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Saturn VUE
The Saturn VUE is a compact SUV from General Motors' Saturn marque. It uses GM's Theta platform. In 2006, a hybrid version was added to the Vue's Greenline.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Saturn Vue Review.
Recent Changes
The VUE received several interior and exterior upgrades in 2006, and these remain in tact for 2007. The biggest change for 2007 is the addition of a Green Line hybrid model, the first hybrid SUV from General Motors.
Styles and Major Options
The VUE comes in three engine forms: a base model, a V6, and a hybrid model. The base model is powered by a 2.2L 144hp I-4 engine, the V6 is 3.5L 250hp engine, and the hybrid uses a 2.4L 170hp I-4 gasoline-electric engine. While the V6 and hybrid are only available with automatic transmissions, the I-4 is available in both an auto and manual version. Some of the standout features of each trim include:
Base I-4
- 16" steel wheels
- 6-way driver (4-way passenger) front seats
- Cloth/vinyl seating
- Metal-look dashboard insert
- Manual front air conditioning
- 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
- Cruise control
- OnStar
- 16" polished alloy wheels
- Simulated wood dashboard insert
- Leather/simulated wood shift knob
- Four wheel anti-lock brakes
- OnStar
Green Line Hybrid
- 16" polished alloy wheels
- Driveline traction control
- Metal-look dashboard insert
- Cruise Control
- OnStar
Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Saturn VUE can be found at CarsDirect.
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VUE Trims |
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MSRP |
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$17,475 |
$21,750 |
$23,710 |
$22,370 |
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Invoice |
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$16,339 |
$20,336 |
$22,168 |
$20,915 |
Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Trim |
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MPG |
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19/25 |
23/29 |
22/27 |
20/28 |
27/32 |
Reliability
The VUE received an update in 2006, and accurate long-term reliability information is not yet available. The 2004 model, however, received an overall Green rating from Automotive Information Systems, indicating minimal problems in all categories.
Safety
In tests carried out by the NHTSA, the 2007 Vue did well. It received 5-Star ratings for all front- and side-impact crash tests, and for rollover it received a 3-Star rating. Some of the standard safety features located in the Vue include:
- Front and rear anti-roll bars
- Driver/Passenger front-impact airbags
- Occupancy sensors
- Side impact bars
Photos
Colors
Available colors for the VUE will vary by trim, and a full list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the possible combination include:
Exterior
- Black Onyx
- Chili Pepper Red
- Cypress Green
- Deep Blue
- Polar White
Interior
- Black
- Gray
- Tan
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
Green Line The high-performance VUE Red Line will be joined for 2007 (in summer 2006) by an environmentally-oriented Green Line model. The VUE is a mild hybrid using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter" (BAS) system. A large electric motor is connected to the accessory drive via a belt, with a special automatic transmission fitted. It automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and instantly restarts it when the vehicle must move again. The electric motor will also assist somewhat in acceleration, though not to the extent that Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system does.
The 2.4 L Ecotec engine is used from the Saturn ION, and fuel savings are expected to be around 15%. The Green Line version is expected to cost just US$2,000 more than a similarly-equipped VUE, and debuted in production form on January 8, 2006 at the North American International Auto Show.
Green Line owners will be eligible for a $650 federal tax credit designed to encourage fuel efficient vehicles.
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "with the exception of the Green Line hybrid, which is expected to retain a high percentage of its value, the remaining VUE models retain only an average value in the first three years and then fall to less than average after that."
Criticisms
- "A well-thought-out and capable mini sport-ute, the Vue's unimpressive interior and sloppy steering keep it from challenging the class leaders in this segment." - Edmunds.com
- "If you're looking for a small SUV that can seat seven, the VUE's lack of a third-row seat takes it out of the running." - Kelley Blue Book
Current Generation: (2002–Present)
The VUE was introduced for the 2002 model year and was designed by Saturn. It is manufactured at the Spring Hill Saturn plant. Its unibody platform is shared with the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and the European Opel Antara.
Four-cylinder VUEs use the Ecotec straight-4. 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 the 250 hp (186 kW) Honda-manufactured L66 engine and a Honda transmission. The four-cylinder VUE was available with the VTi continuously variable transmission (CVT) until GM cancelled it for 2005. The CVT transmission had a separate 75,000 mile warranty.
The VUE received a facelift for the 2006 model year. Upgrades included a redesigned interior with higher-quality materials, a new bumper and grille, and some minor cosmetic pieces to the exterior. OnStar is now standard as well as cruise control and automatic headlights.
Red Line
Saturn introduced a special high-performance line of vehicles in 2004 under the name, "Red Line". The VUE Red Line includes the 250 hp (186 kW) L66 V6 and sportier suspension tuning for performance. 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front bumpers, chrome exhaust tips, special black leather and suede seats, footwell lighting, and a special gauge cluster complete the visual updates.
Future Generations
The VUE will be redesigned for the 2008 model year. Production will move to Ramos Arizpe, where the HHR is produced. It will be developed alongside the Opel Frontera. The Chevrolet S3X concept is a good indication of what the next-generation VUE/Frontera will look like.
Worldwide
Design quirks and oddities
Awards
See also
External Links
www.saturn.com
Maintenance
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Saturn VUE, which includes these contributors.
