A Vue from the cheap seats

Introduced in 2001 as a 2002 model, Saturn’s Vue has remained the lowest-priced SUV offering from General Motors. Basically unchanged since its introduction, the Vue has been tinkered and tweaked into decent vehicle that, even in the face of serious competition, is on pace to outsell well-known competitors like Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe and Honda Element.

To be sure, part of its success can be attributed to a base price of just $17,990 and GM’s “employee pricing for all” sales promotion last summer. Add to that room for five passengers, adequate cargo space and five-star crash test results, decent looks and favorable gas mileage and Vue has the “bang-for-the-buck” ratio consumers are looking for.

For my money, the best thing about the Saturn Vue is that, when equipped with the optional V-6, it’s powered by a 3.5-liter Honda engine that generates a best-in-class 250 horsepower.

The base Vue comes standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 143 horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual (standard) or a four-speed automatic transmission ($1355). Power windows/locks/mirrors, air conditioning and cruise control are all standard. Also standard is an AM/FM/CD audio system, steering wheel audio controls, rear privacy glass, tilt steering and keyless entry.

Six-cylinder models add alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an upgraded interior package and automatic headlamps. The V-6 comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available with either the four- or six-cylinder models, however Vue isn’t designed for off-road use.

The Vue Red Line package ($2495) is only available as a V-6 and features a lower and firmer suspension, 18-inch aluminum wheels and P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza all-season tires. Ebony leather seats with suede inserts, unique instrumentation and ambient footwell lighting in either amber or cool blue are included. Visually, Red Line models are distinguished by more aggressive squared front and rear fascias with black air intakes and a chrome exhaust tip.

For those desiring a hybrid, Vue is set to become GM’s first gas-electric hybrid power system — but not until mid 2007.

I tested a front-wheel-drive V-6 loaded with options, including power sunroof ($725); leather seats ($695); AM/FM six-disc CD changer with MP3 ($650); comfort package with six-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and driver lumbar support ($595); head curtain side air bags ($395); XM satellite radio ($325); 17-inch alloy wheels ($300); chrome package ($295); chrome roof rails ($150); and floor mats ($80).

Outside, Vue is built with the same dent-resistant plastic body panels that Saturn vehicles are known for. These panels can withstand a parking lot beating from runaway grocery carts, door dings from careless drivers, and stone chips from streets and highways. Fit and finish on all Saturn products have been less than exact and pale in comparison to Toyota, Honda and Nissan.

For 2006, the Vue gets updated front and rear fascias along with a new hood, grille and headlamps. The look is chiseled and boxy compared to the curvy jellybean look of competing imports. All Vues are four-door with a large one-piece rear liftgate. The spare tire is located inside the rear cargo area.

Inside, the ’06 Vue gets an restyled interior with updated textures, attractive wood-grain trim and chrome accents around the backlit white-faced gauges, all a significant improvement over the staid Vue interiors of the past. The leather upholstered seats are attractive and comfortable; rear seats can be reclined slightly for better comfort. The folding rear seat splits 70/30 to accommodate long objects. For $157 you can add an optional interior bike rack. But interior build quality still isn’t up to par with the competition; fit, finish and an abundance of plastic remain problematic.

Performance from my V-6 was excellent, with brisk acceleration. Ride quality is acceptable but don’t expect sporty handling. There’s plenty of body lean when cornering and on sharp curves. I suspect the firmer suspension on the Red Line minimizes the handling woes. Steering is vague; front disc and rear drum make braking just adequate. ABS is standard on the V-6, optional on four-cylinder models. For safety reasons, I recommend ABS. Driver visibility is excellent and large doors make entry and exit easy.

Dual stage front airbags are standard; head curtain airbags that protect both front and rear passengers are optional on all models and are highly recommended. Unfortunately stability control is neither standard nor offered as an option. I do like the availability of the LATCH system for all three-rear seat positions, creating the ability to place a child seat in the safest position — the middle seat.

Saturn Vue is a practical and easy to drive vehicle that benefits from numerous and continuous improvements since its introduction in 2002. But measures to keep the price low are evident and keep the Vue behind the competition.

For example, the excellent Hyundai Tucson includes front, side and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control with traction control system, anti-lock brakes and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, not to mention exceptional build quality, at a base price $495 less than Vue. That’s a lot to consider when shopping for a vehicle in this price class.