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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  I just bought a second VUE Redline - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By fuzzyfacegang - April 13 - 5:20 am

  After my wife was injured in an accident (totalling a 2003 Toyota Corolla S) I did my research for 5 star crash ratings. I eliminated everything that did not rate 5 stars. We drove up from Atlanta to Spartenberg, SC two days before Christmas ans bought "Chili Pepper". My wife loves it. She loves the pep of the 250 HP engine, as well as everything about it. The Vue had a 5 star rating front and side impact. (This side impact rating was without the side airbags.) We picked a chili pepper red one with cloth interior (No leather products) We also got the side airbags. Saturn VUE isnt the interiof for the snooty but is a clean simple interior. Weve had Porches,MB,Vettes, BMWs but Saturn now!!

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  I love my VUE! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Mandice77 - April 6 - 11:53 am

  I love my Saturn VUE and am so glad I decided to purchase one! It rides so smooth and I feel so safe in it. I love the Honda motor in it making it drive so much better! The service Saturn provides is also wonderful and I would recommend a Saturn to anyone!

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  2004 Vue is Excellent!! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jkn1965 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  After test driving many vehicles, including the Ford Escape and the Nissan Xterra, I bought my VUE. This car, although I only have had it less than a month, is awesome. It has excellent power - 6.5 seconds for 0-60. As well, the interior is very easy to fall in love with and has made marked improvements from 2003 (which I test drove as well and decided to wait). The new material has really made the ride smooth and QUIET - even under hard accelleration.

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  Unpleasant noises - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Roger - March 30 - 10:40 pm

  Many virbration noises on rough pavement. Wind noise is bad at highway speed, especially on windy days. Very little interior storage in passenger area. Coffee cup holders are small. Interior materials appear very cheap and ill fitting.

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  Great Value - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Fair - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Saturn has a hard to find configuration - 4 cyl engine and a manual transmission. Great on gas! Best price over all other SUVs.

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  Beats Honda CR-V - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Roger - March 18 - 8:06 am

  Although Im a confirmed Honda guy, I decided to test drive the 2009 Saturn Vue XR -- what a surprise! This car looks great and drives even better. Its solid as a rock with better steering response that the three BMWs Ive owned. I needed a car that is flat towable behind our motor home, so I compared Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and the Saturn Vue. The Vue won out and Ive been very pleased with it so far.

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  red is good - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mygirlsvue - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased it for my college girl for school. So far it has been great and has no problems. A very reasonable price auto especially during the rebate period of $3000. Dad cant ask for much better. She loves it.

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  2004 Saturn Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Disappointed - March 12 - 10:06 pm

  This is my first Saturn. Bought it 1 year ago when it had about 83,000 KM. It now has 90,000 KM. It has always had a noisy engine. Recently the check engine light came on and I brought it to the shop. A wheel bearing was shot - had to be replaced. Cost $300. Then it started making a strange noise and jerking when I drove. Back to the shop. The transmission is shot. They researched the vehicles history and found out it has already had the transmission replaced at 80,000 KM, and this will be its second transmission replacement. It was going to cost $6,000 for a new transmission, luckily the dealership agreed to pay for it, even though we had no extended warranty on the Vue.

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  Practical - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By wedge - March 11 - 6:40 am

  A good SUV for the money (you get what you pay for) but plan on keeping it as the depreciation is fast and aggressive. Its a light SUV so its fast for its size. OEM tyres are awful/borderline dangerous and not many choices for replacements. Paint quality is pretty poor too. Its a good family car and a practical wagon for general use. Front suspension problems, fuel pump issues, battery issues, tyre issues in first 10k. Buy a rear rubber mat. It makes squeaks a lot quieter!

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  GM Knew Better - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By everyseason - March 4 - 11:48 pm

  I have a 2007 Saturn Vue 2.4L that the timing belt broke and caused my engine to fail. I am now looking at a $4000 repair bill. GM knew about this engine and the timing belt issues and still has refused to do anything about it. States have tried to get a recalls, however, GM has fought the issue. My engine blew going down the hwy. How safe is that. GM shame on you! I am embarrassed to be a granddaughter of a GM dealer for over 60 years. Never again will I or my family buy GM!