By 2006, the Saturn VUE SUV had completely phased out continuously variable transmission (CVT) and substituted a new FWD automatic trim for the AWD 4 cylinder. Other changes focused more on semantics and optional features. Saturn added two new colors, redesigned the headlights and grille, and made power windows and power door locks standard in all trims. Other updates included a redesigned interior with added storage, radio controls on the steering wheel, and a compass with outside temperature display built into the rearview mirror.
Otherwise, the 2006 Saturn VUE SUV stayed true to a successful formula. The 4 cylinder trims still used a 2.2 L, 143 hp engine, while the V6 trims kept their 3.5 L, 250 hp engine. Mileage still ranged between 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. ABS brakes and traction control now appeared as either optional or standard features on all trims.
Reviewers note that Saturn has worked to fix some flaws that detracted from earlier models. Engine and road noise have gone down, while handling has improved. Some drivers express disappointment that important optional safety features such as ABS brakes cost more than they should. Overall, the Saturn VUE SUV has room for improvement and will look to silence its critics with a new hybrid model for 2007.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Great suv. Runs like a dream! Always ready and dependable. I love it. Oct 05, 2021
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2021
Features are what a buyer wants . This SUV is a good value I believe. Ford Edge is a likely comparison to the Saturn Vue. Jan 12, 2021
by Alice W
Nov 09, 2020
Its a great car and it belongs to me I really want it but it will have to be shippedNov 09, 2020
User rating:
by Patricia W
Oct 05, 2021
Great suv. Runs like a dream! Always ready and dependable. I love it. Oct 05, 2021
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2021
Features are what a buyer wants . This SUV is a good value I believe. Ford Edge is a likely comparison to the Saturn Vue. Jan 12, 2021
by Alice W
Nov 09, 2020
Its a great car and it belongs to me I really want it but it will have to be shippedNov 09, 2020
by James B
Jul 13, 2020
Era to buy us the 04-07, model V6 with AWD as the engines and transmissions are from Honda and will far outlast the rest of the car. The other GM engines and transmission are a common issue. Any Saturn Vue with any substantial time near salt water or areas that salt the roads in winter will have substantial frame rot that that can lead to catastrophic structural failure and, at minimum, compromise the energy absorption in a crash, or at worst lead to a car wreck. The places to check are the the mounting areas of the sub frame, the front and rear sub frames, and the area where the rear trailing arms attach to the frame- (find the rear tire and follow the piece that mounts just under the rear doors). Absolutely check the under side of the car as there are never any pics on any of the websites-which is not a coincidence as reputable dealers will stay the hell away from these cars once the look underneath. These cars are typically way overpriced, anything above $3500-regardless of the miles is likely better off passing on unless you can inspect it yourself. simple test is to see if your car keys will penetrate the rocker area just under and of the door, easy to reach and often that area will crumble into your hands-not a deal breaker if you are in the market for a beater; but for safety sake check the rest of the undercarriage out first. Far better looking at a used Toyota Highlander or Honda CRV, likely more expensive for the same year/mileage but they hold up better to corrosion and will far outlast any GM product from that era. That said I like these cars, Ive owned three, and learned much from them. However this will be my last one as quality parts are getting scarce and more expensive, and my time is better spent than fabricating and welding repairs to the frame.Jul 13, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2020
What a great deal! Low mileage, awesome price, and in excellent condition. I am so happy with my purchase.Apr 10, 2020
by Julie S
Feb 05, 2015
This has been a good family transportation for years. It has begun to show it age. It will not tow even with a v6 and automatic transmission. Would really like to get it back to normal running condition as it is a good vehicle to drive.Feb 05, 2015
by Marcy A
Dec 30, 2013
Looked all over for this car before purchasing used. Only THREE in the entire country were available at the time (in black, sunroof, leather seats). Flew to Florida to purchase sight unseen and drove it back to Texas. One of the best cars I've owned. Reliable, easy to repair (none ever seem necessary) AND one of the easiest vehicles to tow behind your motorhome (my reason for purchasing). Just open the hood, pull one fuse and you are good to go. Ok...a couple of easy other steps like moving trans from park to neutral, but other than that, pull the fuse and put it back in when you stop to disconnect your car. That's it. I have towed her over 20K miles with absolutely NO PROBLEMS.Dec 30, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 07, 2013
My Vue is a Red Line edition...different wheels, suede seats...V6 fwd.
