Introduced as a compact crossover SUV in 2002, the VUE was the first sport utility vehicle manufactured by Saturn and went on to become their best selling vehicle in the United States. One of the least expensive SUVs on the market at the time, the Saturn VUE was initially based on a platform designed by their parent company-General Motors- and the first generation of the popular 5 passenger vehicle was produced from 2002 to 2007 and a brand new second generation debuted for the 2008 model year.

In 2002 the VUE was available with a 2.2 liter inline 4 cylinder engine with front wheel drive or all wheel drive, as well as a choice of a 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission that combined the ease of an automatic with the fuel efficiency of a manual. The VUE was also available with a 3.0 liter V6 that was mated to a five speed automatic transmission with all wheel drive. Options included antilock brakes, curtain side airbags, and the General Motors OnStar assistance system.

The exterior of the VUE, featuring dent resistant plastic body panels, was delicately angular in design with an athletically bold front end. The interior was nothing to brag about in terms of style, but in terms of utility, functionality and comfort there were few complaints. Passenger room was more than ample, seats were comfortable and the low step in height made entry and exit relatively easy. With the spare tire stored under the rear floor and a split rear seat with a fold-down front passenger seatback, long objects could be easily accommodated within the more than 63 cubic feet of cargo space. All models with the exception of the front wheel drive four-cylinder with manual transmission included power windows, door locks and side view mirrors, and a power sunroof, in-dash CD stereo, and the OnStar communication system were optional.

For the 2003 model year a new option package was offered to enhance the interior and included heated leather front seats with lumbar adjustment and a leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. The V6, previously only available with all wheel drive was now offered with the choice of front wheel drive as well. The 2004, 2006 and 2007 model years saw some rather significant changes. In '04 a new Honda V6 engine replaced the previous V6 engine manufactured by General Motors. The new Honda engine was driven by a five speed automatic transmission, also supplied by Honda. In addition, steering calibrations were revised and some cosmetic changes were made to the interior.

There were no notable changes for the 2005 model year, but for 2006 the VUE received a facelift that included the addition of higher quality materials for the redesigned interior while the exterior was the recipient of a new grille and some minor cosmetic changes. Onstar, cruise control and automatic headlights were also added to the standard equipment list. In 2007, a hybrid version of the VUE was added to the lineup and labeled the Green Line. Environmentally friendly and fuel efficient with the majority of the same features found in the other VUE models, the Green Line combines a gas engine with an electric motor that averaged 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway while still delivering 170 horsepower.

The Saturn VUE has always been a practical and spacious vehicle that emphasizes safety as well as utility and comfort and the consistent upgrades seem to indicate that Saturn wants to make sure it continues to be a favorite cross over SUV that keeps up with the needs and wants of automotive consumers.