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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  Good value - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By cfm56doc - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with the vehicle, but am unsure abouth the dealership network. Our truck has had several trips for repairs and still am fighting an A/C problem quiting after 1 1/2 - 2 hours on the highway. If you shut the A/C system off for aprox. 30 seconds and turn the A/C back on all will be fine for the next hour until you repeat. Front suspensions is a MAJOR sore point with this vehicle. I am on my 3 set of struts after only 26,00 miles. Bad luck? I keep telling myself I bought an early production version and am paying the price for it.

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  Will never buy another Saturn - 2005 Saturn VUE
  By Michelle - June 7 - 8:03 am

  We have had our 2005 Saturn Vue for a little over 2 years. We have taken it in countless times for poor mileage, hesitation, etc. Now at 45000 the wheel bearings have gone. If the service department was at all helpful - at any Saturn Dealership we have been to - it would have been a more bearable experience. However, we recieve no solutions to our problems and Saturn will not pay for the wheel bearings either - surely this was part of some of our earlier problems. Also, this car is noisy.. despite its hefty original purchase price of over $26K - we would have gotten a whole lot more out of our money if we had spent a few more thousand on a BMW or Mercedes in the same class. NEVER AGAIN!

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  Lots of miles still going strong - 2008 Saturn VUE
  By vue in VT - June 2 - 7:20 am

  I have 51,000 miles since bought new in 08. had floor board leak in beginning had go to dealer twice for repair but not one issues since but did have door handles replaced for recall. I love the ride and am very sorry that Saturn is closed I know I will not get as good service at Chevy dealership.

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  Vue is great - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By HerbaB - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I was very impressed with the innovative features of the Saturn Vue i purchased. They have considered many little things that make the buyers life easier every day. These are not expensive things but very important and practical. For example, its no longer necessary to get under the vehicle to change the oil filter ... you just unscrew the cap and replace the inners. Also they have a holder in the rear storage area which holds grocery bags from falling over. It runs smoothly and is a pleasure to drive for a very reasonable price!@

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  Its a keeper. - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By bkm73 - May 21 - 1:46 am

  I like my VUE. The vehicle I liked best out of recent years was my GMC Jimmy but I couldnt keep it away from the fuel pumps. When I found out VUEs are rated for 27 highway that got my attention. I have 80+ thousand miles, just bought new Bridgestones last fall and still have original brakes. You can hear it run thru the 5 aoutomatic gears as you accelerate but I kind of like that. I have had no problems in all kind of snow and ice and the only time I was afraid of getting stuck was in MUD. It didnt let me down. I like the outside distinctive styling and the interior is comfortable if it is plastic. I have spent some money on repairs but not out of reason.

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  2nd Car; 2nd Saturn; Great VUE! - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Coty - May 17 - 6:06 pm

  After owning my very first car, a 2003 Saturn ION, I decided to go back to a new Saturn, the VUE. The powerful 250- hp Honda supplied V6 sounds rich and accelerates fast always ready. Gas mileage is respectable for an SUV but better that most espeically with a V6. I got the chrome package in black and it gets a lot of attention. OnStar is also a great feature along with Hands- free phone and XM Radio. Friendly service before, during, and after the sale have been excellent in the past with my Ion and that still remains as a Saturn Policy. Looks and Feels like a $30K vehicle but got all my options under $25,000. Just go drive one and trust me youll want to take one home!

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  Alternative to a Usd Car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Riverman - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Big Rebates put a new VUE in the same price range as many used cars. The Saturn Vehicle Exchange Program works. My first Saturn Vue (manual transmission)would fly out of third gear on hills. I asked for a new Saturn and took my choice. This is a fine option to a Compact Station Wagon. Very practical. The type of people who like "sensable shoes" buy Saturn.

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  Best SUV overall for the money - 2006 Saturn VUE
  By Gayle - May 13 - 2:36 pm

  Love how the VUE handles in town and on the road. The gas mileage is great. Interior is roomy and very comfortable. Especially like the color of mine, Storm Gray. The price is very reasonable. I would definitely buy another VUE.

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  Salt Lake City - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By Steve and Vicky - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is great.... dealer is only marginal. I wish there was another dealer in Wasatch front that was not owned by the same

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  One Great SUV from Saturn - 2003 Saturn VUE
  By SaturnFan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really enjoy the rugged appearance of the Vue. It is fun to drive, but I cant wait to buy the Vue Red Line. My younger children enjoy the DVD system. I really like it because its just the right size, and can hold pretty much whatever you throw into it. I have peace of mind with its optional head curtain airbags, and its "Good" crash test raiting by the IIHS.