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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Dont Buy the 4cylinder if... - 2008 Saturn VUE
By BummedInBoston - October 24 - 2:53 pmDont buy the 4 cylinder model if you drive the highway. Local driving is fine. The car accelerates and handles fine, but on the highway it plays the little engine that could every 30 seconds. It cant handle any sort of incline & in the mountains its so bad that I have sought a trade in. And the gas mileage trade off is not stellar: I only get 22MPG. also dont buy with out factory installed roof rails. Without them you cant get an ofter market system. Period. I love the style of the car. If I could get the 6cylinder I would be happy.
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Good SUV to buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Odyssey - October 21 - 10:00 amIve had my Vue for almost a year now and it has had no engine or transmission problems. The truck is very economical for long extended road trips and requires very little maintenance. The VTI transmission definetly works best when combined with cruise control. Interior is very roomy and rear cup holder console is useful. The truck is easy to drive on the street, dependable and confortable. The traction control system is helpful on dirt roads. I recommend the truck to those who are looking for low maitenance, good gas milage and a compact designed that fits well in small parking areas. Good dealer service. The Vue is definetly not a sportscar.
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Think twice before you buy. - 2004 Saturn VUE
By L. Sheldon - October 19 - 12:16 amIn a nutshell, the vehicle has been self destructing from the moment I drove it off the lot. So far with 44k on it, Ive had to replace the following: Muffler, brake caliper pin & bracket strut mount, rear wheel, clutch, rear differential module, entire rear end assy, fuel sending unit, both mirrors, arm rest, windshield wiper jets, drivers heated seat switch, rear window glass, rear hatch lock assy, rear lateral link (recall), front hub/bearing assy. If something didnt break every few weeks, Id say its a great vehicle, but with over $7,000 in repairs done in a little over two years, you be the judge.
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People stop me to talk about this SUV! - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Nina - October 18 - 8:53 amI have literally had 3 complete strangers come up to me in parking lots to ask me about my new Saturn Vue SUV! Its modern exterior turns head and its interior is much nicer and more stylish then the Lexus I traded in. This SUV is a real pleasure to drive. I really didnt expect to like it more then my last SUV which was a 6 cyl. This 4 cyl. is quite smooth and gets good mileage. I do almost 95% city type driving and its peppy in town. There is plenty of room for my family of 4. I got a model with heated seats, storage area cover and mat, roof rails and sunroof - which only added about $1500. This car is a great deal for your money!
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Love, Love, Love It! - 2005 Saturn VUE
By J. A. Carlucci - October 16 - 10:13 amAll I can say is so far, so good. Its a fun vehicle to drive, and as comfortable as sitting in my living room, even on a trip to Florida. Have had no problems at all yet.
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Awesome!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Spike123 - October 16 - 10:00 amThe Vue is an awesome, easy and fun to drive vehicle. The longer you own one, the more you like it. I feel safe and comfortable in the drivers seat!! Love it!!!
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ONE GREAT CAR - 2004 Saturn VUE
By JIM JONES - October 16 - 10:00 amONE OF THE BEST SUV ON THE MARKET
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Nicest SUV Ever! - 2006 Saturn VUE
By SaturnVue2005 - October 15 - 8:40 pmLove my VUE. This is my 2nd Saturn. Very nice and refined. Better than the 2002-2005 they were more rugged. Now that they redesigned the 2006 Saturn VUE it is more refined. It kind of looks like an Acura MDX. But love it to death. Love the features especially the chrome roof rack, sunroof, the heated leather seats, real wood interior, on- star, the excellent 5-star safety rating, keyless-entry, and friendly company.
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Not Happy with my 2008 Saturn Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
By joyous83 - October 13 - 9:13 pmThis car has given me nothing but trouble. Ive lost count how many times it has been in the shop. Im lucky that so far everything has been covered under the warranty. The wipers dont work right, have had problems with the AC, seats stain easily and many other problems. Now its in the shop because the computer system needs to be replaced. This is the 1st time I have owned a GM car, not sure if I will purchase another one.
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Nice vehicle for the money - 2007 Saturn VUE
By scopus - October 12 - 10:16 pmI recently bought this vehicle for my wife. Its just the two of us. Its larger than most "compact" SUVs and has a lot of power (Honda V6). The thing just wants to go. The free year of OnStar is nice, as my wife is famous for locking her keys in the car (once with the car running). The back storage is very versatile (love the grocery organizer). We opted for the tan leather interior, looks really nice with the wood trim. Its still relatively new for us, just a few hundred miles but weve been impressed with it thus far. And the dealer experience has been great, very painless, no pressure. Well definitely go back to Saturn for future purchases.
