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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  Im sad Saturn is phased out. - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By surtrav3 - July 2 - 3:11 am

  I bought my Vue used with 81,000 miles. Had minor work done on driver side door as it needed to be adjusted to keep the entry lights off. Replaced tie-ends. Very minor stuff. Bumps are a bit noisy but are just an undesired design feature as the mounts are easily loosened. It is not a safety issue at all. I have no problem with wind noise. I have read other reviews stating that the Vue does not handle well in the snow. I disagree with this and chalk it up as driver error. I have had no problems in our North Dakota winters at all. Ive made it out of some pretty deep drifts and severe ice conditions.

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  NUE VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By MzBee - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Smooth engine/trans./ride/handling. Plenty of GO. Roomy, quiet, well-planned interior w/lots of "fun"ctional features, no annoying squeaks/rattles. Exterior fit/finish perfect. Well-done Saturn! Youve exceeded my expectations. (Traded in a 2000 Buick Regal GS for this VUE, and am happy I did.)

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  Great Mini SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By jkedmunds - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car, Were from Syracuse, NY so 170" of snow every year is normal. Handles absoulty awesome in the snow!! Went to Boston during the Nor Easter, when they got 32" of snow. We put on 200 miles, in very nasty road conditions, since they cant deal with that much snow, everything preformed better then expected. Since we are from Syr. I was leary about buying a car during the summer, but it all turned out well.

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  Uncomfortable - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By MAJ - June 23 - 6:26 pm

  Purchased my Vue 2.2Liter L4, in April 2007. Though the Vue lives up to its fuel economy, the comfort of this auto is poor. The seats are like sitting on rocks. Saturns fix for this issue is to buy a pillow. If you are a person with long legs or a person of size please take this into consideration when you make your purchase. There is no leg support.

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  Rear suspension problems like crazy! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Nancy - June 21 - 4:00 am

  Thats it! Going back to a minivan! I rely on my AWD because of where I live and my VUE reliably fails when winter hits. Had it in for service last February (2004) and they replaced the parts that work the rear wheel AWD. Guess what? We have two feet of snow and I have a front-wheel drive car again! Thats right, its out again. Not only that, but cant get the VUE in for a whole week for service. We were told last time it wasnt too "safe" to drive if the rear suspension was working right. Also, theres been some sort of recall that we were never notified by mail (or otherwise) about that they are fixing next week in the shop. Very disappointed in my VUE. Will be selling soon.

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  Outstanding! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DS in TC - June 20 - 5:50 am

  With the 250hp V-6 Honda engine and transmission, this is an outstanding vehicle. I didnt want a huge gas-gussling SUV and this fit the bill. Although its still new [less than 2000 miles], Ive already come to appreciate many of its features. Towing capacity to tow my sailboat, dent-proof side panels, and a smooth, quiet, powerful engine makes this a real value in a crowded market. Get it.. youll love it!

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  Thumbs Up for 2004! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Bondavi - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The Honda motor really transforms this car from a disappointment into a class- leader! Superb looks and performance to boot, sips at the pump for a 250-horse SUV!

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  About My Saturn AWD VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By vuemomsvue - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The car is fabulous; its like riding on air; stops and starts when it should; awesomely comfortable AND easy to drive!

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  Good car, weird ad campaign - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By MattB56 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 93 Eagle Vision Tsi for this and dont miss the funky/clunky "Dodge" at all. It was time for it to go. The VUE is everything an SUV should be...roomy, with clean lines and is fun to drive. I also like to laugh at teh owners of BMW X5s & the Lexus RX300, who paid three times as much for the same sightlines and convenience thsi type of vehicle provides...

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  I Love my Vue! - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Debbie - June 18 - 10:40 pm

  I have been looking at the Vue for quite a while now. When I was researching SUVs I always went back to the Vue. I am not sorry. I love it. The gas mileage, for an SUV, is quite good. I am just sorry that GM has chosen to rid itself of Saturn. Shame on them and shame on Penske for not taking it over. Its your loss.