2007 Saturn Vue: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Saturn entered the sport utility vehicle arena for 2002 with its compact, carlike Vue.

For 2007, General Motors’ OnStar communication system becomes standard, and XM Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system are new options. A Deep Blue exterior color option replaces Pacific Blue.

A Red Line series arrived in early 2004 offering sportiness with front- or all-wheel drive. Developed with the assistance of GM’s Performance Division, the Red Line has a lowered performance-tuned suspension, ground-effects body components and 18-inch wheels. A Honda-built 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 248 horsepower comes standard in Red Line models and in all V-6-equipped Vues.

GM joins the hybrid sport utility vehicle segment for 2007 with the Vue Green Line Hybrid, which competes against the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, currently the only two compact hybrid SUVs on sale in the U.S.

Exterior
Space-frame construction and dent-resistant polymer bodyside panels are similar to those used on Saturn’s passenger cars. Full-length frame rails and a steel safety cage form a single welded structure.

Slightly scalloped headlamps frame a small, trapezoidal grille, and the air intake sits on a monotone bumper. Car-height bumpers can resist 5-mph impacts, and fog lamps are optional.

The Vue measures 181.3 inches long overall, rides a 106.6-inch wheelbase and has 8 inches of ground clearance. A new silver finish on the Red Line’s grille echoes Saturn’s Aura concept and Sky roadster. Unique rocker panels and wheels create a more aggressive presence than other Vues. A sunroof is optional.

Saturn’s SUV has a fully independent suspension and electric power steering. Standard wheel size is 16 inches, and V-6 models can upgrade to 17-inchers. Red Line models feature 18-inch aluminum wheels with performance Bridgestone tires.

Interior
Five occupants benefit from easy entry and exit thanks to a low step-in height. The front-passenger seatback folds flat, and rear occupants get a 70/30-split, folding bench seat. Cargo volume is 30.8 cubic feet when the backseat is up and 63.8 cubic feet when the seat is folded. Side storage bins are included, and the rear cargo organizer flips up.

A Power Package that comes standard on all Vue models includes cruise control, remote keyless entry, Saturn’s security system, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

For 2007, a new digital signal processor gives the stereo system improved sound quality. The system features chrome instrument rings and an input jack that accommodates portable MP3 units and other electronics. Three optional audio systems — a CD player, a six-CD changer and a CD/DVD combination — all include MP3 readability. Auxiliary audio controls for the steering wheel are included.

Under the Hood
The base 2.2-liter four-cylinder produces 143 hp. It teams with a standard Getrag five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The 248-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 produces 242 pounds-feet of torque and is paired with a five-speed automatic. Available all-wheel drive can transfer up to 100 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on V-6-equipped models and optional on four-cylinder-powered versions. Frontal dual-stage airbags are standard, and side curtain airbags are also available. Standard in all Vue models, GM’s Passenger Sensing System turns off the front passenger airbag if it detects an unoccupied seat or a smaller passenger.

Driving Impressions
The 248-hp V-6 provides a welcome power boost. A regular Vue’s handling can’t be called sporty, but it’s adequately precise. The Red Line is tauter yet. Ride quality is nearly flawless on smooth pavement, but some Vues grow skittish on wet surfaces.

Visibility to the front and side is excellent due in part to a very low cowl. Getting in and out of this SUV is very easy. 

Vue Green Line Hybrid
When the Vue Green Line Hybrid comes to a halt, the engine shuts off; it fires as soon as the brake pedal is released. During deceleration, engine fuel shutoff and regenerative braking occurs, and the Vue Green Line Hybrid’s electric motor/generator can supplement the engine.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Compared to the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid, the Vue Green Line Hybrid’s EPA fuel economy numbers are 6 – 9 mpg lower in the city but 1 – 3 mpg higher on the highway. Both of the Ford Motor Company SUVs can have all-wheel drive, but the Vue Green Line Hybrid only comes with front-wheel drive.

Differences between the conventional Vue and Vue Green Line Hybrid are minimal; without the small Hybrid badges affixed to the front doors, most people would probably think it was a regular Vue. Cast-aluminum 16-inch wheels wear low-rolling-resistance tires.

Its instrument panel includes a few unique gauges, including a charge/assist meter for the hybrid drivetrain’s battery pack, a tachometer with “auto stop” and “off” indicators to communicate the state the engine is in, as well as an “eco” indicator that lights up when the instant fuel economy is greater than the EPA-average estimates.

Antilock brakes and all-speed traction control are standard.