It's taken more than fifteen years, but General Motors' Saturn division finally has launched into a successful orbit.
During its first full year of sales back in 1991, the company focused on entry-level type, fuel-efficient cars to battle import brands like Toyota and Honda who were beginning to make serious headway into the U.S. market place. While the idea was commendable, Saturn vehicles sold during the first decade of existence never quite measured up to the competition. Four-cylinder engines were noisy and sluggish while styling was many times reminiscent of rebadged compact Chevrolets.
Saturn also suffered identity crisis compliments of their own marketing department. While the import-fighting division scored big-time points with the general public because of its one-price, no haggle policy (which continues to this day), it lost points with return customers. While the buying process was made pleasant, only smaller-sized vehicles were available for sale. No move-up vehicles were available for customers to purchase as their family structure and needs changed.
By the 2001 model year model year, only the S-Series and L-Series were sold. Rumors were flying high Saturn was simply burned out and would fade out into the cosmos.
General Motors was not done with Saturn yet. A commitment was made to expand the lineup and redouble quality efforts. Since the start of the 2006 calendar year, Saturn has introduced the eye-popping, two-door Sky convertible, the mid-size Aura sport sedan (which earned the coveted North American car of the Year honors in January 2007) and the expansive eight-passenger Outlook crossover. New for the 2008 model year is the European-styled Astra which made its world debut earlier this year at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show and replaces the under-performing Saturn Ion. It's available in three-door and five-door models. The second-generation Vue, our test-vehicle of the week, is also new for 2008.
The first-generation Vue debuted as a 2002 model year offering. It's the longest-running nameplate currently sold at Saturn dealers. It's a uni-body, car-based vehicle with a sport-utility like exterior. While GM classifies this as a compact, it has the feel of a slightly larger mid-size offering. The first-generation Vue arrived a few years earlier than the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, which share some automotive underpinnings with the Vue.
As with 2007 model, this new five-door Vue is available in a gas-electric hybrid Green Line edition (due out later in the model year) and a high-performance Red Line edition featuring supercharged engines, beefier drive axles and a performance-tuned exhaust system.
Unlike the first-generation Vue that was built in Saturn's Spring Hill, Tenn. Plant, the second-generation offering is assembled in Ramos, Arizpe, Mexico. Gone are the plastic side panels reminiscent of Saturn's earlier days. Sides are now made from traditional steel. The Spring Hill assembly plant is the only one capable of utilizing plastic body panels. The first-generation effort also borrowed a V-6 powertrain from Honda, which is dropped in 2008.
This second-generation compact SUV takes a more world view (or Vue). Like the compact Saturn Astra, the 2008 Vue borrows touches from GM's European Open division. It's a smoother- looking exterior than the first generation.
Two trim levels are available, XE and up level XR. Both come with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Three different engines are available depending on the trim selected. Standard in the front-wheel drive XE is GM's Ecotec, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower. All-wheel drive XE models add more punch with the 222 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing. Exclusive to the up level XR in both front wheel and all-wheel drive is a 3.6-liter, double overhead cam V-6 with variable valve timing delivering 257 horsepower. No manual transmission is available. The four-cylinder XE engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission while the two six-cylinder engines are joined by a six-speed automatic transmission. All engines recommend regular, 87-octane fuel. Saturn dropped off a XR all-wheel drive for a week-long test.
This is not an off-road vehicle. It's designed for travel on paved streets. Pricing starts at $20,825 for a front-drive XE, $23,945 for an all-wheel drive version. The up-level XR front-drive model checks in at $24,325 while an all-wheel edition is $26,325. Prices exclude destination charges. All include a healthy number of standard features including anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control, front-seat side air bags, curtain airbags for both rows and OnStar, GM's in-vehicle safety communication system.
Some taller drivers may find the front bucket seats comfortable, but lacking leg room. In the second row, leg room is cozy with front seats positioned at a comfortable position for most drivers. Second-row seat backs, with a 60/40 split, fold flat onto the seat cushions creating a larger cargo area. Head rests do not have to be removed in order for the seats to fold flat. When in the up position, an arm rest folds down from the center of the seatback. No third row option is offered.
On the far left side of the dashboard below the headlight dial is a small fold out storage pocket large enough for today's cell phones. On the other side, the glove compartment is larger than expected. In between the standard bucket seats are dual beverage holders and an arm rest with a dual-level storage area. Additional cup holders are also molded into the front doors.
The eye-appealing dashboard has a quality look. Gone are the days of when plastic corners could be pulled back on some Saturn dashboard. Front wipers are controlled from a thick, right side steering column appendage. Rear wipers activate from buttons on the center console below the sound system.
The driver's seating position is lower than what's found in larger car-based sport utilities, but high enough for the driver to feel in command. Ceiling handles are positioned above all four doors. Safety features include
Steering in the first-generation Vue suffered from too much play. This new model connects the driver to the highway with a smoother ride and quieter cabin.
The Saturn Vue is covered by General Motors five-year, 100,000-mile (whichever comes first) powertrain warranty which is fully transferable from one owner to the next for the duration and has no deductible. All GM 2007 and 2008 model year cars and light trucks are covered by this warranty.
In addition to Saturn's one-price sales policy on all new cars, the customer-friendly division of GM also has 30-day/1,500-mile (whichever comes first) vehicle exchange. If for any reason a customer is dissatisfied with their purchase, the vehicle may be exchanged for another new Saturn.
Also included in the warranty is roadside assistance and courtesy transportation if the original vehicle has to stay at the dealership shop over night.
The compact/mid-size car-based SUV market is crowded and more entries are on the way. Shop carefully. Saturn's one-price policy and GM's much improved 2007/2008 powertrain warranty are two good reasons to give this much improved Vue a second viewing. |