2005 Saturn Vue Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

This SUV from General Motors' Saturn division is little-changed for 2005. Vue seats five and uses Saturn's signature dent-resistant plastic-composite bodyside panels. It offers a 143-hp 4-cyl engine and a Honda-sourced 250-hp V6, and comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Front-drive 4-cyl models offer a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. AWD 4-cyl models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). V6 models have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Vue's AWD system lacks low-range gearing and is not designed for severe off-road use. ABS is standard on V6 versions, optional on 4-cyls. Head-protecting curtain side airbags and OnStar assistance are available for all. So are satellite radio and rear DVD entertainment. V6 Vues are available in Red Line versions that have specific exterior trim, a lowered sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels vs. other models' 16s or 17s.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and the Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are the Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.

News

Our moles say Vue will get a "midcycle freshening" for 2006. No word yet on specifics, but "midcycle" suggests a full redesign is a good 4-5 years off. There had been talk of a hybrid powertrain option for '06, but we'd be surprised if it appears then, given the current state of Saturn sales and GM hybrid-vehicle plans.

But Vue will get a larger stablemate for 2007. Built on GM's new Lambda "crossover wagon" platform, it reportedly starts production in late 2006. Buick and GMC versions respectively follow 6 and 12 months later. None has a name yet. Sources say the Saturn will offer V6 power and choice of front drive or AWD. The engine is said to be a new design sized at 3.5 or 3.9 liters and equipped with GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD), which shuts down half the cylinders at light throttle loads to save fuel. An optional DOD V8 is reportedly on tap for sometime later. Saturn hopes its Lambda will bring in 100,000 sales a year.

2005 Saturn Vue Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Engine noise (4 cyl)

Passenger and cargo room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
7	7	4.3

Saturn says 4-cyl Vue does 0-60 mph in 11.1 sec with manual transmission. We have not yet tested 4-speed automatic 4-cyl. Smooth, refined V6 and 5-speed automatic yield outstanding power and response. Saturn says 0-60 in 6.6 sec with 2WD, 6.9 with AWD. V6s tow up to 3500 lb--only on par with 4-cyl rivals. Test AWD V6 suffered some front wheelspin on wet pavement before system engaged rear wheels.

Fuel Economy

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4.8

No 4-cyl model made available for test. Test AWD V6 averaged 16.2 mpg in a city/highway mix. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Tires, suspension do a good job of absorbing the worst bumps and expansion joints, but mild side-to-side rocking motions annoy. Red Line's stiffer suspension quells some of that without adding undue harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
4	5	4.7

Steering fairly precise for an SUV, but isn't very linear and needs better road feel. Steering relatively heavy at parking speeds in AWD V6 test model, though not in test Red Line. Vues with 17-inch tires have good cornering grip, but more body lean and noseplow than like-equipped Ford Escapes or Honda CR-Vs. Red Line sportier, more agile. Stopping power adequate in any model.

Quietness

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4

Full-throttle acceleration creates a rowdy roar with 4-cyl engine but only a subdued, rich-sounding growl with Honda V6. Wind noise low, but copious road rumble tiresome on long drives, bumps produce loud thumps, and doors close with a clang.

Controls

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Clearly marked gauges. Logical dashboard layout, but climate controls a bit small, and some of our test drivers dislike power-window switches on center console. Interior betrays cost cutting in places with budget-grade plastics and cheap-feeling switches.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
6	7	5.7

Good leg and head room even with optional sunroof. Mounting gear shift at base of dashboard frees floor space for purses and such. Chairlike bucket seats a bit too soft, somewhat short on lateral bolstering; Red Line seats firmer, have more-pronounced bolstering. Either way, some testers complain of mediocre lumbar support.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
6	6	4.5

Ample head space, adequate leg room, but seats less supportive, less comfortable than many rivals'. Clever design allows two child seats to remain in place while one seatback section folds flat. No ceiling-mounted grab handles to ease entry and exit, but step-in height very low.

