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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  2 Months in shop - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Bad Vue - October 29 - 3:00 am

  Stay away from the Vue. We have had our Vue for about 18 months and it has sent over 2 months in the shop. 2 front wheel bearings, a strut, front linkage, air conditioner have all been replaced. The drivers and passenger doors and tailgate had to be repainted and we paid the the additional money for the paint and fabric protection. We talked to customer service at Saturn and they told us that the noise it is making now is a lumbering noise that is probably sheet metal flexing when you go over bumps. Nothing they can fix. Incredible! Something is wrong in the front end and it is definitely a safety issue and they wont do anything about it. We need help before bearings go out again!

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  "I Lo VUE" - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By docv - October 27 - 10:33 pm

  I love my VUE.... we had the 2002 and it was noisy so when I saw the Honda v6 plus the extras we didnt ge the first time around I traded in and got this one. Went to Fla. after the hurricanes and enjoyed the ride , until I saw the house ( uhhh ). Were looking at the ION for my wife now.... Had 4 Saturns so far . God bless the USA

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  My first Saturn - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Smilin2 - October 14 - 5:30 pm

  What can I say. I went from a Honda civic to a Saturn for more room. I bought the Vue for the V6 and decent gas mileage. I was a little freaked out at first because of the mileage. But it is starting to break in and I just got 25mpg. I also must admit that I drive like a bat outta hell, so this is excellent for my drive style. Anyone else would probably get 28 or 29. You dont realize you are going so fast. It has great pick up.

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  Good Value - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By saturday - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is roomy and surprisingly zippy. The Vue has plenty of room for my family of four. Plus With the split back seat the cargo area is great for hauling all kinds of stuff. The four cylinder is zippy enough for around town driving and passing. In fact one needs to keep an eye on your speed. Generally it is good Value.

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  happy happy - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By leahfaye - October 13 - 10:00 am

  really good value for my dollar, I like the space frame construction and feel very stable because of it when cornering at high speeds. I love all the neat design features like the grocery and milk holders in the rear, and the front seat laying fully forward to allow me to take long boards home for my home projects.

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  own 2 2003 vues - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By larry dunn - October 13 - 10:00 am

  bought 2 vues last december at 0%. we love everything about them. Great ride/mileage..27-28 mph. looks great. we get many compliments..no mech problems.

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  My 08 VUE XR - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Adam - October 12 - 6:56 am

  Ive been in the market for a compact SUV for a while and I narrowed it down to either the CR-V or RAV4. I have been waiting for the 08 VUE just to check it out, but didnt have high expectations. I saw an XE 6Cyl sitting in the grass of a local Saturn store on my way to a Honda dealership and decided to walk in and ask to take it for a spin. First time inside the cabin and I was really impressed with the quality of the materials and the seats were super comfy and supportive. It had standard XM satellite and one year free OnStar which was a plus. I drove it on back road and the freeway and was blown away. No windrush and the ride and handling had european characteristics. I was sold!

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  Very happy owner - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By mulebrand - October 11 - 2:16 pm

  Buying from Saturn was a pleasure. I drove several other import sedans as well as small SUVs before buying the Saturn. We got one with most of the extras and dont regret it. The 3.6 V6 is quick (zippy) and quiet. The vehicle looks and feels high quality. Im hooked on the standard satellite radio and the great sound system. Roomy enough for four adults (or three adults and our other daughter the lab). Front seat cushion a little short for tall folks, but still comfortable enough. The cargo net and divider for the cargo area are really handy and easy to use.

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  Dont ever buy a Saturn Hybrid - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By pdberry - October 7 - 6:26 pm

  We bought this car a year ago. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Hybrid, fuel efficient, American made too. We made a huge mistake. This has to be one of the worst cars ever made. The handling, ride, power, finish are all lousy. Plus, the bottom line is, our year old car is broken, and Saturn do not know how to fix it, nor do they care. Run in the other direction from this vehicle, and from Saturn in general. Never, ever, ever again will we buy a Saturn.

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  What a great SUV!! - 2002 Saturn VUE
  By CEpley - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Saturn but my 1st SUV. Great handling, good design, solid feel on the road, great visibility, good gas mileage. Solid construction and no cheesy parts. Were very happy. Ive put 1000 miles on it in 3 weeks :)