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:

• 

  No problems ever - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By bobv11 - May 16 - 9:34 am

  Fifty thousand miles and never a problem. Gets routine maintenance as directed in the manual. My lifetime average for both city and highway driving is 24.5MPG. Great for a SUV!

• 

  Zippy and Dependable - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By VueToo - May 14 - 2:56 pm

  Bought my 250hp,V6, 2007 Vue (with the Honda engine) in late 2006. I bought it with airbags, upgraded sound system and all the upgrades. Never requires anything but an oil change and it runs perfectly. Great cargo space and very zippy on the road. Best SUV Ive owned. Too bad they put a GM engine in the new Vue. The Chevy Traverse is similar to my old 2007 Vue, but with a $30K base price for the Chevy, Id rather spend a little extra and get the new Mercedes GLK350 SUV for $35K.

• 

  so far, so cool - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By hammy - May 14 - 2:00 am

  have only had for a few days, but can already tell its a great small SUV. Excellent power, excellent brakes, and loaded with safety features. I especially like the onstar system. Heated seats seem silly until you try them on a cold day.

• 

  Had it 1 day...feel like we struck gold (so far) - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By zionadams - May 12 - 12:39 pm

  I test drove a lot of cars, over about a one year period. I took them on freeways, up hills, even off-roading in one instance. This car was the winner. We bought an XE with 62k miles on it, thats got all the options of an XR with the smaller 2.4 motor. My sports car freak husband, who is 67" tall, loves it. We are not small people but this car fits our frames fine. Our needs for a good value combined with a solid feel were met, we hope, in the VE. The mileage estimates are 25/30. On the freeway, it does 85 without hesitation. No vibration, no lag in shifting. The engine is quiet, but not just because its small. Its just a quiet vehicle, even the air system is quiet when blowing.

• 

  Happy owner. - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By HERB - May 10 - 1:30 pm

  Took my new VUE on vacation shortly after purchasing. Excellent gas mileage and handling

• 

  I love my VUE! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By robin simmons - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I shopped local dealers and dealers in the bigger cities, after test driving many various makes and models I just happened to stop by the Saturn dealership in Florence, SC. I had never really considered a Saturn before, but when I saw the VUE it really caught my attention, and when I test drove it I was completly sold! Proud Saturn Vue Owner:)

• 

  SUV: COMFORT AND AFFORDABILITY - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By BANG FOR BUCK - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Due to cash restrictions, I could not go for the full size SUV but I have four kids. The Saturn VUE offers a lot of leg room for front and rear. The rear seats fold down flat and lock in place for extra storage. Standard sound system is of good quality. They say 29/24 mpg. Not so, more like 24/22. I have a 4cc/5 speed. Not a lot of pickup. Smooth, comfortable ride and easy on the pocket book. Great deal.

• 

  1/2 a Honda - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By kaylie99 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Aggresive exterior styling and an excellent powertrain made this the best choice in the segment. Huge dealer incentive made it impossible to say no.

• 

  2005 Saturn VUE - even better - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Angela - May 2 - 12:06 pm

  My 2005 Saturn VUE is my second. After being hit head-on in my 2002 VUE (from which I escaped with only a foot injury) I had thoughts of nothing but another one. Exceptional service and a wonderful sales team had cemented my good feelings for the VUE. The 2005 has better pick-up. The problems - such as a few rattles and sqeaks - had all been tweaked. And, the interior really is a lot prettier. There is something about the build of the interior that seems geared to the smaller body size of a woman. I feel as at-home as I ever have while driving while my husband is not as comfortable. I also get an amazing amount of comments on the looks of the vehicle. It looks much more expensive than it is

• 

  Do Not Buy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Robin - April 29 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my car a year and half ago and thought it was good. Boy was I wrong. Everything was good until 80,000 miles then my engine literally blew up. Cost me $1000 to buy a used engine. Now 2 weeks later, my car is back in the garage with a transmission that blew up. It costs $4500 just for the transmission! Saturn has a lawsuit due to faulty transmissions so now I have to see if I can get them to pay for some of it. If they wont, I dont know what Im going to do. I cant afford to pay all that money in one month. I am looking to trade mine in. I will NEVER buy a Saturn again!