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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  Super vehicle - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By mike deck - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This suv was a major surprise to my wife and I after test driving it. It was very impressive, with a 3.5 liter 6 cylinder engine, built by Honda, with loads of power. A lot of time and effort went into this vehicle and we are very happy with it. We had to have it.

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  Tankfully this one is gone - 2009 Saturn VUE
  By Scahill - August 17 - 11:56 pm

  I cannot stand this vehicle. Build quality is substandard, even for GM. Engineering leaves much to be desired. Car shakes, rattles, and rolls, not in a good sense. Much cheap interior plastic. GM could not even make the spare tire placement effective. GMs fabulous engineers placed the spare is a position to remove much of the storage in the rear. Compare to the more well- engineered vehicles in this class and see what real engineers can accomplish. I will have a hard time disposing of this mess since GM cannot even give this brand away.

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  Very good fit for us - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Kanolt - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect vehicle for my wife, having come from a mini-van but with the family downsized to just 2. The performance capabilities are great, the mileage is good, not outstanding but good, and the utilitarianship is excellent. It hauls and hauls, if you get my drift. No major unfixable problems yet and we just logged over 11K miles.

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  A nice SUV with - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Jenny5 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The incentives and rebates were just too juicy to pass up..Thank You GM! I had been hearing about the "cheap interior"...maybe for the 02 and 03 models. I think the 04 design (especially with leather) has a nice, simple but elegant feel to it. The retro chrome speedometer trim is very nice. The interior color scheme (black & tan) is nice to look at too. We signed the papers on the V6 after driving the inline4 (the fuel economy is the same!). Over all, an awesome value for your American buck!!

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By timo12 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Vue is fun to dive. Power off the line and when you need it. Its been great on gas and I love how it looks. No scheduled maintance for 100,000 miles..what could be better. Just cahge the oil & filter every 3500, air filter evrey 10,000, and your ready to go.

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  Watch for rocks! - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Bloomsday - August 14 - 10:00 am

  In general, I have few complaints, but the ones I have are bothersome; specifically, Ive been through 4 windshields in 1-1/2 years (full disclosure: I have 100 mile round-trip commute daily, on heavily travelled interstates). According to the Safelite windshield repairman, with whom Im on a first-name basis, this is a frequent problem due to the windshield design. If you can get it with a wind/bug guard that redirects the airflow, the problem will be lessened. I also have some strange squeaks and rattles, and a lot of wind noise in the cabin. In general, though, a good car that reliably gets me to and fro in all weather conditions.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Betz - August 10 - 4:40 pm

  I had had a trouble-free Saturn sport coupe and when I needed a bigger vehicle, I bought the Vue. It has been wonderful for my two large dogs. Ive had a generally good experience with the dealership, with the exception that they charged me $25 over the quote the last time I had it serviced, however, the oil change was a decent price rather than the $95 that had charged me previously. The plastic seat-mount cracked. Ive had no other problems with the vehicle. Before my Saturns, I drove a Jag. Hey, it is not a Jag, but for the money, I can afford to step down a few notches. Plus, the maintenance cost on the Jag was horrendous, and it was in the shop frequently.

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  2006 Saturn VUE 4dr SUV (FWD; 3.5 Vtech) - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Ken on Bacon Street! - August 10 - 6:26 am

  We just recently purchased this Vue to replace our aging (11 yrs, 112K miles), lethargic, gas guzzling monster, a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer with AWD and the 5.0 V8. Killed us on gas! We wanted a reliable, economical, and fun new daily commuter. After one (1) month of tooling around, both in city and on the highway, we could not be more pleased and content with our new VUE! Shes got exceptional power and pickup whenever circumstances requires it. That Honda Vtech 3.5l Vtech V6 mill is simply amazing!! Yet, shes easily twice as fuel friendly as our old SUV. Our VUE handles and rides very well also. Surprisingly, loads of interior room for a compact SUV also. Easy to get in and out also.

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  gas mileage. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By gary prehauser - August 9 - 10:00 am

  trip from defiance,ohio to okc. okla.drove 7 mph over speed limit,3fillups in okc for city driving,averaged 23 mpg.great gas mileage.when we left we had only 1600 miles on the carwe returned with 4200.we really enjoy our saturn vue red- line.

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  Saturn Vue - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By wmadden - August 8 - 6:26 pm

  Bought a program car and only had it 8 days when the crankshaft sensor failed. In the shop 3 days. Hoping this is only problem. Drives like a dream, looks even better inside and out. Usually had my wife drive the Jeep but drive it every chance I get. I have the same proble mentioned in several reviews in that the cruise control downshifts on the slightest incline. Hope for a recall to fix problem.