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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 proved to be enough to garner reasonable success in terms of sales but not much in terms of critical acclaim. Since then, Saturn has been hard at work making improvements and expanding the Vue's model lineup. By most measures, the current Saturn Vue is the best yet, and consumers searching for an SUV with a comfortable ride quality, an available hybrid powertrain and a no-hassle buying experience will likely be satisfied with a Vue purchase.
The Saturn Vue is a car-based SUV. Like most other vehicles of this type, it provides useful cargo-carrying versatility, an elevated driving position, secure handling, optional V6 power and the option for all-wheel drive. Though the Vue is officially classified as a midsize SUV in terms of size, most shoppers compare it to similarly priced compact SUVs during the decision-making process. It's built at Saturn's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant and shares its basic platform with the Pontiac Torrent and Chevrolet Equinox.
Choosing a Vue is a relatively easy affair. There are no specific trim levels but equipment and option availability change slightly depending on which engine is selected. The least expensive model has front-wheel drive, a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is optional. Stepping up to the 3.5-liter V6 model provides more power, a few more features and the option of getting all-wheel drive and a "Red Line" performance package.
A new addition to the Vue family is the "Green Line." Equipped with a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain, this model promises to deliver a 20-percent improvement in fuel economy over a four-cylinder Vue. Additionally, the Green Line shaves about 1 second from the 0-60-mph time. From the outside, the Green Line looks like any other Vue. Only the Hybrid badge on the fender identifies it as the tree-hugger special.
In earlier reviews conducted by our editors, the Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant body panels. Noted downsides include below-average build quality, some low-grade interior materials, vague steering and weak performance from the base four-cylinder engine.
Though the Saturn Vue is still in its first generation, it's been around long enough that shoppers interested in buying a used, late-model compact SUV will likely come across it during their search. However, there are a few items to consider before choosing a used Vue. One is that the Vue's interior was notably improved for the 2006 model year. Models built previous to this are notably deficient in terms of interior materials quality and ergonomics.
One should also note that Saturn offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the 2002-'05 model years. Fitted to the 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. Finally, Vues built through the 2004 model year have a 3.0-liter OHV V6 instead of the current, Honda-engineered 3.5-liter V6. The old V6, though prodigious in torque, was not nearly as refined or powerful as the 3.5-liter V6.
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