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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  Was Great! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rolo - November 3 - 1:13 am

  We purchased this vehicle brand new and have had it for 6 years. It has always been a very reliable vehicle but when there has been an issue and something need to get fixed it has always been a very expensive repair. For example rotors, brakes, the 100,000 mile tune up, but now we have had 2 repairs in the last month the first cost $1,200 and the second one is $2,500, both have been engine problems. So now we are going to say good-bye to our Saturn.

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  Glad thats over... - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Gregory - November 2 - 11:00 am

  I hate to bash this car, it got me around for bout 7 years and over 100k, but: This cars been my rival the entire time- Pros: This thing is pretty safe. I have been in 3 notable accidents (most recently fatally colliding with a deer) which have left me completely safe and confused that my vehicle had collided with something! Cons- This whole car (Including critical engine components) is made of cheap plastic, prone to dissentegrate and collapse in dire, drastic and expensive ways. Its all hunky dory til your engine almost seizes or your shifter breaks, leaving you in 1st gear and 30miles from the nearest soul. Thanks, Saturn.

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  2nd Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By sebovol - November 2 - 10:43 am

  Great gas mileage, 25mpg average. Roomy in both front and back. 64" and dont even need to put front seat all the way back. Plenty of room in back still. Easy to get in an out of. Sunroof is great! Great pickup. Very economical.

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  SATURN VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By arie - November 1 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE OWED AN SUV AND I AM THRILLED WITH IT. THE RIDE IS GREAT AND I AM SO PROUD OF IT ON THE ROAD. FROM NOW ON I WILL ALWAYS BUY A VUE.

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  Saturn VUE AWD - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By T F Moran - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a really good value and driving experience! Could improve on gas mileage, and make a larger gas tank!

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  A whole new VUE of things - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By New Vue - October 29 - 12:20 pm

  We were in the market for a small SUV but didnt really like many. We hadnt even considered the Saturn until we went on vacation and got one as a rental. We were impressed with the comfort, handling, mileage,plus easy access to all the controls. It was quick even though it was a 4 cyl. Well when we returned from vacation we became the new owners of a 6 cyl VUE ( wanted a little more umph ). We couldnt be more pleased. This is a nice vehicle that handles and rides like a car but the features of an SUV without all the expense. In our opinion a real winner!

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  Love it! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tonyt - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a brand new Saturn Vue, 4 cylinder. I chose 4 cylinder, because I HATE to spend lots of money on gas, and Im not big on snow or mountains so why bother. It is roomy, especially for a midsize Suv that seats 5. I can have 2 carseats and an adult in the back seat. And the rear space is great. It drives very very well, with great handling. It has a very modern look to it, not trying to look like everyone else, but others (Chevy) has tried to copy it with their new SUV. It gets excellent gas mileage. I have not found my 4 cyl to be loud or noisy at all. It has great pickup on the highway and drives great around town.

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  I REALLY like my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By RDsfolks - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Suburban to a Vue. I was looking for something smaller and easier to drive around town. The kids are grown so we dont need the capacity of a Suburban anymore. So this Vue fits me just fine

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  11000 Miles and Happy - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By R. H. Cole - October 27 - 8:00 am

  I have had this vehicle a little over a year and have driven in all types of weather (its a Minneasota car). I have told my wife that this is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned and having just turned 80, I have owned most of them. I am surprised to read the poor reviews this auto has recieved in "Consumers Reports". I have had absolutely now problems at all and have been quite happy with the dealership. Could some of the reported quality problems be a function of a particular assemby plant?

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  t6 - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By t6jb - October 25 - 10:00 am

  very loud ac sytem gave me a headache while running on high. loud engine noise