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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  Saturn has lost its touch - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By n8woods - August 31 - 7:33 am

  Weve owned 3 Saturns (years 1994- 2000), which have all have been very reliable. However, the VUE is definitely not. Gas mileage is decent (avg 25mpg) but mechanically speaking, we have had nothing but problems. The warranty only covers up to 36K miles for a reason: because at 40K miles, everything breaks! The ignition switch and muffler needed replacing at 39K miles and now the clutch and hydraulic well are corroded at 42K miles. Just within the last year, weve had to put nearly $1,000 into this car. With a little research, we found they changed the style in 2004 so most repairs must be done by a Saturn/GM dealership. Sneaky, sneaky! No more Saturns for us.

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  VUE = Great ValUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VUE Pilot - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my VUE for 2 months and have driven almost 7000 already without any problems. Avg fuel economy has been just under 25mpg. On a recent 3500 mile road trip the seats proved comfortable to my 6 foot 200 pound build. Very impressed with the car like ride!!

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  VUE Road Noise / Buzzy on Acceleration - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Vue Road Noise - August 23 - 7:00 pm

  I must say I bought a VUE in May of this year and Im not real happy. I had a luggage rack put on after markert by the dealership and the car makes a terrible road noise. The noise is overpowering even when the radio is on. It is very disturbing. The car also makes a buzzing noise when you accelerated. I would not of bought this vechile if I would of known about the road noise. I do not think this is a very well insulated automoblie. Im actually thinking of trading it off. I recommend before buying a car you drive it for a day or so before you sign the papers. Do drive with the radio off.

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  Could be a lot better - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lyle Hamm - August 23 - 2:23 am

  I have owned this car since Oct. 03 and have had it recalled several times - the drive shaft had to be removed and balanced, plus several other problems, it seems that the car is ALWAYS needing something done to it -- it is a poor ride (you feel EVERY BUMP) needless to say I would never buy another one.

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  Nice car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By d - August 22 - 12:36 pm

  I love this car. Although the onboard drive train computer did have to be replaced, so that was slightly disappointing. But overall a great car.

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  I Love my 2005 Vue! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Kate - August 17 - 6:33 pm

  I have owned my VUE for just about a year now and I love it more and more every day. It has tremendous functional capability and its just really fun to drive. I can seat my children comfortably in the back and we can really pack the cargo space. Get the heated seats - they are such a treat! I recommend this car to anyone in the market for an SUV!

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  Save Yourself the Hassle - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By AJenkins - August 11 - 7:46 pm

  I have owned my Vue for approx two years, and in just the last month, I have had it in the shop four times! They dont know what the problem is so now they just keep telling me they cant duplicate the problem--what a load of bull! I would caution you against purchasing one. Theyre nice to look at, but if you plan on taking a trip in one, you can plan on hearing lots of noise from your vehicle, as well as, all the others on the road, and you may want to make alternate plans in case your Vue breaks down-- you also may want to add an extra day or two into your trip b/c Ive waited on tow trucks for hours! You will get decent gas mileage--that is if you can get it to go anywhere!

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  Could be better, my 2nd VUE and my last - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By ashleemooneyhan - August 10 - 11:13 am

  I actually had another VUE before I bought this one. The old one was a 2004/man.transmission. 4cyl. engine. I liked it more, but it was totaled in an accident at someone elses fault. I survived at least 6 full tumbles down an embankment--I credit the safety features of the VUE. After that experience I only felt safe buying another one. New one is a 2006. Things randomly fall off--hubcap, side door panel. Had to pay to be replaced. Interior stains easily-- wish I had gone for the leather, instead. Buttons on the steering wheel randomly stick (despite detailing/cleaning) and things go haywire. If I could go back, Id get the V6, the leather, and the AWD. Dont get the basic model.

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  Saturn Vue Arrives - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By LisaMForrester - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Saturn Vue is not to be missed! There is quite a difference between the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engines. The 6 cylinder is an entirely different car! With the 250 horsepower, you feel that you can go anywhere and do anything. The ride is smooth, quiet and enjoyable. Tune-ups are not required for 100,000 miles and the warranty is bumper to bumper. There are no tricks or gimmicks with Saturn and I absolutely love my VUE!

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  Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By jgraham - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Smooth drive and all kinds of features make this vehicle the best I have driven in a long time.