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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  5 Saturns & the best is the new Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Steve - February 24 - 9:26 pm

  Since 1996, I have owned 3 S series, an L300 and the 2008 Vue. I have experienced the Saturn evolution firsthand and, overall, am very satisfied with the brand. The new Vue is my first SUV and, so far, I have nothing but praise for the experience. I have been driving it for a week and the ride is very comfortable and the styling, both interior and exterior, is the finest Saturn has offered. I bought the 4 cylinder model for economy and drive 60 on the freeway and have averaged 22- 27 combo. Coupling this engine with a 6-speed transmission would improve the driving performance, though. The increased storage and bigger/better glove box are definite pluses.

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  First SUV, second Saturn - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By SecondSaturn - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I narrowed my choices to the 2008 Vue and Rav4 months before they hit the lots, test-driving them both the same day. Id also narrowed my choices between Toyota & Saturn 10 yrs earlier when I bought a Saturn SC2, and for pretty much the same reasons the Vue was an easy choice. Saturn makes good-looking vehicles w/superior color choices, that come well-equipped with lots of luxuries that make them especially fun to drive. I was impressed with its nimble handling, tight steering and solid stability at cornering. The 4000-pound 6cyl can haul 3500 lbs. Between OnStar and standard alarm, its safer from theft. I upgraded to the premium package, and now own one stellar car.

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  impressed - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By jamestot - February 18 - 2:00 am

  With close to 24000 miles of driving, both my wife and I are very satisfied with the VUE in all respects. Despite being a very early production car we took delivery of, we have had NO reliability problems save minor cosmetic items that were corrected with one dealer visit. Only complaint may be the V6 engine a little noisy on acceleration, but it is very quick and gas mileage averaging close to 22 mpg. SATURN dealer experience is great! Only if your accustomed to driving a crossover Lexus/Mercedes/Volvo/etc would you be disappointed (but its half the price). Jim

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  Vue put the fun back in driving - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Ljames - February 17 - 2:53 am

  I traded in my Lexus RX 330 about 2 weeks ago for the Vue Redline. While the quality of the interior materials cannot compare - the Vue certainly did put the fun back in my commute. The Vue is sporty to drive, quick response, easy to maneuver(u turns, tight parking spots). The interior headroom is better than my RX, but the front legroom is a little tight. Sales experience was good, financing with incentives made it easy. Hopefully the quality holds up and Ill be driving my Vue for many years.

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  No more Saturns for this family - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Done with Saturns - February 7 - 3:13 pm

  At 45K miles we have a Vue which is unsafe to drive. We spent over 26K and expected a worthwhile, safe, economical vehicle. After taking the car into the 2 separate Saturn dealerships for engine noise, hesitation, poor mpg, etc.. while under warranty nothing could be found. Now, we are told the brake caliper is shot as well as the torque converter- over $2000 in repairs and Saturn wants us to foot the bill for at least parts. We are battling it out with the Saturn Corporate- they are not so customer friendly when you have problems with your vehicle. Right now, we are just glad the brakes did not complelety fail with our 2 year old in the car! We should have spent a few more dollars on an X5.

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  1st year out - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Daivarie - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt even in the market for a new car when the Vue came rolling off the truck. I purchased the first one off the truck because I liked the look and the test drive of the demo. I received a great deal from the dealer as they were trying to push the Vue to get them seen on the road. I knew going into the car that I was going to have problems as do most cars in the first year of intro.Although Ive had several problems, mostly pertaining to the fuel portion of the vehicle, it has been a great car. Ill wait a year or two before trading it in for a new one, thus giving them the chance to fix the bugs.

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  LEMON! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Aimee Steven Perry - February 5 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Vue in March of 2008, the first weekend driving it the axle broke going up the steepest hill in our city. We were rolling backwards and could not stop, cost of repair 800. The next thing to go was in October of 2008, the BCM blew, the car would not start. Saturn told us it was not under warranty and not sure why it broke the repair would be $2000 Then the exhaust manifold cracked not only once but twice, cost of that $1000, when we replaced that we found that the bearings all needed to be replaced Dec 09.Most recent, our car stopped dead in traffic, we had to push if off the road, the car is not getting gas so it stalls unless you keep your foot on the gas.

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  Saturn VUE AWD6 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Delaney - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Compared to larger SUVs this one is really easy to enter and exit. Sits, drives and rides better than most cars. Great looking car.Firm seats comfortable on long drives, no back aches. Gas mileage good, lots of cargo and head room; some little quirks need to be eliminated, like window control placement and miss not having power seats up front!

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  It"s Great - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Great SUV - January 31 - 6:10 pm

  It is a great SUV and fun to drive. The 06 Saturn is one of the best looking SUVs the the road today.

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  Saturn V6 - VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By baskerj - January 29 - 2:00 am

  First off, Im a guy...not a soccer mom. ;) A very nice vehicle. I did not drive the four cylinder, so I have no feedback there. The V6 has a lot of get-up-and-go. Saturn has 8.4s for the 0-60 test. That is extremely modest. I like the exterior look, especially the orange (burnt cienna) at night. The interior is a little lacking. The cup holders are annoyingly low and the arm rests are too close to the body and low. I found a lot of people looking at me as if they had never seen something like it before. Obviously an overstatement, but Ive gotten a lot of good comments on it. If you havent experienced Saturn, try it out. Definitely the way to purchase a vehicle.