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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  Tickled Pink by new VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By lovethisone - February 9 - 5:30 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 4 days and have driven it 275 miles! I cant stay out of it. This is my 3rd Saturn, the first two were the basic SL and then an Ion 2. All have been 5 speed manuals. I loved the Ion at first, it being new and all but the novelty wore off quickly. That said, my only 2 musts were a 5 speed, leather and of course A/C since I live in the south. The Vue is exceptionally roomy for a small SUV with plenty of headroom for a larger person. We are all small in my family so there is lots of room! My daughter loves the XM radio so I think we will keep it. 2 family members plan on purchasing one in the near future so Saturn must be doing something right with this one.

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  Why GM deserves no more of my business - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Robert Lorber - February 5 - 9:23 am

  The VUE rides and handles very well.The car has lots of power and is reasonably comfortable. But, the interior is cheap looking. The gas mileage is mediocre (I have been unable to get it past 18 mpg under any circumstance). My biggest complaint is being stonewalled by Saturn for their reneging on a commitment made to me when I bought the vehicle. When I made the purchase, I requested a privacy panel option. They told me that the existing panel design was defective and that Saturn was redesigning the panel and it would be available in 3 months time. After 3 months, I contacted Saturn and was told that this panel is not being remade and is not available. GM integrity?

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  4th Transmission now needed - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Diane - February 3 - 5:20 pm

  I purchased my Vue in 2003--after owning 2 different Saturn Sedans. 6 mos after purchase had to have both rear wheel bearings replaced. Then came the transmission problems. I am about to have the 4th transmission put in in only 96k miles. I am very angry GM will pay only 50% of the $4800 cost. I am disabled and on Social Security Disability and my funds are limited. I feel the trans should be replaced in full since this is the 4th time around for me. If anyone has any one has had any luck.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Samuall - February 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV because of the high gas mileage. We have been averageing 22mpgon the HWY. 3 Times we got around 28 mpg ,3 times we got 18 mpg , The rest of the time we are averageing 22 mpg. we have had it in the shop several times and there test say it is getting around 28 mpg.we mainly drive Hwy miles, We live 20 miles from any town.Customer Service tell us there is nothing wrong.The Window Sticker that came on the car " Actual mileage will veary with options, Driving conditions Driving habitsand vehicles condition. Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of vehicles with these estimates 24-29 will achieve between 20-28 city, 24-34 Hwy.

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  Saturn VUE - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By paul - February 1 - 9:26 am

  I bought a Saturn VUE in January. I have put 20k on the VUE in the past 3 months and am very satisfied. It is very peppy and the fuel economy has averaged 25-26.5 overall

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  2004 Vue V6 AWD - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By RTP - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the 04 Vue with Honda V6, AWD with curtain side airbags, upgraded sound system with DVD as options. I also looked at Honda CRV and Subaru Forester. Felt I made the right choice! Awesome power from the V6, goes straight up steep hills with no problems. Decent gas mileage. With rebates and incentives got an awesome deal. Also own a 95 SC2.

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  Just So So - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By daryl - January 25 - 11:50 am

  We purchased our VUE 5 years ago. It was still too new to do any real research. We have replaced the A/C compressor, ECM (computer), and the transmission is very difficult and expensive to work on and most places tell us to take it to the dealer. The service manager at the dealer told me that "GM dumped these transmissions on us." Our family has purchased five Saturns and the 03 VUE is definitely the low water mark for Saturn. My 97 Saturn SL-2 is still a much better vehicle than the VUE even though it is six years older.

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  Excellent ride at an affordable price... - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Tim Rozalski - January 24 - 11:36 pm

  I ordered a black Saturn VUE Redline in November of 2005. Once it came off the line and delivered to the dealership, I took delivery (12/22/05). This is my second Saturn and I am beyond pleased with the craftsmanship, durability and fuel efficiency that it offers. Handles well in the snow. As always, great jopb Saturn!

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By John - January 23 - 9:20 am

  Purchased last SUV VUE dealer had in stock for 2007. SUV is V-6 FWD with XM radio and some other goodies which I wont go into. Gas mileage so far is good. Most I have gotten is 25.4 MPG on short trip (154 miles) and around town I get 17 to 19 MPG. If you stomp on the gas it will suck some gas. So far so good. Satisfied so far. Want to go on longer trip over Thanksgiving and check out the gas mileage. Very happy with Saturn. Think I made good choice.

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  Vue exceeds my expectations! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Danenjoyinthe vue - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have ownwe. The service at the dealer is great and the car itself has been awesome. I thought I would own Hondas forever but, Saturn changed that. Compared to my old CRV the is 10xs better.