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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  My Saturn / My piece of junk - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lou - January 27 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had problems from day one with my Saturn Vue. Im still trying to get out of my lease. There are parts of the interior that are broken (air vent). I cut myself on the back door edge. It handles very poorly in the rain. The puddles pull it all over the road as if the car is too light. The tires will not keep the correct amount of air pressure on the passenger side.Why!? My model is a 5 speed manual. Its difficult to put into first and second gear. Ive owned three Saturns since 2000. I currently own a Saturn Ion and Saturn Vue.I think the quality and customer service satisfaction has really gone down hill. I will no longer recommend buying Saturns to anyone.

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  So far so good - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Albert - January 27 - 1:00 am

  I bought my Vue new in 2004 and now have 102,000 miles - almost exclusively highway miles. Overall, I am satisfied with the vehicle. Engine is fantastic - nice power and mileage. I have not had any significant maintenance expenses until recently. My biggest complaint are the brakes - really bad front pulsations that require the rotors to be refinished every 12K miles. Just replaced front stab bar links (very creaky) and right rear wheel bearing/hub assembly - it was producing very loud road noise. I plan on keeping this vehicle as long as I can and so far it has been a nice car. I just wish I knew of a better front brake combination than OEM parts.

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  Good first try at an SUV Saturn - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By lestat4823 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Very smooth driving 60mph feels more like 30mph. Excells on snow,In fact last year my road was repaved and I had no problem getting to and from my home despite sand/gravel/mud/holes/hills, where other automobiles became hopelessly stuck. AWD works seamlessly. If expecting a Lexus/Mercedes/Volvo you would be let down (but its half the price),remember this SUV was designed to be affordable. I looked at the competition and just had to come back to the Vue because of the well designed roomy interior, alot of thought went into this SUV. The dealership is a joy The VUE is WONDERFUL for the price! The handling is precise the engine is peppy gotta

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  Nice SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Luv my Vue - January 24 - 7:30 am

  I love my VUE. Plenty of room on the inside. Smooth ride and great power. Only downside is a lot of wind noise and outside noise

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  Good, inexpensive SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Zillafire37 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  After comparing SUVs in the 20K range for a while, I settled on buying her the Vue. The interior isnt the best, but it works, is comfortable, and most importantly, is big for the price. The optional CD sound system is terrific. Spirited driving can be rewarded IF and only IF the driver is smooth with imputs to the throttle. The CVT does not respond very well to abrupt throttle changes, but is very acceptable for reasonable driving.

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  Update- 42K miles - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Mattpowl - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Throughout my Vues life, I have had lots of issues. The front end suspension was replaced twice, fuel gauge broke, and some interior plastic delaminated. The wind-shield wiper nozzles were replaced 3 times! On the more major issues, the engine had a weird problem with condensation in the PCV valve hose that caused it to run very poorly in the winter. Also, an issue with the oil cooler cover gasket that resulted in coolant leaks. Although I like the vehicles performance and have had decent customer service from dealer and Saturn Corp (they gave me a 5-yr. 60K extended warranty), I am very disappointed.

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  Saturn Vue Redline Model - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By pleased1 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the saturn vue redline. I love the exterior of the vehicle and the drive. It handles well on the highway. Though the noise level was a problem at times. Hopefully the designers will work on these things for the next model. Overall I do love my saturn.

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  The VUE is Great - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Harold Jones - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Over 20 mpg in mixed driving. Excellent in snow. Handles like a car. Fold down seats are great. Power is outstanding. You wont be disappointed. Brakes almost as good as four wheel disks.

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  Good Looking, but!..... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By vicbrum - January 9 - 10:00 am

  One of the best Looking S.U.Vs around,but lacks refinament very cheap interior. The four cylinder is noisy and lacks the power of the europeans competitors,the fuel economy is poor and the gas tank small for this kind of vehicle,does less than 300 on a full thank of gas.Strange for an S.U.V. not to have anything for a passenger to hold on to ride,enter ou exit the vehicle.

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  Great - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DGuzman27 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt drive anything other than this Saturn!!! OK I might have to check out the Relay