Saturn VUE Review

2009 Saturn VUE XR SUV Shown

When the Saturn Vue debuted in 2002, it represented Saturn's (as well as General Motors') first homegrown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment. As there were already many established players at this point, Saturn's managers knew that just showing up wasn't going to be enough to ensure success. As such, the company equipped the vehicle with unique drivetrain options, a spacious cabin and a low price.

This first Saturn Vue garnered reasonable success in terms of sales but not much in terms of critical acclaim. To compensate for the latter, Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line variant and the hybrid Green Line. Though still not as polished as other top compact SUVs, the Vue remained attractive mostly because of its low price and Saturn's famed no-hassle buying experience.

The new, second-generation Saturn Vue gains improvements in many areas. As part of Saturn's revival plan, the new Vue shares much of its basic structure with the Antara, a small SUV produced by Opel, GM's Germany-based European division. The two vehicles' few differences are limited to the grille, stereo and center stack control designs; engine choices; and, of course, logos. (The Vue is built in Mexico.)

While we usually roll our eyes at so-called badge engineering, this is one instance where we're flag-waving fans. The new Vue is a remarkable improvement over its forbear, looking and feeling like a European-designed car that just happens to have Saturn badges. For shoppers interested in a new small SUV, the Vue is (finally) a different kind of car for Saturn.

Current Saturn Vue

The current Saturn Vue was introduced for 2008. It is a five-passenger compact SUV available in three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporty Red Line. The base engine on the XE trim is a 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces a class-competitive 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 is available on the XE, and sends 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. Both the XR and Red Line are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generates 257 hp and 248 lb-ft. A manual-shift feature is standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive is available on each trim.

There is also a hybrid model known as the Vue Green Line. It is principally powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 172 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. A small electric motor provides a smidgen of power assist during acceleration, though its primary role is to restart the engine after it automatically shuts off at a stop. Electricity is recouped by capturing energy normally lost during braking. A four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard. Fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, which are both 6 mpg better than the regular four-cylinder Vue XE with front-wheel drive. It's also more fuel-efficient than most competitors, and thanks to federal tax credits, cheaper too.

The new Saturn Vue is very similar in size to its predecessor, with a nearly identical wheelbase and marginally greater width and height. Its exterior is also now constructed of steel body panels. Although the old plastic ones prevented unsightly dings, they also looked cheap and created huge panel gaps. The interior's plastic content has also been downplayed, with higher-quality materials and a grown-up design featuring good ergonomics. The only sign the Vue is an American GM product is the standardized climate and stereo controls (including the optional navigation system), which are well-designed and easy to use.

When compared to other compact SUVs, the Vue is on the small side, with only 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. That's almost 20 cubes less than some of its key competitors. Passenger space is good, however, with a reclining rear seat that offers decent legroom. Front-seat comfort is good as well, although some may find the bottom cushions a little short and the seats in general lacking lateral and lumbar support.

In our review of a front-drive Saturn Vue XR, we found it to be a real competitor in the rapidly expanding compact-SUV market. Although others offer more space or a more entertaining driving experience, the Vue makes 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. There were no specific trim levels other than the later Green Line model produced for '07 only.

There are a few items to consider before choosing a used Saturn Vue. One is that the Vue's interior 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 have 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.

The Green Line model made for '07 came with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain and promised to deliver a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy over a four-cylinder Vue. Additionally, the Green Line shaved about 1 second from the 0-60-mph time. From the outside, the Green Line looked like any other Vue. Only the Hybrid badge on the fender identified it as the environmentally friendly special. We were unimpressed with this Saturn "mild" hybrid, however, as its fuel economy and environmental benefits were overshadowed by its price premium and unsophisticated execution.

In earlier reviews conducted by our editors, the Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant body panels. Noted downsides included below-average build quality, low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.