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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Cvt transmission - 2003 Saturn VUE
By eladiac - October 27 - 9:03 amTransmission went out, can not be fixed, entire new transmission, run away from any saturn vue cvt transmission. Car looks great interior and exterioir, but what good does it do if $5000 to replace transmission. Ill be junking it.major disappointment.
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Dont buy 2003-2005 VUE - 2003 Saturn VUE
By joaniep - October 12 - 3:15 amDont buy 2002-05 Saturn Vue or Ion! VTI transmission failure expected by GM but no recall issued. I have a 2003 Vue with 67k miles that is now worth scrap metal because I cannot afford the $5500 rebuilt transmission. My car is only worth $6500. I never received written notification or was notified by the Saturn Dealership during routine maintenance. I cannot afford a new car payment; which is why I took care of my Vue - so I wouldnt have to. GM lost class action to replace these transmissions but filed for bankruptcy and received government (taxpayer) bailout before owners notified. Class action re-filed with "new" GM to compel to provide owners with relief.
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30,000 miles of torture - 2002 Saturn VUE
By Not Happy - October 8 - 4:36 amWhere do I start. On my way to the airport the clutch went. Before and since it was fixed it is almost impossible at times to put into 1st gear, other times big problems shifting down to 2nd gear. Was informed that this was the way the car was designed, go figure. Air conditioning broke. Cap flew off windshield wiper fluid dispenser. Driver side door handle broke. Lid on console will never stay closed. There was a recall for something. Now it is in the shop once again to have the gear shift fixed also found out that not only does it need new brake pads but the rotors are rusted out and need replacing at a cost of $550. I dont want the car any more and am shopping around for a new one
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Transmission issues - 2004 Saturn VUE
By horriblecar1 - October 2 - 11:44 pmI purchased this car 4 months ago used and now am experiencing issues with it. It was shaking back and fourth.... stop and go traffic was horrifying because I was afraid the rpms were going to drop and the car would shut off. Also the car had extremely poor pick up and when I would come to a stop the car would occasionally not go when I put my foot on the gas and then it would take off and sound like someone hit me from behind. Dont purchase this car better yet just get a bike...
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Another Vue Lemon - 2002 Saturn VUE
By LemonVue2002 - September 4 - 10:00 amThis Vue("LEMON")has been problems since the 1st day. Fuel gauge not reading correctly, struts replace 2xs, rotors replaced to "TRY" to correct thumping and stearing wheel shaking 3xs, Seat cover strings pop off foam showing 3xs,water leak on floor 5xs, loud engine vibration 4xs. Saturn dearler still did not fix any of the problems. After many attempts to fix problems their answer: ITS THE CHARACTERISTIC of the Vue. I DONT THINK SO.I will never by a GM product agian!!!!! Ive learned my lesson once again!!!!!bye bye SATURN. Never Again.
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Worst Car Ive Ever Owned - 2008 Saturn VUE
By Johnny - August 28 - 10:06 pmThis car has been a nightmare. No less than 5 recalls since purchased; the transmission needed to be replaced (not one of the recalls), and the seat fabric stains if you drip clean water on it! Also, for a relatively weak four cylinder engine, the gas mileage is just not good. I will never, ever purchase another GM product.
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Bad Design, Poor Quality - 2008 Saturn VUE
By demein - August 22 - 1:36 pmThis was the first gm/Saturn I have owned new off the lot. I must say it looks great and the wife wanted it just for its looks. Beyond that, it was a terrible displeasure owning it and dealing with all the problems the came with dealing with Saturn corporate customer service. List of problems: keys being locked in car automatically (like while pumping gas). Car does not shift properly. Aggressive acceleration with out driver input... Just takes off. Parts breaking: door handles, windshield wiper tank tubes failure of airbag system sensors. Transmission problems with downshifting when accelerating. Instrument cluster / panel failing. 48 days in the shop in less than 6 months.
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Dont buy this vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
By I drive a lemon - August 10 - 8:03 amI owned mine about 5 months when the engine needed to be replaced, 3 months later the transmission went. Only the Saturn dealer has access to Saturn parts so you pay dealer rates for repairs. Saturn has reviewed my case and promised to send reimbursement for transmission repair. Check is over 3 weeks late and all I hear are excuses about a new system...blah blah blah... other department...blah blah...working on it..blah blah blah. Before purchasing look into the class action law suit against Saturn for putting out this piece of junk.
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Lemon - 2004 Saturn VUE
By Saturn Vue Owner - August 6 - 10:00 amMy husband and I bought our 2004 Saturn VUE in November of 2003.Our dealership was pleasant and we felt we had a great deal. Soon we made great friends with the service department as well! So far we have had a noise in the dash that cant be duplicated,so we bring it in and they shoot foam into the dash to cushion the sound. Noise is still there. We have had the rotors machined, rotars replaced, bad wheel bearing replaced,ac adapter fuses replaced,transmission cover replaced, transmission reprogrammed and fluids replaced,and still waiting on our recall to be addressed.Saturn Corporation offered extended warranty, but nothing else.Safety and reliablity are huge concerns at 22,000 mi.
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Absolutely Horrible - 2003 Saturn VUE
By Jeb - June 14 - 10:00 amWe bought ours used at 80,000 miles. The transmission blew at 88,000 miles. After a long fight with Saturn I got them to cover half of the $5000.00 repair. The transmission just blew again....lasted 100,000 miles this time. We did not get any benefit from the class action lawsuit that Saturn settled because our mileage exceeded the settlement, but basically the settlement claims Saturn knew that they were producing bad transmissions that blow around 80000 miles. They of course deny it. I also replaced multiple ball bearings. Horrible. Cheap. Worthless.
