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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  2007 Saturn Vue 5-speed Manual - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By kwakkerhead - September 5 - 9:32 am

  I bought this vehicle new. I have had few problems with it. Ignition coil and (as a result) catalytic converter went out at about 90,000 miles. A/C developed leak at about 100k miles. No other problems. This has been a comfortable and reliable vehicle that I never hesitate to take on long trips. Cargo space is excellent. Comfort for driver and passengers is excellent. Styling is acceptable. Handling is good for a small SUV. Gas mileage is excellent, as I average about 26-27 miles per gallon. Has 125,000 miles and has shown no signs of wear on 4-cyl engine, which is very adequate mated to the 5-speed manual transmission. All things considered, this has been an overall excellent vehicle.

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  Another Vue Lemon - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By LemonVue2002 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This Vue("LEMON")has been problems since the 1st day. Fuel gauge not reading correctly, struts replace 2xs, rotors replaced to "TRY" to correct thumping and stearing wheel shaking 3xs, Seat cover strings pop off foam showing 3xs,water leak on floor 5xs, loud engine vibration 4xs. Saturn dearler still did not fix any of the problems. After many attempts to fix problems their answer: ITS THE CHARACTERISTIC of the Vue. I DONT THINK SO.I will never by a GM product agian!!!!! Ive learned my lesson once again!!!!!bye bye SATURN. Never Again.

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  Great Drivetrain, So So Everything Else! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By D Buck - September 4 - 5:03 am

  We came for the Honda V6 and no haggle pricing. We got a decent CUV for $19,700 out the door and headed straight to the shop for a GPS and leather seats. A/C died 3 times until they finally replaced the leaky compressor. Brake rotors rusted on the inboard side. Ignition switch is shot. Keys falls out. Suspension squeaks when it shouldnt. I work on cars for a hobby/profession so well keep her around but be prepared for those unexpected trim and other weak systems like the suspension design to chase your nickels and dimes. Id still buy the car all over again! All cars have their issues!

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  Cant Be Beat for $25K - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HomeBase - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a Toyota Seinna and after looking at many cars and reading about them on Edmunds, the VUE was a "dark horse". But with the updated interior and 250HP V6 for 2004, it became clear that this vehicle is really fun to drive and easy on the pocket book. With comfy leather seats, moonroof, MP3 player, great gas mileage (so far 26MPG),great reliability for this drivetrain and excellent safety ratings, this makes for a GREAT vehicle.

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  driving my Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Donna M Poulin - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The problems with my saturn are the steering pulls to one side or the other.It is to sensitive to the crown in the road,if the road is alittle lower on the left it pulls to the left. (to sensitive)Its a fight to drive the car. The transmission shifts late or at to high an RPM. Dirt, and road sand,and salt get between the rear door and the rear quarter pannels almost inside the car. I see a rust problem ahead.

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  Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Johnny - August 28 - 10:06 pm

  This car has been a nightmare. No less than 5 recalls since purchased; the transmission needed to be replaced (not one of the recalls), and the seat fabric stains if you drip clean water on it! Also, for a relatively weak four cylinder engine, the gas mileage is just not good. I will never, ever purchase another GM product.

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  Great Buy!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By nine - August 28 - 7:53 pm

  Went from a 3/4ton Suburban to this tiny Vue, I absolutely love it!! I have had it a year with no problems what so ever! Stock stereo is great nice and loud! There is plenty of room for my kids and travel and camping gear. The dent resistant body is great keeps it looking smooth. Very classy sophisticated family car!

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  Wind noise - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Smith - August 27 - 3:06 pm

  The only complaint I have about my VUE is the wind noise, lots of wind noise. Also in bad weather when you open back doors there is mud rain snow rock salt that has came in under the door. Seems to me they should of sealed around doors more and also windows. The seal is a hard plastic not like rubberized on most cars. Also the window controls are in an odd place, hard to get use to. Other than that I love the drive and ride of it.

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  Bought Used Love It - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By nicevue2007 - August 23 - 5:34 am

  Overall I really like the car. The Honday V6 has plenty of power yet gets great mileage. A dependable car, but more suited for smaller people. Great for around town or short trips (3 hours). Again, probably more comfortable for smaller people. Its compact, interior space is decent, seats somewhat small. Good features, everything within reach for driver. Moderate road noise, car has a few interior noises mostly caused by plastic folding cargo box in back. Recommend for second family vehicle with small children or older couple. Not ideal for large people.

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  Bad Design, Poor Quality - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By demein - August 22 - 1:36 pm

  This was the first gm/Saturn I have owned new off the lot. I must say it looks great and the wife wanted it just for its looks. Beyond that, it was a terrible displeasure owning it and dealing with all the problems the came with dealing with Saturn corporate customer service. List of problems: keys being locked in car automatically (like while pumping gas). Car does not shift properly. Aggressive acceleration with out driver input... Just takes off. Parts breaking: door handles, windshield wiper tank tubes failure of airbag system sensors. Transmission problems with downshifting when accelerating. Instrument cluster / panel failing. 48 days in the shop in less than 6 months.