2002 Saturn Vue: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Saturn's first SUV is priced and equipped to compete against compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, but is the longest vehicle in its class. Vue features 4- and 6-cyl engines, seats for five, and Saturn's traditional dent-resistant plastic body panels. The 4-cyl model has front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The V6 is AWD only. Front-drive 4-cyl models come with a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic (CVT), which furnishes variable drive ratios instead of conventional gear changes. V6 Vues use a 5-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing. Options include ABS, curtain side airbags, and General Motors' OnStar assistance system. Vue has a liftgate without separate-opening glass and stores its spare tire inside, under the rear load floor. The split rear seat works with a fold-down front-passenger seatback to accommodate long objects.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.

Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.