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Who makes the engine for Saturn Vue?


The Saturn Vue, a compact SUV produced by General Motors (GM) under the Saturn brand, has a unique history when it comes to its engine options. Over its production years (2002–2010), the Saturn Vue featured engines from multiple manufacturers, reflecting GM's strategy of sourcing components from both in-house and external partners. This article explores the origins of the engines used in the Saturn Vue and provides insights into their manufacturers.


Engines Used in the Saturn Vue


The Saturn Vue offered a variety of engine options during its production run, depending on the model year and trim level. These engines were sourced from different manufacturers, including GM itself and Honda. Below is a breakdown of the key engine suppliers for the Saturn Vue:



  • General Motors (GM): GM supplied several engines for the Saturn Vue, including the Ecotec 2.2L inline-4 engine and the 3.5L V6 engine in earlier models. These engines were designed and manufactured by GM's Powertrain division.

  • Honda: In a unique collaboration, Honda provided the 3.5L V6 engine for certain Saturn Vue models between 2004 and 2007. This engine, known for its reliability and performance, was the same V6 used in Honda's own vehicles, such as the Honda Pilot and Odyssey.

  • Opel (GM Europe): For the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid, GM utilized a 2.4L Ecotec engine with hybrid technology, which was developed in collaboration with Opel, GM's European subsidiary.


Each of these engines brought distinct characteristics to the Saturn Vue, catering to different customer needs, from fuel efficiency to performance.


Why Did GM Use Honda Engines?


The decision to use Honda engines in the Saturn Vue was part of a broader agreement between General Motors and Honda. This collaboration allowed GM to leverage Honda's expertise in V6 engine technology, particularly for models requiring higher performance. The Honda-sourced 3.5L V6 engine was praised for its smooth operation and reliability, making it a standout feature in the Saturn Vue lineup during those years.


Conclusion


The Saturn Vue's engine lineup reflects a blend of innovation and collaboration. By sourcing engines from both internal divisions and external partners like Honda, GM was able to offer a versatile and competitive compact SUV. Whether you own a Saturn Vue or are considering purchasing one, understanding its engine origins can help you appreciate the engineering behind this unique vehicle.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saturn made by Chevy?


Saturn was a subsidiary car company of General Motors (GM). However, Saturn disbanded in 2010, so you won't find any all-new Saturn models on the market. There are some used Saturn vehicles though, and GM has affirmed it will honor claims and maintenance on these models.



What year to avoid Saturn Vue?


The 2002-2004 Saturn Vue is known to have a defective ignition, which makes the key removable even if it's still in the β€œon” position. This defect increases the chances of your SUV rolling away and crashing. This prompted General Motors LLC (GM) to recall over 200,000 affected Vues in 2014.



Is a Chevy Captiva the same as a Saturn Vue?


Despite the new name and bow-tie badges, the Captiva Sport is actually a second-generation Saturn Vue, which was sold from late 2007 until Saturn brand closed up shop in October 2009. Why, you ask, would Chevy roll out a five-seat crossover when the perfectly decent Equinox sells like crazy?



Who made the Saturn Vue engine?


Both powerplants will be produced by General Motors. So what's the big deal about that? Only the fact that the decision is ending an eight-year supply agreement with Honda Motor Co. Just over half of the 290,000 Vues sold since 2004 have been outfitted with the Honda 3.5L V6.



What is the most common problem of the Saturn Vue?


Common Saturn Vue Trouble Spots
Signs of worn suspension include excessive bouncing, uneven tire wear, or a misaligned steering wheel. Electrical Problems: Electrical gremlins like malfunctioning interior lights, power window issues, or problems with the instrument cluster could occur throughout various model years.



Who built Saturn engines?


The powerplant used in Saturn S-Series automobiles was a straight-4 aluminum piston engine produced by Saturn, a subsidiary of General Motors.



Who makes the engines for Saturn?


The powerplant used in Saturn S-Series automobiles was a straight-4 aluminum piston engine produced by Saturn, a subsidiary of General Motors.



How many miles does a Saturn engine last?


The saturn s-series 1.9L inline-four is extremely reliable and will go for literally hundreds of thousands of miles with a minimum of effort, if certain conditions are met. Mine is nearing 300k miles, and the car still manages over 35mpg on the freeway. Many of these cars have over 400k, 500k miles.



What is the Chevy version of the Saturn Vue?


Chevrolet Captiva Sport
For the U.S. market, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport was imported from Ramos Arizpe and sold to commercial and fleet customers starting from late 2011 (for the 2012 model year) until U.S. imports ended in 2014.



Does a Saturn Vue have a Honda engine?


"The L81 V6 from the L-Series and 5-speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all 6-cylinder Vues were equipped with Honda's 250 hp (186 kW) J35A3 engine and a Honda transmission."


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.