Cargo Room

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass--a minor demerit--but load floor longer than in most rivals. Rear seatbacks don't fold fully flat, but do work with fold-down front-passenger seatback to accommodate long objects. Standard pop-up cargo organizer a nice touch, despite flimsy plastic dividers. Cabin storage nothing special.

Value within Class

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
5	5	6

The outstanding performance and refinement of Honda's V6 almost offset Vue's deficits in handling, accommodations, and workmanship. Dent-resistant body panels, competitive prices, and Saturn's high customer-satisfaction ratings are other pluses, but we'd still scout the competition.

Total Score

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
54	56	50.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		30
Average Score		50
High Score		61

2005 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 11/08/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, manual	$17,055	$15,915	$575

2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic	$20,615	$19,266	$575

AWD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, CVT automatic	$21,720	$20,254	$575

2WD V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,655	$21,123	$575

AWD V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,315	$22,667	$575

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

4-cylinder manual

Powertrain

2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio, tachometer, visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, cargo organizer, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

215/70SR16 tires, wheel covers.

4-cylinder automatic adds to 4-cylinder manual:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, automatic headlights, floormats.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), 235/65R16 tires.

V6 adds to 4-cylinder automatic:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Traction control, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/60SR17 tires. Deletes: traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Power Pkg.
4-cylinder manual	$1,385	$1,288
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, automatic headlights, alarm.

Leather Pkg.
4-cylinder	$755	$702
V6	$695	$646
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 4-cylinder manual requires Power Pkg.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
4-cylinder	$1,385	$1,288
Rear spoiler, running boards, 235/65R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.

Comfort Pkg.
4-cylinder automatic, 4-cylinder manual, V6	$595	$553
Heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment. 4-cylinder manual requires Power Pkg.

Safe and Sound Pkg.
V6	$1,140	$1,060
Curtain side airbags, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

Red Line Pkg.
V6	$1,995	$1,855
Unique exterior trim, lowered sport suspension, 245/50SR18 tires.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
4-cylinder automatic, 4-cylinder manual, V6	$395	$367


Antilock brakes
4-cylinder	$600	$558
2WD includes traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
4-cylinder manual, V6	$725	$675
4-cylinder requires Power Pkg.

Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
4-cylinder manual	$1,435	$1,335
4-cylinder automatic, V6	$1,145	$1,065
Includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player. 4-cylinder manual requires Power Pkg. NA w/power sunroof.

AM/FM/CD player
4-cylinder manual	$290	$270


AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
4-cylinder manual	$440	$409
4-cylinder automatic, V6	$150	$140


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
4-cylinder manual	$940	$874
4-cylinder automatic, V6	$650	$605


Advanced radio system
4-cylinder automatic, 4-cylinder manual, V6	$295	$274
Upgraded sound system. Requires optional radio including an MP3 player. 4-cylinder manual requires Power Pkg.

Satellite radio
4-cylinder automatic, 4-cylinder manual, V6	$325	$302
Requires optional radio including an MP3 player. 4-cylinder manual requires Power Pkg. Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.

Floormats
4-cylinder manual	$80	$74


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
AWD 4-cylinder	$170	$158


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels
4-cylinder	$400	$372


17-inch alloy wheels
2WD V6	$300	$279
Includes 235/60SR17 tires.

235/65R16 white-letter tires
4-cylinder	$140	$130

2005 Saturn Vue Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Saturn Vue 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.6

Overall Length, in.	181.3

Overall Width, in.	71.5

Overall Height, in.	66.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3630

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	63.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.3

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	40.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	3.5 /212

Horsepower @ rpm.	143 @ 5400	250 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4000	242 @ 4500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	23/29	--/--

4-speed automatic	22/27	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	19/25

CVT automatic	21/26	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Saturn Vue 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	Buyers can choose between 5/60,000 Bumper-to-Bumper coverage or $1000-1250 cash back. All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile money vehicle exchange program.

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2005 Saturn Vue Photos

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Saturn Vue Road Test

Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment

Saturn Vue Specs & Safety

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