2004 Saturn VUE Review

The standard Saturn Vue compact sport-utility vehicle doesn't draw many second glances, but the hot rod Red Line version causes head to turn.

The biggest change for the standard 2004 Vue is the replacement of its 3-liter, 181-horsepower General Motors V-6 with a 3.5-liter Honda V-6 that has 250 horsepower and a lot more torque. The V-6 works with a five-speed Honda automatic transmission.

The standard 2.2-liter Vue four-cylinder engine remains and provides adequate acceleration for those who aren't in much of a hurry. But only the V-6 is offered for the Red Line version, which comes with front- or all-wheel drive.

Here's the way it works: One first must order a Vue V-6 with front-drive, which stickers at $22,980 -- or an all-wheel-drive Vue V-6, which lists at $24,630.

Then the $1,995 Red Line option package must be ordered. It thus puts the front-drive Vue Red Line at $24,975 and the all-wheel-drive version I tested at $26,625. There's no low-range gearing, so all-wheel-drive Vues aren't designed for serious off-road driving.

The Red Line package turns the Vue into a practical family vehicle that is a kick to drive. The Red Line version was developed with assistance of the General Motors Performance Division. Saturn spokesman Brian Brockman said it's "positioned at the intersection of three industry trends: surging small SUV sales, strong truck personalization and sport tuning.''

The package gives the Vue an aggressive custom look and better handling. It contains a lowered, performance-tuned suspension and steering, hefty 50-series tires on large 18-inch alloy wheels, black air intakes, custom front and rear fascias, low profile ground effects, custom stainless steel exhaust trim, Red Line badge and monochromatic paint.

About that paint: The Vue Red Line is offered in Onyx Black, Silver Nickel and my test vehicle's Electric Lime paint. That color caused some people to stare in wonderment or admiration -- it was hard to tell which. The black or silver would have gone over a lot better.

No matter what paint color, it should continue to look good partly because the Vue has dent- and rust-resistant plastic bodyside panels.

The Vue is well-equipped, but has had a bland interior since its arrival as a 2002 model. But 2004 Vues have improved interior appointments, which look especially good in the Red Line version.

New are such items as back-lit white gauge faces with chrome rings, painted nickel-finish door handles and titanium-colored plastic for the center console. The V-6 version also is offered with an optional leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel and shift knob and light argent-finish interior trim plates.

The V-6 Vue gets new body color door handles and dark tinted rear door glass, so the Red Line version also has those features.

Safety enhancements on all Vues include front seat-belt pretensioners and dual-stage air bags. Optional are head-protecting side curtain air bags.

The Vue Red Line accelerates smoothly and rapidly because it has the same sophisticated engine used in Honda's Pilot sport-ute, Odyssey minivan and Acura MDX. The Honda automatic upshifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for good passing times: 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. Towing capacity jumps from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds with the V-6.

That engine is set way back in the engine compartment for good weight distribution to provide better handling. And the all-independent sport suspension has shorter, stiffer springs to reduce body sway in curves and to lower the center of gravity for better handling. The revised steering improves on-center feel, which has been mediocre in previous Vue models.

The Vue Red Line has quick steering, sharp handling and a supple ride. The standard anti-lock brakes provide good stopping power and have a pedal with a nice linear feel.

The new V-6, alone, makes the Vue more exciting. It has variable valve timing to enhance low-end torque, high-end power and fuel economy.

With front drive, the Vue Red Line delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway -- and 18 and 25 with the all-wheel-drive system. That system works seamlessly and enhances traction. It only adds 152 pounds to the Vue V-6's 3,478-pound weight and thus doesn't affect performance much.

It's easy to get in and out of the Vue, which has room for four tall adults, or for five in a pinch because the center of the rear seat is comfortable -- not the case with most sport-utes. Front visibility is good through the large windshield, although its posts sometimes partly block a driver's view. Rear windows roll down all the way, although air conditioning is standard for all Vues.

The front seats have handy fold-down armrests but should offer more side support for a hot rod sport-utility. A new six-way power driver's seat is offered as part of a Seat Comfort Package, which includes heated seats and lumber support. But there are no grab handles above any doors to ease entry and exit for elderly folks.

The new gauges are easily read, and controls are nicely placed. Large, smooth climate controls make up for rather small audio system controls, and front console cupholders are positioned to avoid spills. There's a deep front center console bin, but it has a cheap plastic cover.

Expanded entertainment choices include an optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system.

The tailgate lacks separate-opening glass but has a large release handle that makes it easy to open. The roomy cargo area has a low floor, and 70-30 split rear seatbacks fold fairly flat to increase the cargo area. The front passenger seatback folds forward to accommodate long objects.

There are easily reached fluid filler areas under the hood, which is held open by an old-fashioned prop rod.

The Red Line version adds excitement to the Vue line without affecting practicality.

2004 SATURN VUE RED LINE

Price
$24,975-$26,625

Likes
Fast. Good handling. Sporty appearance. Nice ride. Dent-resistant body.

Dislikes
Seats need more support. Small radio controls. Weird Electric Lime color.