2002 Saturn Vue: Road Test
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2002 Saturn Vue ▼
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- MSRP: $16,325 -$22,575
- Invoice: $15,228 -$21,041
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Our road test for the 2002 Saturn Vue includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Saturn Vue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Saturn Vue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Saturn Vue help you decide if a 2002 Saturn Vue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 3.5 |
Saturn says the 4-cyl Vue does 0-60 mph in 10.2 sec with CVT, 11.1 with manual transmission. Both are comparable to 4-cyl rivals. CVT models accelerate smoothly from a standstill and deliver almost instantaneous passing power. Saturn's quoted 8.4 sec 0-60 for the V6 Vue puts it among the fastest compact SUVs. Its 5-speed automatic can slur upshifts and downshifts, but doesn't hunt between gears.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test AWD V6 Vue averaged 17.8 mpg, slightly less than V6 Escape, but better than Jeep Liberty.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 3.7 |
Tires and suspension do a good job absorbing the worst bumps and expansion joints, though accompanied by noisy thumping. Soft springing leads to mild side-to-side rocking.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Vue's electric power steering is vague on-center and doesn't impart much road feel. Suspension is tuned for ride comfort, so Vue leans more in corners than Escape or CR-V and tends to noseplow where most compact SUVs feel nimble. Stopping power feels adequate.
QUIETNESS
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
Continues Saturn tradition of intrusive engine noise under rapid acceleration. In fact, Vue's 4 cyl is quieter than its V6 in most conditions. Highway wind and road noise are low.
CONTROLS
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Clearly marked gauges. Logical dashboard layout, though climate controls a bit small, and power-window switches are inconveniently arrayed in center console. Some thin plastic materials impart a cost-cutting feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 |
Comfortable, chairlike seats, though very soft and somewhat short on lateral support. Good leg and head room even with optional sunroof. Mounting gearshift at base of dashboard provides valuable space for purses and the like. Vue lacks ceiling-mounted grab handles to ease entry and exit, but step-in height is very low.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Ample head space, adequate leg room, but less-supportive, less-comfortable seats than in many rivals. Clever design allows two child seats to remain in place while one seatback section folds forward.
CARGO ROOM
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Longer load floor than most rivals, but rear seatbacks do not fold flat. Fold-flat right-front seatback and standard pop-up cargo organizer are nice touches, though organizer's plastic walls are unsubstantial. Interior storage otherwise nothing special.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
What Vue lacks in handling it makes up for in versatility, ride quality, and accommodations. Added attractions are dent-resistant body panels, competitive pricing, and the high customer-satisfaction ratings for Saturn's dealership experience and no-haggle price strategy.
Total Score
| 4 cyl 2WD, CVT | V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 52 | 53 | 44.6 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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