2003 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. For 2003, it adds a previously unavailable powertrain combination and optional leather upholstery. Vue features 4-cyl and V6 engines, seats five, and has Saturn's traditional dent-resistant plastic body panels. Both the 4-cyl and V6 models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The V6 previously came only with AWD. The AWD lacks low-range gearing. Front-drive 4-cyl models use a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic. The CVT furnishes variable drive ratios instead of conventional gear changes. AWD 4-cyl Vues come only with the CVT. V6 Vues use a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission. Options include ABS, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and OnStar assistance. New for 2003 is an option package that includes leather upholstery, heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Vue has a liftgate without separate-opening glass. Its spare tire is under the rear load floor. The split rear seat works with a fold-down front-passenger seatback to accommodate long objects.

COMPETITION

Though our Best Buys, 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. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a 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. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.