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:

• 

  2004 VUE REDLINE: LONG TERM - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By RobO - August 18 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this car off the showroom floor in 2004. I commuted with it for 5 years in San Francisco, CA. traffic. I drove it across country in 2009, going up to Seattle, all the way up in the mountains of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and so on across the USA. It currently has 119,000 miles on it, and the only thing that has ever gone wrong with it is the pull cable for the hood release, and the light cluster panel above the driver needed a new switch. This is a reliable, fun to drive car with plenty of room, great performance, versatility and excellent fuel economy. On the cross country trip, fully loaded, with a pod carrier on top of the car, I got an overall 24 miles a gallon.

• 

  Stalling Problems - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jodi - August 16 - 5:40 am

  When we first bought our VUE I thought it was a really nice vehicle for a great price. However, I would never buy another one. Shortly after we bought it, it started having acceleration problem. There were times I was pulling from a residential street onto the highway and it sputtered and stopped--as another person said--very dangerous!!! I took it to the Saturn shop 5 times for this same problem and they said each time they could not find anything wrong! When I said "there has to be" the mgr was rude and said "we cant have someone drive your car around all day to find out"! Also, hazard light fell into dash. VUE is good in many ways, but not the important ones!

• 

  Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Ted Burke - August 12 - 10:00 am

  ON long trip was very impressed with ride and handling. Road noise not as bad as expected, ride more comfortable than expected. Gas mileage better than average. Engine has plenty of power.

• 

  Outstanding Surprise - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By dstick1 - August 11 - 1:33 pm

  I am profoundly pleased and surprised at how wonderful this vehicle is to drive and own. This is definitely worth a look and drive if you want a great SUV.

• 

  Not 100% - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Not 100% the best - August 11 - 10:40 am

  The exterior is awesome! The interior looks fantastic and is very functional. However, I am on my second one....I used Saturns 30 day return policy. The first one had huge transmission issues and shipping damage I found after delivery. THe dealership stepped right up and provided an exchange, no questions asked. My second one seems fine, just dont expect to step on the gas and go anywhere quick. The transmission is also extremely sluggish. If you can afford the v6, this would be a fantastic SUV. But if youre like me, you have to live with the 4cyl.

• 

  Dont buy this vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By I drive a lemon - August 10 - 8:03 am

  I owned mine about 5 months when the engine needed to be replaced, 3 months later the transmission went. Only the Saturn dealer has access to Saturn parts so you pay dealer rates for repairs. Saturn has reviewed my case and promised to send reimbursement for transmission repair. Check is over 3 weeks late and all I hear are excuses about a new system...blah blah blah... other department...blah blah...working on it..blah blah blah. Before purchasing look into the class action law suit against Saturn for putting out this piece of junk.

• 

  Greatest Mini-Suv Ever! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Ryan K. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Saturn Vue is by far one of the greatest SUVs I have ever driven. I currently bought one in November of 02. So far so good. Its been great in performance, gas millage, and reliability. Ive had it a little over 2 weeks now, and Im lovin it!

• 

  Happy With My Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Miss Chris AZ - August 6 - 11:13 am

  I have had my Vue for almost a year and am very happy with it. It is a fun car to drive and the interior is very comfortable. It gets reasonably good gas milage and has been very reliable.

• 

  Lemon - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Saturn Vue Owner - August 6 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I bought our 2004 Saturn VUE in November of 2003.Our dealership was pleasant and we felt we had a great deal. Soon we made great friends with the service department as well! So far we have had a noise in the dash that cant be duplicated,so we bring it in and they shoot foam into the dash to cushion the sound. Noise is still there. We have had the rotors machined, rotars replaced, bad wheel bearing replaced,ac adapter fuses replaced,transmission cover replaced, transmission reprogrammed and fluids replaced,and still waiting on our recall to be addressed.Saturn Corporation offered extended warranty, but nothing else.Safety and reliablity are huge concerns at 22,000 mi.

• 

  Love my Vue 170,000 still reliable and dependable - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By bevely - August 1 - 5:39 pm

  The 2009 Vue I own is the best. I recently considered trading it in and realized the service the vehicle has given me. For 5 years my used Saturn has been in the shop only once. I generally get about 300+ miles in the city on one tank of gas. The highway is right at 400. Great vehicle. 170,000 miles and go where I desire to go!