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:

• 

  So Far So Good - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By gtimes2 - November 12 - 11:51 am

  Purchased a used 2008 Vue XR with 43K miles.Compared to all others out there, this was a really good buy! 1 owner Carfax with no history of any issues...hopefully that holds true.Love the look and the feel when driving. Rides better than the Hyundai Santa Fe we test drove. Rides a little harder when Im the passenger. Seats could be a little softer and the cloth does stain easily, leather was my preference, but not in my budget. Gas mileage on V6 not so great 16-18, but it has more get up and go than the slug 4 cylinder we drove. So far, I really enjoy this SUV, almost as much as I did my 1993 Rodeo!

• 

  Would Not Buy Another - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By bing1 - November 11 - 12:53 am

  Our 2nd & last Saturn. Pricing very high for type. Too many things optional vs. Asian models, esp. with fixed price. Terrible depreciation (>25% in 2 yrs). Really annoyed we could not use their 0% financing. Had to order one to get side airbags. 0% expired by time we got car. Very poor interior quality. Too much plastic. Hazard switch and visor mirror broke. Carpets thin like paper. Carpet and seat fabrics stain quickly & dont clean up well. Plastic is porous and holds crayon and other stains, unlike my 95 SUV that I sold with 135K. Noisy engine but very powerful for this size car. Terrible torque steer. Poor mileage for a 6 cyl. Several other SUVs that year would have been better bet.

• 

  Reliable SUV - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Good Buy - November 10 - 3:46 pm

  I purchased my VUE new in 6/2002 for my wife. It became mine later and it has been very reliable/ no major problems. I average 22-23 MPG (50/50 CITY/HWY). The only problem we had was the belt tensioner froze at 30K/ replaced at no charge w/ a new belt. Very good in the snow and handles like a sports car.

• 

  Dissappointed - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Dawn Pike - November 9 - 12:26 pm

  I thought I had a dud, however it seems I have the same view as everyone else. Labor day weekend 2008 I spent 4hours at the dealership while they replaced sway bar (8 months pregnant with a two year old) never once offered a loaner to get to our cabin. Ive had it in 7 times for the noise and it has never been fixed. Driving on the highway you need earplugs! We have had wheel bearings replaced,breaks every 6 months, and the customer service is terrible. I am a mother of 2, the car is driving responsibly. It is at the dealership now as I pulled out of the parking lot from work yesterday, and it lost complete power and would not take her gas. Every light on the dash was glowing. Im frustrated!

• 

  Reliable and inexpensive - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By drayton_cross - November 7 - 8:33 pm

  Vehicle was purchased new. AWD has been very beneficial due to living in a hilly area prone to ice. Have had no mechanical issues (only oil changes and routine maintenance so far). XM radio and MP3 compatible disc player is great for long trips. While not a sports car, it has good acceleration. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a crossover SUV.

• 

  Fine ergonomics - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Sax - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The engine and trans work smoothly and all the switchgear is easily located for a right hander. I have first hand knowledge of the benefits of the exterior plastic skin, which again, was very appealing. But the extensive use of cheap looking materials on the interior, turned me off all together, so I didnt buy this product.

• 

  what about mileage? - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By woodinhills - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded a gas-sucking GMC all-wheel drive van for the saturn when gas hit $2/gal. So then, I purchased a lower- end Saturn ue- the 4 cyl/5 spd front wheel drive. Bottom of the line. Loaded with good stuff, tho- snrf, base stereo is great, heated seats, power drivers seat is great, etc. Drives nicely. However- onm the interstate in a headwinbd or ANY wind, this car struggles. I am getting UNDER 20 MPG on the freeway, driving very normally. I have had a tank @ 22 mpg, 24 mpg and thought I even had one @ 26 MPG. Overall, I get UNDER 20 MPG in this 2.2 liter/5spd car. BUY THE 6 CYL!

• 

  Didnt think I would like it...... - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By K-Town SdAj - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife wanted me to take a look at the Saturn, we where in the market to down size. We had a child last year and she quit work so we were looking to get out of the high priced car arena that I had got us into... Late models of BMW, Audi & Lexus I never thought I could see myself buying a GM product based on their history of poor design and problems they have had. All I can say is give this car a chance, I was very pleased and have enjoyed the car very much the past few months with no problems.....

• 

  So far so good - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Traci - November 5 - 6:50 am

  This is my second Saturn, but my first truck. I love the way the VUE looks, however I feel its cheap inside. I find it dumb that there is no switch for the rear passenger to roll down the window! So if they want the window down they have to ask me. What was the point of window locks? The steering also has a lot of play in it, but overall I like it and would suggest it. My truck is still so new so I havent found anything wrong except my wheel bearing went already.The gas mileage for some reason doesnt seem so efficient but that could be with all trucks.

• 

  Excellent ride - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By spidermonkey1 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle drives like a car and is extremly fun to drive for an suv.