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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  unusal - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By tmjdragon - April 29 - 12:40 pm

  Ive had this Vue since 2005 My mother in law owned before me and she too had to take it in alot. But since Ive had it I have not had to take it in, but Ive had a few problems of my own. the wheel bearing went out 3 times (the rear) and I replaced it my self but recieved the wrong part but it still works. the transmission well it is tempermental it likes to stutter then it goes of course saturn mech says they all do that so Ive been dealing with that since 2007. Its not a bad car and my wife has put that corn fuel in it, seems to run alright with it even though saturn says dont cause it wont run with it

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  The View On the Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By BrittanyCJ - April 28 - 4:53 pm

  I am a 24 year old mother of one and the view is my second car. I was excited about having my very first SUV! I love the car but must admit the seats are a TOTALLY HEADACHE! I hate the fact they become dirty so easily. I have yet to find something that will clean them. Other than the interior, the car is awesome. My son likes it and I do too. I would recommend this car just with leather seats!

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  My baby! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Shanon - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I was debating on a Grand Cherokee or a Lexus RX300. Being that I am only 23, the Jeep dealership would not give me the time of the day, I was going to buy a 99 RX300 and had the paper work going. I took my 96 Saturn SL2 with 195,000 miles to the dealership for its last oil change before I sold it and decided to test drive the VUE. I was impressed how the things I liked about the RX 300, the Vue had! IT was a similar drive and same price...but the saturn was brand new, I was worried about buying a used car. I also loved my old saturn and was a great car! I drove home in the Vue the next week.

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  Happy in Rhode Island - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Happy in R.I - April 24 - 7:20 pm

  I enjoy my VUE. It is fun to drive and it doesnt guzzle the gas like most SUVs in its class. I couldnt decide between the AWD and the FWD. I decided on the FWD and I am very pleased with its performance in the snow and it saved me a couple thousand dollars. I recommend the V6, it has good get up and go!

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  Excellent - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By J. Mead - April 23 - 8:20 am

  The Saturn VUE is a very comfortable and fun car to drive. Reliable, while not intimidating like some of the larger SUVs.

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  aviod variable transmissions and 4cyl - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By overitnow - April 17 - 9:10 pm

  Ill sum it up. At 60K miles, our engine blew up (literally). Saturn claimed it was our fault for missing an oil change. The car has had the transmission repaired under warranty four times. Twice it had to go back immediately after the drive home. Its my belief that the 4cyl VUE is severely underpowered, and the transmission was a failed experiment. The car hasnt been reliable, turns like a semi, has no acceleration, and doesnt get good gas mileage for what youd think a tiny engine should.

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  Love this Car - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Juan - April 16 - 7:53 am

  I got this car since new, it is so much fun to drive. Yes, I have put some money in it but just to keep in "AA" condition, I have about 150,000 miles and I have changed 3 wells bearings, 2 Struts, 3 times brakes pads 3 times new tires & 1 time motor mounts & of course bunch of Oil Changes. As you can see all those are normal things to change for the age and millage. Beside that, there were only a couple annoying little things as water reservoir tank & Gas Cap ( I think they were defective items for this model) I normally change car every 2-3 years but I never been so happy with a car as I am with this. I may keep it for another 2 years.

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  Third Times the charm - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By STRN30 - April 16 - 7:40 am

  This is my third Saturn in 6 years, and I am very happy with my VUE. Easy to drive, not too big, Seats are comfortable, pick-up is great. Miles per gallon is very much like the L200: about 26 highway/20 city. Traction control with ABS makes me feel very safe on the snow covered roads. Sideview mirrors that fold in-such an added bonus. Love the space and the leather/cloth seats. I read that a lot of owners thought the engine was too loud. I am not finding that to be an issue. Love the compass, temp gage/dimming rear view mirror. Overall, for me- it is a great vehicle. Gives me the room I need for me and my dog on trips. Recommend this vehicle to anyone. I feel safe, and love driving in it.

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  Not a bad car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By nancy - April 15 - 12:56 am

  Bought new in 2004. Hazard button fell into dash. Not crazy about winter driving performace. Manual transmission is ok. Just replaced front brakes, not bad for 60k. Dash light cluster went, the dealer wants 600. to fix. No way. Hood cable streached out 90. to repair. Had the rear wiper motor replaced under warranty. Weird flapping noise when I come to a stop, dealer said they all do it. This is my second Saturn, probably my last. I will keep it until it dies, then move on. Not totally againt the car, but would like something heavier for winter driving.

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  new saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By lbsdad - April 14 - 10:00 am

  very happy with the vehicle. purchased several options after market due to high dealer markups (racks, step tubes). vehicle is very nice to look at and fun to drive. quiet on the highway. a little rough on bumps/speedbumps. sales experience very nice, easy to see why people prefer the "no haggle" policy. basic sound system more than does the job, good power with no buzz/rattle. vehicle is bigger than it looks, first impression is a small SUV, but this is a true mid-size.