2002 Saturn VUE Review

The new, overdue Saturn Vue sport-utility vehicle has the same general look and feel of other Saturn models and should satisfy the loyal crowd of Saturn owners. For instance, the Vue has the clean, conservative styling of Saturn cars. It also has their dent-resistant body panels and plain, functional interior. Of course, the Vue has a lot more room than other Saturns, which are small sedans, coupes and station wagons. The Vue is versatile. The rear seatbacks and even the right front seatback fold forward to allow greater cargo capacity.

Clever, handy touches include a collapsible plastic holder for grocery bags and dual storage areas for one-gallon milk containers in the cargo area. The Vue is offered in a variety of trim levels. There's a front-drive four-cylinder model that comes with a rather balky five-speed manual gearbox--or with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that's the first to be used in a sport-ute; it has variable drive ratios instead of conventional gear changes. There also are two all-wheel-drive models. One comes with a four-cylinder engine and the CVT transmission. The other has a more powerful V-6 and a conventional, responsive five-speed automatic.

The all-wheel-drive system lacks low-range gearing and thus the Vue isn't suited for rough off-road use. Base prices range from $16,325 to $18,860 for the four-cylinder models. The V-6 version is $22,575.Options include a $725 power sunroof, $575-$595 anti-lock brakes, $395 side curtain air bags and a $500-$790 AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-disc CD changer. Even the entry Vue model is fairly well equipped, with such items as air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/FM radio, intermittent wipers and rear defroster. The V-6 version adds lots of stuff, including cruise control, remote keyless entry and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Most everyone wants those power accessories, so they're in a $1,360 Power Package for four-cylinder models. The fairly smooth 2.2-liter, 143-horsepower four-cylinder provides adequate--although far from neck-snapping-- acceleration and works well with both manual and CVT transmissions. The 3-liter, 181-horsepower V-6 is much stronger to 60 mph. However, it provides average 65-75 mph passing times. Saturns never have been hot rods, so it's doubtful that many Vue buyers would expect sizzling performance. Both engines are rather noisy during hard acceleration, although the four-cylinder is quieter than one might expect. The four-cylinder provides an estimated 21-23 mpg in the city and 26-28 on highways. The V-6 delivers 19 city and 25 highway. It loafs even at 75 mph.

The Vue's unusual electric steering replaces hydraulic boost. While generally acceptable, it's vague at the on-center steering wheel position and has an artificial feel. Saturn said it's working on improving this steering a bit. The all-independent suspension provides a soft, smooth ride. Handling is average, with a fair amount of body sway in turns. The all-wheel-drive system works seamlessly and doesn't call for driver involvement. Braking is OK, with an easily modulated pedal. The Vue has large, easily gripped outside door handles.

A low floor makes it easy to get in and out, although some elderly folks might wonder why there are no grab handles above any doors to ease entry and exit. Front and rear cupholders are conveniently located. There's plenty of room for four 6-footers, or for five in a pinch; the front seats should be larger and offer more lateral support. But the center of the rear seat isn't high and hard, as is the case with many sport-utes. Rear windows roll all the way down. Occupants sit high in the generally quiet interior. While the windshield is large, its large posts sometimes partially block a driver's view.

The generously sized gauges are easily read. Climate controls are large, but radio controls are small. A large release handle makes the hatch easy to open. The big cargo area has a low floor to facilitate loading, and the 70-30 split rear seat backs fold fairly flat if you want to load more items. While not outstanding, the Vue is a good first effort that provides versatility and plenty of comfort.

SATURN VUE

Prices
$16,325-$22,575
Likes
Roomy. Soft ride. Dent- and rust-resistant body panels. Smooth CVT automatic transmission.
Dislikes
Nondescript styling. Average handling. Artificial feeling electric steering.