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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  Dissatisfied! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By KC - December 25 - 11:00 pm

  I purchased my VUE just 2 months ago. My first VUE broke down on the side of the road 4 hours after purchase. I requested another VUE. This one lasted 3 weeks. 2 lights came on on the panel. Since then, the 2nd VUE has been in the shop off and on for 21 days. I feel ripped off. Also the dealership has not really done its part in making me happy. Therefore, I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone, ever! There have been wheel speed sensors, ABS modules, and every connector in between replaced on this VUE, yet to date the same 2 panel lights have come back on. I am so dissatisfied, it is ridiculous! I feel like I have been duped.

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  Great SUV, Great Price! - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Jer - December 25 - 10:03 am

  This vehicle has been one of my best. I traded in my Jeep for my VUE and have never looked back. It is stylish enough to not feel like Im driving a minivan, but practical so that I can transport my two kids.

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  They bought it back! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By George R. Geiger - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Got a great deal (Spring sales Event)on a 2.2 4 cylinder 2wd fully loaded VUE. Loved the vehicle. My wife still owns an original Saturn. (Doesnt count for anything at Saturn) 3,000 miles translated into 3 visits to the Saturn Service Department and 3 different rental cars. The vehicle suffered reduced power on 3 different occassions at 3 different rates of speed and road conditions. Saturn couldnt fix it and bought it back under our states Lemon Law telling me I can get a replacement vehicle. That is if I wanted to pay the additional $7,000 more for a comparably equipped Vue. Yeah right!

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  perfect for my wife - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By porschedriven - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy our (her) Vue. I would have enjoyed a V6 rather than a 4Cyl but despite that it does every thing that we needed. It is small enough that she can park it in a busy area without go to the back of the lot, while being big enough to haul end tables and boxes to a storage unit. When the rear seats fold down you can fit 4 adults in the back for a friendly game of cards while it is raining at the game. I would reccomend this suv for the buget minded buyer with out a large family.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lynne - December 20 - 2:30 am

  We drive our Vue regularly in the West Virginia mountains and enjoy the power the Honda engine provides. Gas mileage is great on the road (26 mpg) and good around town (20 mpg). Ive had the most trouble with sunroof leaking but keeping the drain lines cleaned out seems to have solved that problem. Replaced right wheel bearing around 35K and the radio and tires just this year. Ive really liked this car, the size is perfect. We got the side air bags. I hope to keep it for many more years. It still looks and runs like new.

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  Repeat buyer - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Teri - December 19 - 11:03 pm

  I had one of vivid yellow SC2s and loved it. However, I needed something that my elderly father could easily get in and out of, and the VUE is perfect. My father easily slips into and out of the vehicle with no problem. The ride is smooth and quiet. I love this vehicle! We will be buying one of VUE Redline editions in the spring.

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  A mixed bag, mostly OK - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By JD - December 17 - 11:26 pm

  Nice looking outside, OK inside. Seats stain very easily, and are a bit narrow. The seat back cushion feels like a large lump for support. The electronic temp gauges taking a while to change from cold to hot & vice versa. Lights in console and dial gauges a strange yellow color, not pleasing to the eyes. Additionally the console gauges seem to be tipped upwards a bit, so if you sit low and back they are not straight on. Plastic around ateering wheel column rubs when turning wheel. Not enough legroom up front. I am 510", and could not stretch out legs on long drive.

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  2006 Vue v-6 - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By andy - December 16 - 9:06 am

  I have to say after 3 years I’m a bit disappointed to see rust bubbling through the paint on the rear hatch. Im even more disappointed that Saturn wont warrantee the rust till there is a hole that your finger will fit through (by that time 6/100000 warranty will have most likely expired). The interior fit and finish is better than years past but still a bit play schoolish. The best part of this car is the Honda powerplant -250 hp /32 mpg highway.

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  Hood Latch Cable - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Complaint - December 10 - 5:43 am

  I have had good service from my Saturn Vue but the Hood Latch Cable is stretched. Which I see has happened to other Vues form 2004 to 2009. There are complaint on the internet. The should be a Recall.

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  Great ride for a great price! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By dorenda - December 8 - 2:56 pm

  This is a fantastic SUV. Lots of room, very versatile. Smooth ride, lots of pick up on acceleration and excellent braking. Sharp looking with roof rack and chrome package. Quiet ride!