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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  2004 saturn vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By woven - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a new owner and so far I am impressed with the performance. The dealership lacks organization and customer comforts. Service is over worked and delays are regular. Better interior design would be appreciated. A better audio system would also be appreciated.

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  wow!!!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By caz - September 13 - 1:43 am

  excellent handling and ride, incredible V6 engine, bigger than all the rest. and priced right too

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  Scully the Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By VINNY - September 11 - 10:23 am

  I used to own a 1999 Saturn SL2 and that car went to the depths of hell and back with me. I was in the market for a new car and Saturn had a 0% finance promotion running. I gave it a shot and fell in love with the VUE V6. It handles like a sports car and has the kick of one too. With 260 HP, you actually feel the power rather than waiting to catch up with it. Curtain side airbags make it safer than most SUVs. Highly recommended.

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  Happy Driver - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Happy Driver - September 10 - 8:36 pm

  The new 2008 Saturn Vue was a complete surprise to me. My friend had suggested I add it to my lists of considerations... which were the Lexus RX 350, Envoy Denali, and the BMW X3...I wanted a small luxury type suv. I completed rejected the idea. My fiance and I happen to drive by the Saturn dealership and I saw it....I feel in love with the exterior, was amazed by the interior, and after driving it I had to have it! I got all the features and looks I wanted without the heavier price tag. Im absolutely loving my new Saturn Vue XR and from the comments and looks I receive so are others.

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  Fun to drive, fun to own - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Alex - September 8 - 3:06 pm

  Naturally Im still in the honeymoon stage with my VUE, but I am quite pleased with the purchase. I was looking for a vechicle that would hold the family and still provide excellent gas milage for my daily commute. This VUE has both to offer with a generous cabin space and an efficient engine that puts out about 32 miles to the gallon (mind you I have a 5 speed manual transmission). The easy going, no haggle atomospere of the dealership was a welcome change from the high pressure "what do I need to do to sell you this car today" sales pitch of other dealerships.

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  At 5K miles, still feels like a steal! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By rvdown - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive got about 5K miles on my VUE and it seems like the best deal for the money. Lots of space with gas mileage you can deal with. I was going to get the ION but with the VUE deal at the time, it was actually cheaper to get a VUE than a similarly equipped ION. I have NO complaints as of now. Well see how the next few years go. Not to mention that Saturn makes buying a car so easy and hassle free that its SCARY! I would probably get something else at the upper levels (AWD, V6, Redline packages) but at the VUE FWD 5M level, you cant beat it.

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  Its not a Honda - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By ch - September 5 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle thinking I would keep it for 10 years. I agreed to the sale only because it has a Honda engine. Its been 1 and Im going back to a Honda or Toyota, even though Im upside down. Very poor resale, extremely noisy on the road and now 1 year later the brakes are squeaking! USA car - never again

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  One fine SUV - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By David Knight - September 3 - 10:00 am

  After almost 9000 miles my 2004 Saturn VUE (front wheel drive manual 4 cyl) continues to be a pleasure to own and drive. During a 3200 mile trip to New England and back carrying luggage and a bicycle carried inside the vehicle on an interior rack the VUE proved to be extremely comfortable even for my 6 1" frame. The ride is smooth and the four banger powerplant was adequate on the highway. Fuel mileage was in the 26 - 28 mpg range which is not bad foe an SUV.

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  Best darn car ever! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Murrieta Turtle - September 3 - 2:03 am

  We have owned several vehicles. When we came across the RedLine, we were in love. It handles great. Lets talk power...there are times I think I am driving my Surburban, which has a 454! The Vue is light weight with heavy weight power. Next in line to our Mercedes, our little VUE rocks. Thank you Saturn!

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  2005 FWD 6cyl VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By G. Markus - September 1 - 12:03 am

  Great vehicle for running errands close to home and for long trips. Very fun to drive! I have owned several Saturns prior and this seems to be comparable in quality to the others. The Honda 250 hp engine is fantastic with plenty of pickup for passing and hauling. Overall, very good to excellent buy for the price!