2005 Saturn VUE Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In 2005, Saturn decided to focus on addition by subtraction. The new year saw the Saturn VUE SUV abandon its signature Continuous Variable...
In 2005, Saturn decided to focus on addition by subtraction. The new year saw the Saturn VUE SUV abandon its signature Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) in the FWD 4 cylinder trim in favor of more traditional technology. The limited switch to 4 speed automatic transmission showed Saturn's willingness to focus on maximizing a more established system. Other updates included 3 new body colors, revised upholstery and interior highlights, a passenger-side sunshade, and standard OnStar telecom technology.
Otherwise, the 2005 Saturn VUE SUV remains the same. The VUE still comes in 4 different trims: FWD 4 cylinder (now with the optional 4 speed automatic transmission), AWD 4 cylinder, FWD V6, and AWD V6. The 4 cylinder trims use a 2.2 L, 143 hp engine while the V6 trims have kept the powerful 3.5 L, 250 hp that Saturn introduced in '04. Gas mileage remains around 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway.
Based on the previous couple years, it appears that the 2005 Saturn VUE SUV settled into its niche as a solid product in the competitive compact SUV market. However, consumers looking for premium materials and a unique style walked away disappointed. The response to this model told Saturn that it had an important decision to make. More specifically, the time had come for the Saturn VUE SUV to either remain content with giving consumers what they needed, or lavishing new customers with everything they could want.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Saturn VUE generally find it to be a reliable and comfortable SUV with good fuel economy. Many appreciate the spacious interior, handling in various conditions, and the vehicle's affordability. However, some drivers express concerns about the build quality, particularly the use of plastic materials and occasional rattle issues. Acceleration and performance can be underwhelming for those seeking a more powerful ride, and there are noted issues with handling in snowy conditions."
This is a FWD with the Eco-Tech 4 Cylinder Engine. While it won't burn up the road, the engine has adequate power for everyday driving. Gas mileage is good for a vehicle its size at 23mpg in town and 28mpg on the highway. Interior is spacious, and the fold down rear seats are nice. Interior trim feels cheap and has occasional rattle issues. Stock Bridgestone tires were terrible in the rain, hydroplaned all the time. Have since replaced with Toyo Eclipse tires which are a HUGE improvement. The electronic power steering is nice in parking lots, but is too sensitive at speed. Overall its been a reliable and comfortable vehicle, it doesn't excel at anything but doesn't really suck at anything either.
April 19, 2008This was the first car I bought myself, and I have never regretted it. Bought it used with about 30k miles, it's up to about 150k now and while I have had to put some money into it on routine repairs, it has help up wonderfully to the amount I drive it.
March 14, 2015This car is very durable, affordable to maintain and to operate. They seem to last forever, we don’t spend a lot of time or money to upkeep the car, yet it always looks good and performs great. Very reliable, comfortable and rides very smooth. We lobve it!
June 2, 2012What owners say
This is a FWD with the Eco-Tech 4 Cylinder Engine. While it won't burn up the road, the engine has adequate power for everyday driving. Gas mileage is good for a vehicle its size at 23mpg in town and 28mpg on the highway. Interior is spacious, and the fold down rear seats are nice. Interior trim feels cheap and has occasional rattle issues. Stock Bridgestone tires were terrible in the rain, hydroplaned all the time. Have since replaced with Toyo Eclipse tires which are a HUGE improvement. The electronic power steering is nice in parking lots, but is too sensitive at speed. Overall its been a reliable and comfortable vehicle, it doesn't excel at anything but doesn't really suck at anything either.
April 19, 2008This was the first car I bought myself, and I have never regretted it. Bought it used with about 30k miles, it's up to about 150k now and while I have had to put some money into it on routine repairs, it has help up wonderfully to the amount I drive it.
March 14, 2015This car is very durable, affordable to maintain and to operate. They seem to last forever, we don’t spend a lot of time or money to upkeep the car, yet it always looks good and performs great. Very reliable, comfortable and rides very smooth. We lobve it!
June 2, 2012The 2005 Saturn Vue was the best out of the 3 Vues I have owned, *(an 2003, 2004 and 2005). Good HP *(250 with the V6) and nice cargo hold for a mid sized SUV. Fuel mileage wasn't the best and handling in the rain, ice or snow was horrible. Overall appearance was suave, but you really have to know how to outfit a Vue with the right parts and pieces to make it swanky. Interior was probably some of the poorest I have seen. Although it was custom leather on the inside, it stained pretty easily and dashboard trim was failing although well maintained.
April 8, 2010We were impressed by the features for the price - having a five member famiy limits our vehicle options to larger vehicles for comfort and carrying capacity, and the Saturn VUE is a nice hybrid of passenger and cargo space without sacrificing comfort and fuel economy... love the leather seats and sunroof too!
February 5, 2012The first time I drove this SUV I was in love with it. Mine is a 5 speed manual transmission and it shifts beautifully. This replaced a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 4 door that died at 72000 Miles.
June 24, 2008good overall suv, cannot beat it for the money, has the features similar to those of more value, fuel efficient, the awd system isn't something you want to rock climb with but its suitable for rainy/wintery weather, sounds good, feels good
November 14, 2013Faster and more powerful then most people would think. Thanks to the Honda J35A3 v6 for that(250hp, 242ft-lbs torque). Very reliable. Gets pretty good gas milage for type of car it is, about 20 mpg around town if u baby it. 28 mpg on the highway.
July 3, 2011Performance- Acceleration not so great, but handles like a car love the electric power steering Build Quality- Mostly plastic is the biggest complaint Appearance- Looks nice inside and out, would change the headlights though other than that not too bad Cost of Ownership- great gas mileage, haven't owned long enough for maintenance Fun Factor- Lots of fun to drive (my first stick) drive whenever i can and its cheap to drive :)
September 30, 2009So far, this has been an awesome ride for the family & kept me out of a minivan!
May 30, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,890 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 250 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $17,630 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,230 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.5L 250 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,295 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
