The 2007 Saturn Vue is a decent, reliable little SUV. It’s not a lemon, it’s not a clunker. But there’s no reason a $5,000 SUV from 2007 shouldn’t include anti-lock brakes as a standard feature. There are far, far better compact SUVs to be had for the same price.
Is the 2007 Saturn Vue a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – A mediocre-by-design budget-priced compact SUV. The 2007 Vue stood out in its model year by offering a hybrid model, but a new traction battery will cost you two, three grand, nullifying the one ace this low-end SUV had up its sleeve.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – The suspension rides nice and smooth but interior layout is awkward and cargo space is adequate at best.
- Reliability 8/10 – If there’s one thing you can say in the Vue’s defense, it won’t break down on you out of nowhere. The SUV hasn’t generated a single NHTSA recall in over 15 years of service.
- Safety 6/10 – The Vue’s crash test ratings are acceptable, but the absence of anti-lock brakes as a standard feature costs the SUV a point.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – An i4 model Vue is nothing if not fuel-efficient, and the V6 is decent, at 20/28, city/highway. But the hybrid’s measly 27/32 mpg rating had buyers wondering what all the hype was about.
- Value 7/10 – Typically selling in the $5,000 range, the Vue isn’t a terrible value, but a Sportage does everything better at around the same price.
What Do Critics Say About the 2007 Saturn Vue?
Consumer Reports found the Saturn Vue to be a disappointment on every front. They didn’t think the fuel economy was all that impressive in the hybrid model, they found the steering unwieldy, the seats uncomfortable, and the overall build quality poor. They note the lack of stability control as a point against the Vue, as well.
Kelley Blue Book offered some praise for the Vue’s car-like ride, comparing it favorably to the CR-V and RAV4 in terms of overall feel and performance. KBB note the lack of third row seating as a negative, making the Vue feel more like a big compact car than a small SUV.
Edmunds liked the Vue’s strong V6 engine and roomy cabin, they found the ride comfortable, and note that the hybrid model was one of the more affordable cars of its type at the time of its release. Vague steering, cramped seats, poor build quality and missing standard features were marked as downsides.
What Common Problems Does the 2007 Saturn Vue Have?
Airbag issues make up around one in three of the 2007 Saturn Vue’s 308 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints. Drivers report airbags failing to deploy in an accident, or deploying unexpectedly while driving at low speeds. There have been no airbag recalls as yet.
There are 34 steering complaints on file with the NHTSA, with drivers reporting the steering wheel locking up while in motion, grinding noises coming from the steering column, and loss of steering control. These issues have been addressed with technical service bulletins, but not by recall.
Electrical systems make up nearly half of the Vue’s total complaints on file with the NHTSA, with ignition problems leading the pack. Drivers report the key getting stuck in the ignition, and the ignition failing to start the engine.
As of the time of this writing, the 2007 Saturn Vue has not generated a single recall, or even an investigation, with the NHTSA.
How Long Will the 2007 Saturn Vue Last?
The V6 and i4 model Saturn Vue might last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles with adequate care. But, if you can find a hybrid model still running, its days are numbered. A hybrid’s traction battery is only built to last around eight to ten years or so, and can cost as much as three grand to replace, which is almost the price of the car itself.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $424, with the most expensive common repair being a new AC compressor starting at around $852, and going up to $1,155.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2007 Saturn Vue is pretty basic. You’ve got a CD player with 6 speakers, and that’s about it.
Safety features are, likewise, pretty basic. Anti-lock brakes come standard on the V6 and hybrid models, but not the i4. Traction control is only standard in the hybrid, and it’s not even optional in the i4.
Is the 2007 Saturn Vue a Good Value?
The 2007 Saturn Vue is affordable, but you’re not getting a lot for the money. A hybrid model typically lists for around $4,836, but, since you’re going to have to place the traction battery right away, that’s more like seven or eight grand, total. A V6 will list for around $4,869.
These numbers are on the lower end of median list prices for small SUVs from this model year. But, for that price you’re usually getting comfier seats and more standard features. By 2007, more SUVs than not packed an MP3 player, and anti-lock brakes were standard on every trim. The Vue is a stripped-down SUV at a not-so-stripped-down price.
What are the Different Models of the 2007 Saturn Vue?
The 2007 Saturn Vue is offered in three different models, being the i4, the Hybrid i4, and the V6. Interior and exterior features are pretty much the same from model to model, including:
- Manual air conditioning
- CD player with 6 speakers
- Remote keyless entry
- Cloth/vinyl seating
- Cruise control
Anti-lock brakes are standard in the V6 and Hybrid models, and traction control is standard in the Hybrid, optional in the V6.
What Engines Come In the 2007 Saturn Vue?
- The standard i4 model Vue comes packed with a 2.2L inline-four engine delivering 143 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 23/29 miles to the gallon, city/highway. The engine is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive.
- Hybrid models carry a 2.4L hybrid i4 Ecotec engine delivering 170 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 27/32 MPG. THis is paired to a 4-speed automatic in front wheel drive.
- In the V6 Vue you’re getting a 3.5L V6 delivering 250 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque at 20/28 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in front wheel drive, with all wheel drive being offered as an option.
What Colors Does the 2007 Saturn Vue Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2007 Saturn Vue?
The 2007 Saturn Vue is moderately comfortable. It’s not the smallest SUV on the road, but there’s no third row option, and the interior layout is a bit awkward, making it feel half its size for larger drivers and passengers. On the other hand, most reviewers found the suspension to ride smoothly enough, and the back seat stretches a generous 52 inches across.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2007 Saturn Vue Have?
The 2007 Saturn Vue offers 31 cubic feet of storage space with the back seats up, or 64 with the seats folded down. For reference, the 2007 Honda CR-V offers 73 cubic feet of storage space, and even the 2007 Kia Sportage goes up to 66. So, while the Vue offers enough cargo space for long road trips, it’s not exactly a class leader in this category.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2007 Saturn Vue was the final entry in the SUV’s 1st Generation, launched in the 2002 model year. The SUV would then be relaunched for a short 2nd Generation run from 2008 to 2010 before being retired by the Chevy Captiva Sport.
2006: The 2006 model Vue featured some improved interior trim materials and a sleek new bumper and grille design. Cruise control was made standard for this model year.
2007: Hybrid models were new for 2007.
2008: The 2008 Saturn Vue kicked the 8th Generation off with a new high-end XE trim, and a top-of-the-line XR.
2009: By 2009 the Saturn brand was already winding down, and the final two model years for the Vue were essentially devoted to selling off remaining inventory rather than on improving the SUV year after year.
How Does the 2007 Saturn Vue Compare to the Competition?
A 2007 Kia Sportage is more comfortable than a Saturn Vue, it’s about as reliable, and it offers comparable performance in the same price range, with anti-lock brakes included as a standard feature.
If you’re willing to spend a little extra, the 2007 Honda CR-V is hands-down the best small SUV you’re going to find in this model year for under $8,000, a sporty, industry-leading crossover lasting as long as 300,000 miles. The CR-V starts out in the high six thousand dollar range, but it’s worth every dollar.
The Vue is in a tough spot as an SUV that’s neither a serious contender for the best in its model year, nor the best for the price. If you can get a great deal on one, it’s hardly a lemon. But at around five grand, there are better things to spend your money on.
