The Saturn Vue is one of the GM’s more endearing products. The Saturn Vue debuted in 2002 as GM's first home-grown entry in the car-based small-SUV segment, it recorded solid sales.
Saturn made steady improvements and expanded the Saturn Vue's model lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variants. The first-generation Saturn Vue remains attractive because of its low price.
The five-passenger compact Saturn Vue crossover is available in three trim levels: base Saturn Vue XE, midgrade Saturn Vue XR and sporty Saturn Vue Red Line. A 2.4-liter inline-4 that produced 164 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque was standard on the XE and for '09, on the XR. It was connected to a four-speed automatic. An optional 3.5-liter V6 was available on the XE, and it sent 215 hp and 220 lb-ft through a six-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V6 (also matched to a six-speed auto) that generated 257 hp and 248 lb-ft was standard on the XR for '08 and optional for '09. The Red Line was available only with the 3.6-liter V6. A manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission was standard on the Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive was available on each trim.
The Saturn Vue earned favorable commentary for its strong 3.5-liter V6 engine, roomy cabin, comfortable ride and dent-resistant plastic body panels.
The federal government gives the Saturn VUE tops scores of five stars for all seating positions in both frontal and slide crash tests. It's also an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" for its good performance in crash tests and for having standard electronic stability control.