We've taken it cross-country numerous times...it handled us plus all of our treasures. We got side-swiped at Mount Rushmore in 2008 and it was scratched but the plastic panels did exactly what they were supposed to. One good cleaning and they looked good as new.
We sold this Vue to my parents in December 2013...they love it and have recently surpassed 100,000 miles. Jun 07, 2013
by Ashley R
Oct 25, 2012
The mileage is great, just wish it was roomier. I will be looking into purchasing a larger vehicle. Though good for a small family. Have driven this car all over ! To Daytona Beach , Cleveland, Ohio, Dallas, it is a very reliable car! I would recommend to anyone .Oct 25, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 08, 2012
I absolutely loved this car. It's super reliable and really good with highway mpg. I love the space it gives. Doesn't look too big from the outside but it's interior is really roomy. I love the sunroof, and it's engine is absolutely amazing. Really quiet, smooth, and powerful. Jul 08, 2012
by Carie C
Mar 06, 2012
This is the 2nd Saturn Vue I have owned. I must say that they both have been a great family car with plenty of room in the back seat for car seats and kids. They have been reliable and you cannot beat the gas mileage at 28 mpg for a mid-size SUV. It rides comfortably on the highway and is great for getting around town. The only reason I'm selling my 2006 Vue is due to lack of funds to make payments. I do wish I could keep it but family comes first and a car payment is not feasible at this time.Mar 06, 2012
by Leo C
Nov 15, 2010
This is the best vehicle I have owned to date! I would recommend this vehicle to any one who is looking for an SUV. Maintanence is inexpensive and real easy to do, also parts are not to expensive. A great buy!Nov 15, 2010
by Anonymous
May 17, 2010
Just purchased this Used and absolutely love it. Smooth ride, great acceleration, and is comfortable and roomy inside. Excellent handling! I got mine w/high mileage for only being a few years old, but it drives like a brand new car.May 17, 2010
by Angela S
May 14, 2010
It can go pretty fast and pick up speed quick, but not all of the car is greatly built. Great for small families. Has A great look all together inside and out if you don't look really close. Has great performance, its all fun to drive and even more fun when you add all the electronics i have in it and it still runs great.May 14, 2010
by Lisa's A
Oct 14, 2009
This car is great. I get 30 mpg at minimum. I live on a long/muddy dirt road and have no problems getting in and out. Holds tons of cargo. I can pick 6 bales of hay and have room. Oct 14, 2009
by Amanda J
Jul 10, 2009
It's a 4 cylinder so the pick up is okay, but its also a manual so its quite okay too. The steering on the car is very percise, you can move it a little to the side and it will drift very far.Jul 10, 2009
by Uniqorn K
Jun 26, 2009
No repairs, just an oil change and wash! Fold down seats allow me to carry home my purchases without hiring a truck. Drives and accelerates well. Fun to drive with chrome sidelines and step up glidepath. Sunroof included with luggage rack and tow bar!Jun 26, 2009
by Brendon G
Apr 21, 2009
My Vue fails to shine on the highway due to the fact that it is a 4 cylinder. Braking and handling are normal. There can be quite a bit of rotor noise when going over potholes. In the three years I have owned it I have replaced all the tires changed the brakes and had the car alligned. Other than that I have basically changed the oil and air filters. The body has dent resistant panels but they seem to scratch very easily. Inside wear is average and the carpets and seats have been kept looking like new because of a protection package that my dealer applies every year. Gas mileage is better than average at about 25-28 mpg on the highway. City mileage not as good. If the car was a V6 it would be a lot better to drive.Apr 21, 2009
by Kirk H
Oct 03, 2008
Loved it. Have nothing bad to say. Mileage was good. Ride was good. Performance was great. Never needed work.
