Background: General Motors' Saturn division has been in a wild orbit since its first full year of sales back in 1991.
Saturn's key mission these days is to still attract entry-level shoppers while at the same time bringing in more 'conquest' customers, (first-time Saturn buyers who previously shopped other non-GM manufactures). When arriving on the scene in the early 1990s, the company build itself more as an import-fighting division focusing solely on small vehicles. The company scored major public relation points with its low-pressure pricing structure where the posted window sticker requires no negotiating.
For the 2006 model year, Saturn offers only three vehicles: the compact Ion available in sedan and coupe body styles, the Relay minivan with a sport utility look to its front and our test vehicle this week, the Saturn VUE compact, car-based sport utility vehicle. This lineup remains unchanged from 2005. Relay was introduced in the 2005 model year while the Ion bowed in 2003 and VUE in 2002. Both Ion and VUE are available with high performance 'Red Line' packages featuring supercharged engines, beefier drive axles and performance-tuned exhaust systems.
While Saturn's vehicle lineup has remained stagnant during the past couple of years, the next 14 months are shaping up nicely. Later this year, the highly anticipated rear-wheel-drive 2007 Saturn Sky two-seat roadster debuts. This vehicle is based on the same platform as Pontiac's popular Solstice which hit the market last year. Also in the near future Saturn is introducing a new mid-size sedan, a gas-electric hybrid version of the Saturn VUE (aptly named the Green line, projected with a starting price around $23,000 and available starting this summer) and an all-new mid-utilityvehicle.
The mid-size Saturn VUE, available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, pioneered the compact sport utility platform for General Motors. The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent arrived a couple of years later with similar, car-based underpinnings, but VUE set the pace. The Vue is assembled at General Motors' Spring Hill, Tenn. Facility near Nashville. Competition in the mid-size car-based SUV market include the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Engine: Two powertrains are available: a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder engine cranking out 143 horsepower and a peppy 3.5-liter V-6 delivering an impressive 250 horses. Five-speed manual transmission comes standard in four-cylinder models and a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard in the V-6 VUE. Regular 87 octane fuel is recommended for both engines. The fuel tank holds 16.3-gallon of gas.
As expected, a four-cylinder VUE with manual transmission and front-wheel drive is the economy leader checking in with decent estimates of 23 m.p.g. city and 28 m.p.g. highway. With automatic transmission, figures drop a bit to 22 m.p.g. city and 26 m.p.g. highway. Front-wheel drive V-6 models check in with 20 m.p.g. city and 28 m.p.g. highway while all-wheel-drive entries register approximately 19 m.p.g. city and 25 m.p.g. highway.
Four-cylinder VUEs come with front-wheel-drive standard. The six-cylinder engine comes with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The high-performance Red Line edition is also a V-6 variant with front wheel or all-wheel drive available.
If possible, opt for the V-6. This tested and durable engine is actually supplied to Saturn from Honda and combines smooth-running characteristics with decent fuel economy.
Price: General Motors supplied the Daily Herald with a top-line all-wheel drive V-6 Saturn VUE with the sporty Red Line package. Pricing for an all-wheel drive V-6 model starts at $23,050. After adding in the Red Line package ($2,495) and Sun and Sound package ($995) including XM satellite radio, the bottom line ended at $26,540 after adding in a $600 destination charge. This is about as opulant as the VUE gets
The lowest-priced VUE, a four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model with five-speed manual transmission starts at $17,390, making it one of the lowest-priced offerings in its class and the lowest-priced SUV from General Motors. With a four-speed automatic transmission, a four-cylinder model starts at $18,745. A front-wheel-drive V-6 VUE checks in at $21,390.
By comparison, the Ford Escape, also available with four or six-cylinder power and the choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive starts at $19,380 for a four-cylinder, two-wheel drive manual transmission model. The lowest-priced Hyundai Santa-Fe, which is available with only six-cylinder engines, is $21,695 for a two-wheel drive edition while the redesigned 2006, 2.7-liter six-cylinder exclusive Suzuki Grand Vitara with manual transmission starts at $18,999 for a two-wheel drive edition.
