2006 Saturn Vue Review

Specifications

One Small Step for Saturn, Giant Leaps Coming Soon

Since last January when Saturn showed up at NAIAS in Detroit and shocked us all with the production-ready Sky and stylish Aura concept, not much else has transpired at my favorite up-and-coming nameplate. Finally, I have something with some meat on it to chew on and share with you… uhh, that didnt come out right. What I meant to say is that finally Saturn has something new in the production front to talk about. Hard facts, there are few things I like better.

One vehicle I had a hard time imagining getting any more enticing was the Saturn VUE Red Line. The standard VUE, with its boxy, anti-conventional styling and wacky plastic panels was unusual yet endearing, all in one tidy package. Drop it more than an inch onto stiffer springs, a sport-tuned suspension, larger alloys and fatter rubber, give it a front-lip spoiler that leaves a person wanting for little more, and then add more than ONE HUNDRED Honda-derived horsepower, and youve got a small SUV that is nearly out of control. Nearly, but not quite.

As I mentioned in an article a few of weeks ago (see automotive news section for Jul 6, 2005: The End of an Era: Reinventing Saturn), Saturn seems to be moving away from polymer body panels and slab-sided styling, in the direction of European-inspired design. Of all the Saturns and their awkwardly hard edges and slabby panels, more of a mid-80s-Volvo-school-of-design look, the VUE is the one I will miss the most when it is summarily “sleekified” and “Eurovated”. Actually, its probably the only one Ill miss. Give the VUE credit, it broke the mold when it came to play and has since developed a couple of imitators in the Element and Scion xB.

So whats new for 2006? Saturns compact crossover SUV is getting a partial redesign before the fully European-influenced 2007 arrives at auto shows and eventually dealer showrooms next year. For this years redesign, the front end gets a spanking new grille to go along with Saturns self-acclaimed “clean and contemporary” look. Other updates include new headlight bezels (its amazing how much attention and care car makers often devote to the gaps between the headlight elements, but nonetheless it is a great place to make a funky statement–check out a Nissan Altima 3.5 SE some time), chrome trim on door handles and window trim, shiny new alloys and other bright splashes of chrome underneath the grille and around the fog lamps.

All of these minor upgrades should help ease Saturn customers into the models future European design language, which along with other upcoming Saturn models will include healthy doses of chrome and aluminum. Also worth noting is that this is probably the last year you will be able to get the VUE as a dent-resistant polymer-paneled parking-lot champion.

stack houses the flush-mounted steThe interior gets refreshed as well, and the overall effect is a massive improvement over the previous base VUEs economy roots. The flow-through center stack and console is bordered on either side by two slats of wood grain trim and more conventionally shaped vents. Regarding the wood, I personally would have chosen aluminum to reflect the general forward-thinking design of the vehicle as a whole, but then again Im of the opinion that you can never have too much aluminum. The center stack houses the flush-mounted stereo components, which can be optioned out with various radio and media options such as portable MP3-device inputs and chrome-trimmed knobs on the simple, straightforward HVAC controls. Supplementary controls are available on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel, which also looks near premium along with the large white-faced speedo and tach in the middle of the gauge cluster.

Along with such improvements to the interior and exterior, the VUE continues forward with several of its unique storage options, like the rear cargo organizer that flips up to hold grocery bags and a variety of storage crannies to help secure whatnots and store thingamajigs. Along with the nifty packaging solutions, Saturns SUV can also transport people, up to five, and 30.8 cubic feet of total cargo. If only two people are on the manifest, then over 63.6 cubic feet of cargo space can be made available, or less depending on how the 70/30 split folding rear seatbacks are deployed. In extreme cases, or perhaps Xtreme if were talking monoskis or paragliders, the VUEs front passenger seat can be folded forward for an 8-foot  long storage alley from rear liftgate to glove compartment.

entertainment option worth mentioning is XM Satellite Radio; XM Satellite Radio provides moOf course, if you choose to transport little people with short attention spans in the back seat, you can sign up for the optional DVD system featuring a flip-down 7-inch LCD screen plus the requisite wireless headphones and parent-controlled remote. One more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels for commercial-free music and news, sports and talk as well as traffic and weather information for certain metropolitan centers. Satellite radio was just recently approved by the CRTC, so Saturn should be commended for being quick to join the fray of high-tech digital broadcast entertainment. If youre not eager to sign up for satellite subscription radio, several conventional CD and MP3 player combinations are available.

