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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Great buy - 2008 Saturn VUE
By LFK - December 13 - 8:43 pmPicked up our 2008 Saturn VUE XR AWD last week and are loving it! Great ride, toys, size, comfort, quiet ride. Engine pick up is quick but for this the gas mileage suffers a bit but its hard to find it all in one vehicle- power, economy and versatility. I would suggest the $595 convenience package as it provides a couple of nice additions- rain sensing wipers, heated washer nozzels and remote start system. I would have liked a back-up sensor or camera available like is offered in the Outlook. Overall very satisfied so far.
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Review of my first real car - 2004 Saturn VUE
By 20yrold - December 12 - 3:30 amI purchased my Saturn in 2008 and was a little worried from all the stories that I have heard. But to my relief none of them were true. I have had my car for almost a year and I have no no complaints. The only work that I have had to do was replace the front left wheel bearing, but i bought the car like that so I know what I was getting into. I love the way it rides and the way it feels like a small car when its not. My only complaint is that the dash is a little hard to dismantle when trying to put in a cd player, I lost 2 screws that I recovered and the hazard light button, and have no clue where it went, and no clue where to get another one.
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I like it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
By August75 - December 9 - 10:00 amIve had my Vue for about a month now and Im really getting a feel for the car. Ive read the reviews that say the 4 cylinder is a little loud, but this is the quietest car Ive ever driven. I feel so safe with my new baby in this car! I also dont feel like I pass 50 Vues on the way to work each day like some of the other small SUVs I see. I definately think she stands out a little. Im happy with my purchase because I love to drive it as well as my husband who drives a truck. It fits both of our styles.
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most troublesome car owned - 2003 Saturn VUE
By yankeesnj - December 9 - 10:00 amCompared to any other car I have ever owned, this car has been the most troublesome, less reliable car. Required several repairs, each of which took multiple attempts before the dealer could fix the problem. Both major issues were blamed (by the dealer) as design problems. This car was traded in (after owning it for only 14 months) due to the fact that I did not trust taking across country when moving. Although it was a great car to drive when it was working, the lack of reliablity caused this to be the worst car experience I have had.
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Love the Saturn Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
By Kirsten Hughes - December 9 - 9:00 amI first drove a Saturn Vue rental in 2007 when I went on an unexpected road trip. I was impressed with the comfort and performance. My daughter and I felt safe and the vehicle handled so well. In addition, it is so easy to get in and out of the vehicle without having to struggle.
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My big piece of junk! - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Karen - December 8 - 7:46 amI bought a used 2003 with 86,000 miles not from a Saturn dealer in June07. After only 2,000 miles I needed a new transmission which cost $4,000 and they informed me than, that wasnt the original transmission so the one I put in was at least #3. Just the other day mine took another ride on a rollback because of transmission problems. I only put 4,933 on a brand new transmission.They gave me a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty so everything is covered. Now theyre trying to sell me a new one but will only give me $3000 toward a brand new one because they know mine is a big piece of junk! And its AWD and loaded. I wouldnt wish this piece of junk on my worse enemy.
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Happy - 2006 Saturn VUE
By brad - December 4 - 3:43 amI just purchased my VUE and so far so good. I am nervous though since this is my second Saturn in a row that has squeeky seats and I hope that isnt a sign of things to come. Moderately quiet car, some wind noise but not too bad.
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Great Crossover Vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
By sbridgen - December 2 - 2:23 pmOur VUE fits all of our needs. We went from two cars to one, and we couldnt be happier with the utility this provides. The interior looks kind of cheap, but thats OK. I dont mind hauling 2X4s, mulch, etc. in it since I dont have to worry about destroying a beautiful interior. We carry our road bikes, camping gear and ski gear in it. Weve never gotten stuck in the snow. We also drive it to work in the city every day. Dent proof doors and tight turning radius are invaluable there. Weve also taken many road trips, and it is very comfortable. Road and wind noise are awful, though.
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Great Car - 2003 Saturn VUE
By mt - November 30 - 2:00 amBought the VUE in November and so far am very happy. Variable Transmission is loud when accelerating hard but nice during regular driving. Very good good car overall
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Good - 2003 Saturn VUE
By bombaybistro - November 30 - 2:00 amGood for the price
