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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  My Dream!! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Christie - July 29 - 10:00 am

  My dream was to have a Vue since they came out last year, and I finally have one! The 5sp really zips, and handles the road great!

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  Get a real car - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mmurphy - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Only after settling for the one manual- equipped model on the lot did I realize that, despite being loaded with a sunroof and alloy wheels and the power equipment package, I dont even have the safety of anti-lock brakes or side head curtain airbags. I might terminate the lease early. The white paint always looks dirty, and the tan cloth is pilling and fading and collecting dirt. Rattles and squeaks abound. Power is decent. Body roll in turns annoys. Plenty of cargo space. Shifting is rather vague; the clutch is abrupt.

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  A Lousy Car and Company - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By Sandi Conner - July 28 - 11:36 am

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car from the get-go. First and foremost, when I bought it, I was supposedly buying one exactly like the car they used to "puppy-dog me" into buying one. Never did they mention mine was a 5 speed. All I got was the speech about the "free" upgrades. Since then I have had the gromet break in the transmission and oil "disappear". I have been through 3--yes 3--ignition coils and believe it or not, although I was guaranteed a "free" inspection every year, I have yet to get by without paying at least $20 for the installation of a broken light bulb. This year I took it somewhere else for an inspection, paid for the inspection and passed! DUH!

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  Lots of Problems - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By kjm0181 - July 23 - 10:50 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost 5 years and have had multiple problems. While under warranty, the windshield washer pumps on the front and back went out. Had them replaced only to go out again within 2 months. Dealer wouldnt replace that time due to the warranty expiring between the two occurrences. Strut assembly has been replaced twice and still makes lots of "crunching" noises. Also had gas cap seating problems and multiple oil leaks. Will be "divorcing" my Vue very shortly.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By chuckf - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet comfortable ride. Roomy. Stereo sounds great. Excellent acceleration and braking. Reasonable handling for an SUV. No problems at all.

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  Skat Kat - Moves With Grace & Power - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Luke - July 19 - 12:03 am

  Enjoy the Vue for its power and reliability. Great carrying capacity with rear seats down. Really moves when required.

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  My third Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Karla - July 17 - 2:36 pm

  I am on my third Vue. (I have had 04,06 and now 08)It has been a very reliable vehicle though without much pizazz until now, the 2008 has really captivated my attention. The interior and exterior are beautiful its very quiet and is very exciting to drive. My other Vues were nice but not stylish. The 08 has more than enough horsepower to leave most vehicle in the dust which is not usual for a small SUV. Definitely worth checking out. the Vue has been very reliable I expect the same from this new version.

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  Nice package, but w/durability issues - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By rmb75 - July 17 - 6:00 am

  I wanted an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a reasonable price, good fuel economy and enough leg and head room to accommodate my 63" frame. The VUE seemed to meet all these desires as well as any vehicle on the market. I still appreciate many of its features - - AWD traction, passing power, passenger room, decent MPG by SUV standards, comfy seats and a smooth ride. But this VUE has presented substantial repair costs since the warranty expired (it now has 66K miles). On my dime, Ive had two wheel bearings, the rear drive module, another bearing and a suspension link replaced. Some small issues were resolved under warranty. All in all, it seems a long list of repairs for a 3-year-old car.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By adamsd - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Vue!! I have NEVER been in a mini-SUV that was so spacious. Finally, my knees dont touch the steering column and my head doesnt scrape the roof. Also, I prefer manual transmittion, and all the other SUVs either dont offer it or its a special order. Great feel and a comfortable ride. You wont regret the vehicle. (Powerpack and ABS worth extra cost).

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  Wait for the VUE - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By John in AZ - July 14 - 4:00 am

  Check this vehicle out. If the dealership doesnt have one, order yours its worth the wait.