But enough with the goodies, lets talk about the goods. Well, there really isnt much that needs to be said of the Saturn drivetrain that hasnt already been said. Base models get GMs Ecotec 2.2L inline four-cylinder. This engine boasts 16-valves and 143 horsepower and has been commended time and time again for its combination of performance, efficiency, low maintenance and smooth operation, with the emphasis on efficiency considering other available power plants in the VUE range. Saturn also puts to use technology beyond entry-level expectations, including electronic “drive-by-wire” throttle and the recent addition of GMs Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic as an option with the base four-banger.

Of course, if youre into squealing your tires in quiet neighborhoods, compact SUV bragging rights or just like to haul heavy cargo, the 3.5L V6 engine upgrade is for you. This engine maxes out at 250-horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, and retains, until further notice, segment leader status. As previously mentioned it was designed by Honda specifically for the VUE, and provides the peppy little ute with ample power in pretty much any and every situation, thanks in part also to the electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. The V6-powered VUE also picks up some Honda magic in the form of variable valve timing, to keep it fuel efficient yet with good low-speed pull and plenty of high end-punch.

Saturn, as mentioned earlier, decided to go for gold when modifying the VUE for Red Line status, taking optimum advantage of the vehicles 7.4-second 0 to 60 mph time. The Red Line version continues into its second full year of notoriety with a revised grille and fascias. The grille adopted closely resembles Saturns new corporate nose as seen on the Aura concept and Sky Roadster, so this is expected to be similar to the face of the next generation VUE.

The 2006 Red Line gets other add-ons that help it look the part of box-car racer, including updated skirts and 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance tires, not to mention the lowered suspension and sport-tuned electric power steering. The interior gets a similar attitude adjustment with black leather seats with suede inserts, metal pedals, custom floor mats and mood lighting for your feet.

Truly, there is nothing like it on the market, other than the infinitely modifiable and tunable Scion xB. And still, it doesnt have anywhere near the power of the Red Line, and wouldnt until you tricked it out with thousands of dollars worth of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) gear.

Before I sign off, I wanted to get back to the basics, as in the list of options that come with the base VUE. All trim levels come with electric power steering, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, an auto dimming rearview mirror and the Saturn Security System. Basic safety features include the VUEs integrated energy absorbing structure, dual-stage airbags and seat-belt pretensioners, all of which helped it earn five stars (out of five) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for both frontal- and side-impact collisions.

As with all GM products, OnStar can help get you from getting lost and keep you from getting locked out of your car. The onboard telematics system includes General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, notifying the nearest 911 center to help them locate the site of the accident and dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel to the crash scene. The latest generation of OnStar also provides hands-free voice recognition capabilities and OnStar Personal Calling, which allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls.

No Saturn review can be considered complete without mention of its dealers. From the get-go, Saturn has made its mission to never forget the human element and treat people who come to their dealerships like family, one of the reasons the brand has managed to not only stay afloat despite years of sub-par products and so-so reliability, but also achieve one of the highest customer retention rates in the industry. Saturn was ranked second behind only Lincoln in J.D Power and Associates latest Customer Satisfaction index, which polled almost 100,000 owners and lessees 2002 through 2004 models, so despite all the changes Saturns products and lineup are undergoing, the dealer network will remain unchanged as one of the best in the business, and by far the best-rated of any entry-level brand.

So, whether youre stepping up to a new VUE or one of the brands other models, you can rest assured that the positive Saturn experience lasts long after the new car smell fades.