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:

• 

  My garage is a room with a Vue - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By bpal - August 7 - 4:26 pm

  Handles well; comfortable seating & fun to drive; 6 cylinder engine has responsive power; good gas mileage; fun styling. Love the 17" wheels.

• 

  So far loving this car! - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By tiffanie02 - August 3 - 3:02 pm

  I just bought a 2008 Saturn Vue with 38,600 miles and i am loving it. I have always owned SUVs large and small, mostly Ford and Nissian. When we bought our Nissian Armada, I thought i was in heaven. But the Vue is just perfect for my daily commute to work, hauling my to growing sons (14 and 9), and for all of my teaching materials. I love the trunk space, its enough to add a 3rd row. Although I do believe that there would be more leg room in the back seat if there wasnt so much space used for the trunk. The drivers seat is pretty comfy, fabric with heated seats. I set up the OnStar system, saved my fav radio stations, set the clock all in a matter of 45 minutes.

• 

  Love my Redline - 2007 Saturn VUE
  By Love my Redline! - August 3 - 9:03 am

  My 2007 Redline was an upgrade from my 2005 Vue. Basically the cars are the same mechanically but the Redline just says roadster. It stands out in a crowd and I love the power. I had a Subaru WRX before my Vues. The Vue outperforms and is much roomier than the Subarus. I love the all wheel drive, room, the dent resistant panels which are no longer available in 2008. Come on Saturn bring them back! That was what made your product unique. I love my Redline. Too bad they had to change it. Love the Honda motor and hope to keep this for a long while. 22 mpg over all on the average is great for the size of the engine/vehicle.

• 

  I Love It! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Shugee - August 3 - 5:56 am

  They should make all cars as good as the Saturn. It gets excellent mileage, is comfortable on the road, and you can not beat the customer service. Recently I was involved in an incident on the road. A large bar had fallen off a truck in the dark and I hit it. I called the road side assistance, and they were wonderful. It was late at night, in the middle of nowhere, and they had a tow truck there in 30 minutes, got us safely to a motel,and had the repairs done quickly. I might add, everyone I told this story too said they were amazed the car didnt flip, or sustain serious damage. It doesnt surprise ME because I know how well Saturns are build. I will ALWAYS own a Saturn.

• 

  Good ride except for brakes - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By anita king - August 1 - 3:40 pm

  I was so excited to get my 2004 Saturn Vue in December of 2007. Here it is March and now all of a sudden at the beginning of March I start having problems with the brakes. I couldnt buy an extended warrenty because I dont have the extra cash. I talk with a service manager and he told me to bring it in it would cost 85 dollars since my warranty was over by 3 days and 338 miles. But you are in such a hype to get a car you need that all you want to do is just get the car. I was at the gas station and heard this lady talking about her car with the same problems.

• 

  Saturn VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Ron Motta - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I live in New England and the VUE has been totally reliable and excellent in the inclement weather. Its extremely versatile and has been backed flawlessly by the dealer. I would strongly recommend looking into the VUE if an individual is looking for a maderate sized SUV or a station wagon.

• 

  Good for the Money! - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By FatherOfThree - July 27 - 9:33 am

  Nice size for kids. Good performance & reliabilty with the Honda V6. Handling is so so and interior dash is not much to look at (very plasticly) Overall, a good value.

• 

  What a fun little ride - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By beckaroo8026 - July 20 - 12:53 pm

  I love it bacause its fun to drive , easy to park, and has fast pickup. I can easily see using the review mirror, which is where the Equinox lost me. We have the Redline, which my husband picked for the 18 inch wheels and lowered suspension. No sway in turns. Its way more fun then my LeSabre.

• 

  vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By mlb72801 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoyed driving this truck. The only bad thing I would say is that when I was going 70 mph on the highway and had to apply the brakes, the steering wheel shook uncontrollably. If you can overcome that, I thought it was a great vehicle. I was able to sit in the back seat with the front seat down, to elevate my legs, due to pregancy swelling!

• 

  Like it - our first VUE - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By Doris - July 18 - 5:56 am

  We really like our new Vue. Ride is very comfortable. Easy to handle. Very smooth ride. Like the crossover. Lots of favorable comments on it from people when we are out and about.