Who makes the 2006 Saturn Vue engine?

The engine in the 2006 Saturn Vue is built by General Motors (GM).

For 2006, the Vue offered two GM-built powertrains: a 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6, both produced by GM Powertrain. These engines were developed to balance efficiency and performance for GM’s SUV lineup, and they reflect GM’s strategy of sharing proven powertrains across multiple brands and models.

Engine options for the 2006 Saturn Vue

Below are the two engines GM offered for the 2006 Vue, along with a note on their origins within GM's powertrain organization.

• 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-4


• 3.5-liter V6

The two engines illustrate GM’s approach of providing a smaller, efficiency-focused option alongside a more powerful V6 for customers who wanted stronger performance from the Vue.

2.2-liter Ecotec inline-4

The 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder is part of GM’s Ecotec family and was developed and produced by GM Powertrain. It is used across multiple GM platforms and is designed to deliver a balance of economy and adequate driving performance for compact crossovers like the Vue.

3.5-liter V6

The 3.5-liter V6 is GM’s larger six-cylinder option that was shared across several GM vehicles, including SUVs. It was produced by GM Powertrain and offered for customers seeking more power and faster acceleration from the Vue, complementing the 2.2L four-cylinder option.

Origin and manufacturing

Both engines were designed and manufactured by General Motors’ Powertrain division, aligning with GM’s broader strategy of leveraging common engine families across its brands to improve reliability, serviceability, and economies of scale.

Summary

In the 2006 Saturn Vue, GM supplied both engine choices—the 2.2-liter Ecotec inline-4 and the 3.5-liter V6—through GM Powertrain. This reflects GM’s approach of using shared, in-house powertrains to equip Saturn’s SUV with options that balance fuel efficiency and performance. The Vue’s engine lineup illustrates GM’s broader practice of cross-model engine sharing to optimize production and maintenance for customers.

What are the common problems with a 2006 Saturn VUE?

Common problems for the 2006 Saturn Vue include oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, ignition cylinder/module issues causing stalling, and transmission problems like vibration or a "judder" at certain speeds. Other reported issues include a failing A/C compressor, a failing Daytime Running Light (DRL) resistor, and a loose or worn gas cap that can trigger the check engine light. 
This video discusses recurring issues with the Saturn Vue, including engine and A/C problems: 55sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Nov 3, 2024
Engine

• Oil leaks: Valve cover gaskets are prone to oil leaks, a common problem reported across several model years. 
• Check Engine Light: A loose or worn gas cap can illuminate the check engine light. 
• Engine Control Module (ECM): A failing ECM can lead to intermittent stalling and starting problems. 

Drivetrain

• Transmission issues:
  • Some models with a 5-speed automatic transmission may have a torque converter issue causing a vibration or "judder" between 20 and 45 mph. 
  • Models with a 6-speed automatic transmission may experience faults related to a broken clutch, leading to issues. 
• Ignition problems:
  • The ignition cylinder can wear out, making it difficult to turn the key. 
  • A faulty ignition module can lead to unexpected stalling. 
  • Check for a recall on the ignition module to have it repaired. 

This video explains how to test the alternator, which can be a source of charging issues in the Vue: 1mMongrels GarageYouTube · Aug 12, 2023
Other common problems

• Air conditioning (A/C) problems: The A/C compressor can fail. 
• Daytime Running Light (DRL) resistor: The DRL resistor may fail, which can affect the daytime running lights. 
• Wheel bearing and struts: These components may require replacement. 
• Fuel pump relay/throttle position sensor: A faulty fuel pump relay or throttle position sensor can cause stalling. 

You can watch this video to see how a burnt clutch in a Saturn Vue was replaced: 59sTHIS IS YOUR TRANSMISSIONYouTube · Jun 1, 2020

What engine does the Saturn Vue have?

The Saturn Vue offered several engine options, most notably a Honda 3.5L V6 and a General Motors-designed 2.2L or 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, along with a 3.6L V6 in later models. The popular Honda V6 was praised for its reliability and performance, while the 4-cylinder options provided better fuel economy. A hybrid model was also introduced in 2007.
 
4-cylinder engines

• 2.2L Ecotec: Featured in earlier models, this engine was paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. 
• 2.4L Ecotec: Offered in later models. 

V6 engines

• 3.5L Honda J-Series: A popular option, especially in the Red Line model. It produced 250 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque and was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It was the same engine used in Honda's Odyssey and Pilot, and despite the engine being from Honda, the overall components were standard Saturn parts. 
• 3.6L: Available in later model years, such as the 2008 model, this engine was also used in other GM vehicles. 

Hybrid

• A gasoline-electric hybrid version was introduced for the 2007 model year. 

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Does the 2006 Saturn VUE have a Honda engine?

The engine used in the Red Line remains the Honda-built 3.5-liter V-6 used in other six-cylinder versions of the Vue. No higher-powered engine is offered with the Red Line package, but the 250 horsepower this engine provides still pushes the Vue along quite impressively.

Which Saturns had a Honda engine?

Vues
Four-cylinder Vues use the Ecotec I4. The L81 V6 from the L-Series and five-speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all six-cylinder Vues were equipped with Honda's 250-horsepower (190 kW) J35A3 engine and a Honda transmission.