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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  BEST KEPT SECRET - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Gtown Memphis - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My full Saturn experience was exactly like the commercials shown and more. Everything was conducted in a professional manner from beginning to end. My salesman kept me informed, he did not rush my decision nor pressure me to make a choice. Upon purchasing my 2004 Vue all the sales people song the Saturn song to me and each came out to greet me and shake my hand to welcome me into the saturn family..."Wow! Thats service!!!" Then my salesman gave me a tour of the facilities. What an experience. I am happy with my Saturn and boy has it turned heads. Let me end by saying, I received the full VUE of the saturn experience.

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  Saturn Vue Review - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Charles B. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. The Honda 3.5 Liter engine gives it all the power you need (unless you are a race driver). Its fun to drive and the customer service is number 1!

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  I love Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By trentcolep - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first ever new car that I bought and I love it. The salesman was great, the car is great and I have no regrets at all.

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  Cant Drive it in the Rain - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By jason - August 5 - 9:30 pm

  At first we loved the car, no problems but a broken vent but, then it rained. My wife drove the car through no more than 5in. of water a around 10-15 mph, the car ingested water and bent the connecting rods. My thoughts on this car, its great on the open road or around town, but if it rains, park it or you could have to buy an engine too. Best of luck to those own one and the would be buyers.

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  Great fun for small SUV - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Tim B. - August 2 - 10:13 am

  This is a great SUV for a small family especially one like mine who is weaning itself off of sports cars. The 6 cyl engine has terrific pep and it has plenty of space for luggage and for people and carseats! I love my Saturn VUE and I would recommend it to anyone shopping for a small sized SUV.

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  I love my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Peggola - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great engine. Just love the power of the 3.50 when I need it on the highway when passing those trucks. Very easy to slip my 6 ft son in and out of the back seat, lots of legroom for him. Love the look and handles great.

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  Not a Happy Camper - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Lake Dude - July 31 - 2:33 pm

  I bought a Saturn xe 4cyl, Power is not enough for a 3800 # car. Electric P/S gets harder to turn the faster you go, At 70mph a small correction requires quite a wheel movment and that makes you wander from side to side .(Not fun to drive at 60+) Cruise shifts down at a slight grade so much so that i cant stand it and dont use it. The 4 speed whines in 2nd and 3rd before in shifts. I pulled a very very small lown mower trailer got so tired of the whine i used the manual shift button. Up side 22+ mph overall,Looks good in side and out rides firm but nice. Give the 4cyl a good test ride at 65mph+ 1/2 and you can see what I mean. Then buy the 6cyl, it has regular P/S and cruise works.

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  Not recommended - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By kevin137 - July 30 - 12:43 pm

  My truck has given me problems from the 45th day I brought it (brand new in 2007) through today 5/21/2011. I actually had to sue Saturn because of how many times its been in a shop (over 50). My transmission has failed WHILE I was driving, which almost caused an accident, my transmission is about to fail again because of a powertrain malfunction according to OnStar. This has been the worst vehicle Ive ever owned and cant wait until I purchase a new, safer car. I do not recommend.

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  Best value - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By jimbo - July 26 - 2:16 am

  Awesome vehicle... This is my 4th Saturn, and this is the best of all. Great ride, lots of room, 28MPG with the 4 cylinder manual. Great deal with the sport II package. Cost the same as my 2000 SL2, but is a much bigger, better car. Great service from the dealer.

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  Dont Buy a Saturn Vue! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Susanscarb - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I wish I had looked at owner reviews before I bought mine. The engine knocks and rattles and Saturn continues to try and fix it. After the last time the dealership looked at it... something major happened. Saturn tells me its the crankshaft! The car is 1 and half years old with 54,000 miles. (I do highway traveling)Saturn says I have to pay for the Crankshaft... at a price of $2,500! The car is less than 2 years old. Corporate Saturn wont help... and says Im over the 36,000 mile mark. But every mechanic I talk to says... crankshafts dont go out! Please do your research before buying this horribly made car. Every review I read is poor!