milage is far less than advertised. The car pulls hard to the right on fast acceleration due to front wheel drive system not being able to manage horsepower of the Honda engine.

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  Great Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tuco - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent UTE! Great price and lots of room. Love the 5 speed, sports package and no dings. Outstanding value and reliability. Saturn takes care of their customers and treats everyone with respect. Lots of return buyers.

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  Happy to be rid of it - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By finally free - February 25 - 10:46 am

  At 32K the transmission went. Are you kidding me? I was initally worried about the strenght of the 4cyl as I do a lot of on and off highway driving. I was assured that I wouldnt notice the difference from the V6. I was wrong. More often than not the car would stop as I was pulling out on the hw....not very safe. Very disappointing for the amount you pay and the fact that this car depreciates at an unreasonable rate.