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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  Not the best - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Astrid - June 17 - 12:30 pm

  I brought this car five years ago and it was the bes the best until I had some problems. The car was mixing fuel, coolant, and grease together and making the engine overheat. The horn stop working and so did the CD player.

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  Would buy it again. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By coco444 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an Expedition for this car. it handles beautifully and really moves when I need to merge onto a highway.

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  A great Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By tommydee - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The V-6 engine has enough power to get you into highway traffic with no problem. The 5 speed automatic is smooth shifting and allows the engine to just loaf along at highway speeds,but downshifts readily when needed. I am tall and long legged.I find the car roomy and easy to get in and out of without banging my knees. I purchased the green vue and have received many comments . It is GREEN !!!!

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  of 70 new cars owned-- one of the best - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mcs - June 15 - 10:00 am

  roadablity is very good. we tow this vue behind motor home and it tows very good the mileage is very good -- better than on the window sticker all in all -- best suv that we drove

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  Kays - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By KayBee - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is my third Saturn ...... and the 6th my family has owned

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  Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Brian Murray - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 6 Saturns and by far this 2004 VUE V6 is the best of them all. It is quiet,powerful,comfortable and overall great SUV. I was not going to buy another Saturn, but when I test drove the new SUV I was sold. As always the buying experiance was the great.

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  my saturn - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Bob - June 14 - 4:10 pm

  A fun car to drive. My experience has been a fuel mile average of 25mpg on a recent trip to central Oregon. I am very upset that GM has stopped production on this vehicle.

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  First week with the Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By JSK - June 13 - 10:00 am

  With the 5 speed manual transmission, the four cylinder engine is surprisingly zippy! The handling is very clean and confident. At last I have adequate leg room in a vehicle that gets around 30mpg. My over all impression is of a very tough, smooth running vehicle that gives me a great sense of safety, comfort and surprisingly good performance. The 5 speed manual is perfectly matched to the engine and body. If you can drive a standard, this is the best balanced combination of power, performance and quiet comfort. I love this car!

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  GMs hidden gem - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By SS3 - June 12 - 2:26 pm

  The 2006 Saturn VUE Red Line must be one of GMs best kept secrets. From the smooth powerful drivetrain, to the cool Red Line styling, whats not to like? The VUEs looks get rave reviews from most everyone who has seen it, but most dont even know what it is. The new ebony interior really enhances the interior, and the white (black at night) guages really add to the package. The electric steering is much better than expected, and the ride is just fine considering the enhanced handling that the Red Line package offers. Room in the back seat is the biggest surprise - lots of room for a 62" teenager.

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  Exceptional value - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By soccerdad - June 6 - 6:00 am

  We purchased this used car while looking for a used minivan and just could not bring ourselves to admit we were in that stage of our life. So, Saturn Vue to the rescue. We really like this car and with the addition of the best tires we coud get, this car has met all of our needs. It drives great and compares nicely to minivans. The 3.5L V6 is very impressive and does good at the pump for an SUV. 20 to 24 in mixed driving. got 28 once on a long interstate only trip. Hit a deer once and was very happy my famly was in this car. Damage was one headlight to replace. What a relief! Safety and value. Seems to perform better than SUVs and minivans in its price range, without giving up much.