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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  awesome...my 1st saturn but not last - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Diana L - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Saturn and definitely not my last....I love it

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  2008 Saturn VUE is fantastic - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Chy - January 12 - 9:23 pm

  My family had owned 2 Saturn SL1’s for 11 problem free years. We knew that the local Saturn dealership was fantastic so when my mother needed a new car we took her to check out the Astra. That is when my sister and I spied the 2008 VUE. We were both impressed with the build quality and materials used in the interior. We test drove both the 4 cylinder and the XR V6. Both drove well, but the 3.6 engine was the clear winner. By the end of the day,my family purchased 1 Astra (another fantastic car) and 2 VUE’s. The 2008 Saturn VUE is just fantastic. It drives like a dream, has plenty of power, a comfortable interior, flexible cargo area and many thoughtful features. Definitely test drive it!

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  Ridges Vue - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Ridges Vue - January 10 - 2:30 pm

  Over all this has been my favorite thus far. The interior could be a little more solid as the windows leak air. My family loves to take this car everywhere we travel. For being and SUV you cant be the MPG at 24.

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  Best car I ever had - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Carole Chenot - January 6 - 7:30 am

  This car helped make driving in the snow a less frightening experience; handling so well. It was also comfortable to drive, got good gas mileage, handled beautifully, sat solid on the road. I lost it in a divorce and would love to have another one, but cant afford it. My daughter and her husband bought a Saturn Vue because they liked ours so well. They were expecting and liked all the features the Vue had to offer for their new baby. It holds so much; weve taken it on several trips and it carried everything we needed. I highly recommend the Vue.

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  2005 VUE - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By blomoriello - January 6 - 2:26 am

  Hard to beat the price Saturn gave us at the time - great on highway and for the size good mileage - the Honda made engine is smooth, great response

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  Great Choice of a Car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Shellybean - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned this car for a little over a year and still to this day I have no reservations about buying this car, it gets me where I need to go and with great gas milleage (which is good for a college student!!!!)

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  We love our VUE - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Marlene Boothroyd - January 4 - 10:03 pm

  We purchased our 2005 VUE to tow behind our 40 motorcoach. It tows like a dream. You never know it is there. We find the color (Dragonfly Green) does not show the dirt from the road and rinses off easily. We especially like the added space in the rear that holds a full cart of groceries and then disappears into the floor when not in use. Our dogs have plenty of room when the back seats are folded down, but a bonus is, one seat can be used while the wider of the two is folded or visa- versa.Easy loading from back or side doors, too. In our opinion, this is the best mid size SUV and it doesnt cost an arm and a leg. Also two full size bicycles fit inside when we need to use them, a huge plus.

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  Poor Quality - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By sosad - January 4 - 7:33 am

  I have the 2003 Vue and have had so many problems. I wish Saturn would do something to help us with the transmission problems. For those of us too honest to "accidentally" back into the salt water on the coast it is awfully expensive to replace a transmission ($5,000) when you havent been driving it for very long. I dont believe I will ever choose a Saturn product again. No wonder north american auto manufacturers are losing out to foreign cars. Cant seem to get any help from anyone at Saturn either.

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  Best choice for my first SUV - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Mrs Hill - January 3 - 7:16 pm

  I fell in love when I drove my sisters 07 Vue and counted the days till I could get my own. The V6 has tons of power and it handles well. So far Im getting about 18.6 miles per gallon and Im happy with that. The XM radio is addicting and makes long drives nice. You cant go wrong with this SUV.

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  LM in FL - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By VegasLM - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great in the rain.