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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  What a joy to drive - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Happy Vue Owner - September 29 - 7:56 pm

  A great SUV - for a great price! Ive had no problems with mine and I can honestly say I love this SUV. It handles great, shifter feel is solid, steering is silky smooth and ride is smooth and stable. Ive had no problems with my VUE. The 4 cyl is powerful enough and the 5spd is smooth and confortable. The build quality is good . Good price & coupled that with Saturn service, reputation & safety and I think its the best deal around.

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  Worst Transmission Ever - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Tony - September 29 - 6:26 am

  We bought this used, 85,000 miles on it, 30,000 later we learned that the transmission had a fracture and was leaking fluid. Beacuse no mechanic wants to take the things apart, it wasnt learned of until it was too late. We replaced it with a brand new transmission ($7000), and about 18,000 miles later it became completely fubar from the inside. Now we have no choice but to sell it and hope and pray the warranty we have will help us. Im moving onto the 09 CR-V

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  Great car - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Satisfied! - September 27 - 3:53 pm

  I have to admit I was a little unsure when my wife said she wanted to test drive this vehicle. Boy was I surprised. This is the new design and body style based on a GM European design. Finally, GM gets it right. This looks and feels like a luxury vehicle. The steering wheels, console and doors are very modern. Most everything is standard. We have a small child and one on the way so the 5 star crash rating and airbags everywhere really sealed the deal.

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  Better than I expected! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By redcar - September 27 - 11:46 am

  This is an excellent car & an excellent value for the money. I would highly recommend it. It handles well, is very comfortable & is fun to drive. The seat heaters are a great option. The versatility in the seat configurations allows for caring a lot of gear. Great car, go test drive one for yourself.

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  Love it - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Jacki - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Perfect size, fun to drive.

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  Love the truck - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By fire3712 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck and it was one of the first they had. It has been great. I have had no problems. I got the four cylinder with a 5-speed. It has great pick-up and the brakes are good. I take this truck everywhere. I down-sized from a Yukon and couldnt be happier. I would tell anybody to give this truck a chance. You will like it.

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  Dont believe Editors Ratings - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Brenda - September 26 - 10:00 am

  While the interior may be bland, and the plastic knobs cheap to some...I bought the car for reliablity....I LOVE IT !

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  Get An Attorney - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Pat R - September 17 - 11:36 am

  I just took the first step and called one. How long am I supposed to put up with this? At 17k miles the car started issuing the battery and engine malfunction warning lights with a few other icons thrown in. Then, engine shut-downs and loss of electrical power in mid-traffic. The eco light often disappears and I get no hybrid fuel economy. I just fill-up at the pump like everyone else. I use the car as a taxi. Imagine what my passengers thought when I had to pump the accelerator (and them) to safety as the engine failed and loss of electric power caused the steering wheel to lock on a local highway. Saturn just wants to keep "repairing" it with different parts. Its been a year, now.

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  No Regrets! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By aircap_aviator - September 15 - 3:55 am

  Bought used over a year ago. Wanted something that got decent gas milage, could haul my big teenage kids and had a manual trans. Vue was about the only thing I could find that fit all three. Gets mid 20s for gas mileage in city / mixed driving. Had 118K when I bought it and at 143K now. Only repairs were new struts in the front right after purchase and two new tires. Overall very happy with the value and what it does for me. Gripes? has new various rattles seemingly every time I get in, interior quality only average, and interior design is very lacking for storage.

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  My VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By bewolfe1 - September 14 - 9:36 am

  Very dependable. Mileage is less than expected. Front seating could be improved for larger senior owners.