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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  2006 FWD V6 VUE Red Line - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Pete & Beth - December 4 - 11:16 am

  Between my wife and I, this is our fourth Saturn, and it wont be the last. The materials and design have been significantly improved from the original and the Red Line package provides a sportier ride with more supportive seats and a distinctive look. Although the gas mileage started off around 18-20 mpg in the city, we are averaging 25-26 mpg on the highway and expect performance and mileage to improve as the engine breaks in. There is plenty of utility to this small SUV as the split-folding rear seats provide a great compromise between hauling people and hauling stuff. I would recommend to anyone in the market for a compact/midsize SUV to check out the VUE and especially the Red Line.

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  Great Vue. - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Ronbo - December 2 - 8:10 am

  We really love this car. It is very comfortable, quiet and very fast. The interior space is very roomy, especially for such a small vehicle. The AWD gets you where you need to go and gives you a very secure feeling. This is just simply a very fun car to drive.

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  Interior is cheap - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Genevieve - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my Vue, but the interior is cheaply made and doesnt stand up to two dogs.!

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  Problems, problems, problems..... - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Just Me. - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Had my VUE for about 8 months now and have hard a lot of problems with it considering it’s new. To start with there is this constant “MATALLIC SOUND” that comes from the engine after you drive it for 15 min or more. Sounds like a chain rubbing on something. Then the dealership in Delray Beach, FL had to rebuild the transmission about ‘2’ weeks ago because it just went. That should not happen with such a new car!!!! I think the VTI transmissions are JUNK and Saturn has no idea how to fix it. I’ve heard of other people having problems with them too!

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  Fix the defect before selling anymore - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By hobie - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Vue for 3 months and the problems have already started. When I called the service dept., I was told that the Vue has a defective part that Saturn is still trying to fix. He also told me that they could only replace the part and in 3-4 months it would have to be replaced again. However, my sales rep. denies this claim by the service department. I do not feel safe driving this SUV anymore due to the defective part in the steering---I cant believe a company would continue (or be allowed)to sell these vehicles until the problem was fixed, or they should disclose the information to the buyer.

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  MY NIGHTMARE ..PC OF JUNK - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By edson - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I CANT BOLIVE I GOT THIS CAR ......TO START ,THIS CAR WHENT TO SERVICE 20 TIMES FOR THE SAME POBLEM;;; 1 - FRONT END SUSPENSION 2- AC COPRESSOR 3- LOOSE PARTS 4 LOOSE DOOR 5- PULING TO LEFT SIDE 6- STRONG RATTLE NOISE FRONT END 7- HAND BRK DONSENT WORK WELL 8- LOSE OF HP ,AND ABSOURD GAS CONSUPTION .. 9- ITS A PLASTIC CAR UNSAFE PLEASE IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SUV ,DONT GO ON THIS ONE .....IF YOU GO GOOD LUCK.. YOU WILL NEED

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  Perfect for a family of 4! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Justin - November 23 - 11:06 am

  Way better than my previous 2007 Tahoe because of a bunch of reasons. I honestly dont see any problems with the 4 cylinder on the interstate. Ive been up to 80mph many times and it is very quiet and smooth. I live in Indianapolis where its mostly flat so it could be different in the mountains but we have went up and down several hills and it has plenty of power for me. This newly redesigned Saturn Vue is just right for a family of 4. I had a difficult time finding out if a family of 4 would be able to comfortably fit in this vehicle. My kids are 1 and 3 and they love the aftermarket DVD player. I could see where this vehicle would get tight for a family with teenage kids.

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  Ive enjoyed my Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Linda - November 23 - 10:00 am

  We have been fortunate to own this car. It has never given us any major problems and has always been very reliable. It drives well in rain and snow. Our grown boys always ask to borrow it if the weather is bad (snow or ice) or if they need the space for their friends! Our only issues have been minor.(hazard button broke and radio buttons are wacky). Other then that, the car has been great! My husband has kept it in great shape and my grandson loves being in it!

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  excellent - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By blazin - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and very comfortable.

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  VUE is the best car EVER made!!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By chicago gal - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I debated between purchasing the Saturn Vue SUV for $25,000 and a BMV SUV for $45,000. I could afford either one, but chose Saturn. My VUE SUV rocks!!! It is so fun to drive. I LOVE the interior, how can Edmunds call it bland"??? The interior is very large and well thought out. I love Saturn SUV and plan to drive this model for the rest of my life! I would never drive anything else.