Leased it for my wife. It was our first Saturn (now have 5 in the family).
The color got a lot of comments (Laser Blue) We drove it on several vacations and got 30+ mpgs every time an that is with a 250hp engine! Cruised quiet, handled great, parallel parking was a snap with the electronic power steering.
Performance was smooth and powerful. We sprang for the upgraded stereo and it sounded much better than any stock system I have experienced outside of some VERY EXPENSIVE cars.
Lease terms were awesome. I was sorry to part with this car. But our 2008 VUE has turned out to be pretty great as well.Oct 03, 2008
by Kayleen D
Aug 08, 2008
My car rides really smooth. it might be a mommy car but its still great... it drives like a car but its more like a small suv in size... it has nice leather interier and heated seats for the winter months... i wish that the sound system was better but i can always change that my self... Aug 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 13, 2008
lets see I enjoy the drive, while driving it. I love the sun-roof. That is one of my favorite things, beside leather seats. I wish it was bigger more roomier. I also wish it had more vents so that the air-conditioner would move around more evenly. I don't think this car is a safe car. Especially if you have kids, but it gets you from A to B. But I had an awesome dealer ship I got it from. They help out and would do anything for you. That was the most positive thing I think. It drives well. Jul 13, 2008
by James M
Jun 24, 2008
It's slow but it gets me where I need to be with good gas mileage and a decently cheap monthly payment. It's not too sore on the eyes eitherJun 24, 2008
by Anonymous
May 15, 2008
2006 Vue V6 AWD is great - Honda V6 and Honda 5 speed auto, same as in the Acura MDX. How can you beat that for value? Only complaints are: gas milage not so good, and rear brakes should be disc not drum.
May 15, 2008
by Jeff K
Apr 28, 2008
This is my dad's car, so I dont drive it much, but when I do it is very fun to drive.
Quick acceleration, wonderful 0-60 time, just an overall gemApr 28, 2008
by Stan M
Apr 28, 2008
Comfortable, roomy and dependableApr 28, 2008
by Stephen W
Mar 25, 2008
All around great car. Aside from the transmission, there really isn't a lot of bad to say about this thing. You pretty much know what you are getting when you go for the base model.Mar 25, 2008
by Glen M
Jan 19, 2008
Honda engine and transmission make this a decent ride. Not bad on gas actually similar to my Altima, but more useful, the only thing is the interior quality is not where it should be. Too many rattles and handles like a bag of dirt. Not an SUV fan at all.Jan 19, 2008
by Garth L
Dec 22, 2007
The engine is one of the nicest feautures being a Honda, yes a Honda, its a 6 banger with 260 horses to get up and go. The heated seats are a pleasure in the winter and storage space is ample.Dec 22, 2007
My 2006 Saturn vue 2.2 liter 5 speed suddenly stopped running when checking obd.I realized that my ecu was not communicating with other components, i replaced the ECU underneath the hood up with a used, ecU from the same vehicle. Same year, the part numbers were identical. However, it did not work. I took it to a shop.They had it for 2 months and we're unable to figure it out.I've heard something about having the ecu flashed, also I have just l realized there is an ECU on the passenger's side underneath. The dash should that have been changed out with the same car that I got. The other used. Ecu, from what can be done?, I have no idea where to go from here
The front rotors on my 2006 Vue has been warped twice, 16,000 miles and 36,000. Is this normal? The dealership said it's because the rotors had a hot spot and got wet or it's because of the stop and go traffic. This is my 3rd Saturn, but I will think twice on my next car.
f taking the inside panel off completely and tried to look inside and make sure the lock is working correctly on the door handle rod is working completely I tried to take the outside door bolts out to remove the door but the latch won't release I just don't know what to do or what else to try to get to open my door
I took the fuse out and of course the compressor turned off. However, other odd things occurred. When in Drive, doors no longer automatically locked and transmission would not upshift to 4th. I put the fuse back in. I'd like to pull the connector to the compressor but can't get to it. Any suggestions?