Equipment: All models comes standard with air conditioning; cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; secondary steering wheel audio controls; height-adjustable driver seat; rear wiper; rear window defroster and a compact disc player.
Both a power sunroof and XM satellite radio are optional in four and six-cylinder models.
Inside: VUE accommodates five riders with two rows of seating; no third row is offered. Headroom is more than generous no matter where seated and the vehicle has a roomy feel. The second row incorporates a 70/30 split with the release levers on the back side of the seats. Backrests -fold directly onto the seat cushions. Three adults can scrunch into the second row, but for extended journeys, two would be most comfortable. Also, the front bucket seatback folds flat onto the cushion for added cargo options. Both front bucket seats have armrests that fold up and out of the way whendesired. Leather seats with are part of the Red Line package. Soon arriving to Toyota dealers is the 2007 RAV4, one of the first compact/midize SUVs to offer a third-row seat.
Side view mirrors are larger-than expected and provide a good perspective of what's happening. Large side windows minimize blind spots, providing drivers with good views. Slipping into this vehicle is relatively easy, requiring a sit down, not a 'step up' motion.
Power controls for all four windows surround the high-mounted transmission shifter just below the center dash. Outside power mirror controls are also in this area.
The flat instrument panel has two large analog circular gauges flanked by two smaller half-circle gauges. VUE incorporates no ceiling grab handles. The top center dashboard area features GM's relatively new stereo design with a large center volume dial with preset buttons above and a display window atop. Below is the ventilation system with three dials.
The hand-operated parking brake is in between the front bucket seats. Two inline cupholders are in this same area along with a handy area for coin storage. A slide cover slips over the beverage holders when desired. Headlights operate from the turn signal stalk, cruise control functions are on a right-hand-side steering column stalk.
Exterior: Aside from the less-hassled approach to the new-car buying process, Saturn may be best known for featuring dent-resistant plastic body side panels helping to prevent life's little dings from becoming permanent. These panels help thwart attacks from mall shopping carts and other car doors that swing out too aggressively.
For 2006, VUE sports a new hood, front grille and thin, band-like headlamps. Four side doors come standard and the lift back, hinged at the top, opens up as one unit. Thin, vertical tail lights surround the lower gate portion of the liftback. The front's large lower air dam stands out as one of the more notable visual cue. Strap-like handles utilize a lift up motion when opening all four doors.
Safety: All Saturn vehicles come with OnStar standard. OnStar is General Motors' in-vehicle satellite-linked communication system with an audio link to a 24-hour manned center. Remote keyless entry is also standard as are rear child safety locks, daytime running lights, dual front air bags and remote anti-theft device.
Anti-lock brakes with traction control are a $600 option in four-cylinder models but standard fare in V-6 editions. Side curtain air bags are a $395 option across the board.
Warranty: The VUE's powertrain and limited warranties are both covered for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). Roadside assistance is also good for the same duration. Rust/corrosion coverage is six years 100,000 miles.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 106.6 inches
Overall length: 181.3 inches
Overall width: 71.5 inches
Overall height: 66.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,630 pounds
Final thoughts: The VUE, Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent are all car-based, uni-body built vehicles designed primarily for on-road use. Heavy-duty off-roading is not recommended.
General Motors vowed in past press conferences to upgrade interior quality of many of their entry and mid-market vehicles which for too long had a inferior plastic feel. The 2006 VUE takes steps in the right direction, but still has some distance to travel to catch up to the friendlier ambiance of the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. The steering had plenty of 'play' but was not as crisp or precise as others competitors from this segment.
With a respected V-6 engine, enhanced exterior nuances and improved transmissions from year's past, the 2006 VUE has made positive strides in a few short years and remains one of the lowest-priced mid-size SUVs available. Budget-minded shoppers need to add this to their list. |