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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  Got a Lot for My Money - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Michael G. - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The VUE is a fun, zippy (with 5 spd, attractive SUV. As a very tall guy,Ive found the VUE to have loads of leg and head room, even with the sunroof. The VUE can hold three adults in the back seat very comfortably- no sitting side saddle as in the RAV4 or CRV. Another great feature is the fold-flat rear and passenger seats, which almost double the cargo capacity. The 5 speed has great control and can make fast merges into freeway traffic. The VUE is well grounded on the road and provides a remarkably smooth ride. Summary: I love my VUE.

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  Abysmal 07 Saturn Hybrid Vue - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Zory - January 5 - 6:03 pm

  My 9 month Old Sat Hybrid Vue is abysmal, I have a number of repair order for Electrical Problems, Battery Harness Problems, Paint defects. It has been in all the service dept of the Bayarea, Pleasanton, Livermore and Stockton California. I commute a lot and break down in all those cities. Good Luck if you decide to purchase a vehicle that is unreliable. My Vue has a number of repairs not consider to be recalls and the consumer will never know the truth about the Saturn new line of Hybrids are abysmal. Good luck to you and if you buy it, then buy patience, and a lot of coffee so, you can drink it while you wait for a smelly rental which will be your permanent vehicle insted of your car.

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  wow! What a value for the price - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By cheryl - January 3 - 11:53 am

  I recently bought a 2007 FWD black Vue. I did my research and the Honda engine was really a selling point for me. The features on the car on great and I feel I have a luxury car without the high price tag. It has good pick up even thought it isnt a V6. Dont know why Saturn isnt seen more often on the freeway, but it certainly has me sold on the brand!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Berry Jeb - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I was not considering this car until I drove it. It is wonderful. I have had it for 2 months and I have really enjoyed driving the car. It is priced reasonably and performs as well as anything else Id driven. Recently, while driving on the interstate at over 60 miles an hour, I hit a deer. It was a large deer. The front was very crunched, and we had to have it towed because there was damage to the fan, but three people walked away from that car. It is very safe. I know from experience. It is in the shop now getting a new front end, but I cant wait to have my car back for I know how great the car is after my accident.

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  VUE just not ready for consumers - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VTInightmare - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I got this vehicle in June 03. By the end of July it was back to the dealer for 2 different transmission problems and the rear differential had to be replaced on the third trip. The VTI transmission is terribly flawed with problems. Starting to make noise yet again and I dread going back to the dealer with more problems. Other than a bad transmission the vehicle is great but thats a huge flaw. The VTI transmission is not ready to be on the market in this vehicle.

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  2006Saturn VUE 6cyl.awd - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By saturn customer jim - December 20 - 9:03 pm

  This is my 3rd Saturn and I think my last. Was disappointed that you get only a 16inch donut for a spare so if you are towing it and get a flat on the front you have to move the tire to the back and bring one of the rear tires to the front . Also to get a base plate for towing a piece has to be cut out of the bumper.

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  So far so good - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By dmzempr - December 19 - 7:13 am

  Just purchased this car used with low miles on it. Excited to see how it handles. So far I love the interior, the solidness of the build and the way it looks. Its really starting to shine. Ill be doing some good detailing on it since I am somewhat compulsive when it comes to cars. Replacing a 05 Ford Escape base model. I dont think even the 09 version of the Escape XLT matches this car.

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  Likes to spend your money - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By bsumorgan - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I got a redline, and it was a lot of fun, but every month I had it in the shop for some kind of maintenance or repair. To be fair, it probably has to do more with the previous owner than with the Saturn. Sold it after 10 months because you cant tow with the sport package. (no air flow to the transmission) Fuel economy was good, I averaged between 20 and 21 with the AWD v6. Interior is an odd combo of luxurious and cheap. Front end was noisy on rough surfaces. The AWD is not as good as ford/mercury awd. The back wheels only kick in a few moments after the front wheels lose traction. By then, it may be too late. It doesnt really do you any good on ice unless you intentionally break traction.

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  Fun & affordable - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By retired - December 17 - 1:36 am

  This is the second VUE that I have owned. I know Edmunds rates it a little above average for mileage. Comfort , looks, and service. I cant say enough about the service. Its 5 star. I took it on a trip to FL and averaged 27mpg. That 3.5 l v6 is great.

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  The Honda engine is great - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jim - December 14 - 8:03 am

  I really like the way my VUE accelerates. The 250hp V6 Honda engine makes it by far the best Saturn Ive owned (the VUE is my third Saturn). Its exactly what I wanted: nice styling, great pick-up when you step on the gas, and a good value. Oh yeah, smooth ride too.