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2006 Saturn Vue Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Saturn Vue Review:
5. 
Saturn Vue Photos

6. 
Saturn Vue Full Review

7. 
All Saturn Vues

8. 
All Saturns


2006 Saturn Vue Review
Midyear addition of a gas-electric hybrid makes 2006 news for this compact five-seat SUV from General Motors' Saturn division. Vue shares its basic design with GM's midsize Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs but has unique styling and plastic body panels. It also is the only one with a hybrid version.

Launched as a 2007 model, the Vue Green Line teams a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 170 hp. The system self-charges the batteries; there's no plug-in charging. Unlike most hybrids, the Green Line cannot run on the electric motor alone. It comes only with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

Conventional-powertrain Vues offer a 143-hp 4-cyl and a Honda-built 250-hp V6. Both are available with front-wheel drive. The V6 is also available with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing and is not intended for off-road use. The 4-cyl versions have manual or automatic transmission, the V6 comes only with automatic. ABS is standard on V6 Vues, optional on 4-cyls. Available for V6s is a sporty Red Line package with a lowered and firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific trim. For all Vues, curtain side airbags are optional. Styling is freshened inside and out for 2006 and OnStar assistance and steering-wheel audio controls become standard.



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

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
A redesigned Vue is expected for 2008, but it's unclear whether this will be a clean-sheet effort or a heavy reworking of the current Theta-platform model. Look for the Honda-sourced V6 to be replaced by a GM-designed engine, possibly a 3.6-liter V6 with around 270 hp.
2006 Saturn Vue Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Engine noise (4 cyl)
Passenger and cargo room
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
6 6 6 4.5

No opportunity yet to test gas-electric hybrid Green Line or a 4-cyl gasoline Vue. Saturn pegs conventional 4-cyl model at a 11.1 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission. That's slow for any modern vehicle. Smooth, refined V6/automatic combo provides impressive power, response; Saturn says about 7.5 sec 0-60. V6s tow up to 3500 lb.
Fuel Economy

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
5 4 4 4.9

Test 2WD V6 averaged 21.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. In city/highway mix, test AWD V6 averaged 16.2 mpg, test Red Line 16.7. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.
Ride Quality

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
5 5 5 4.7

Tires, suspension do a good job of absorbing the worst bumps, 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

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
3 3 5 4.7

Steering lacks natural feel, linear response, suffers delayed reactions at parking-lot speeds. Exception is Red Line, which has modifications that erase most of those shortfalls and furnish very good straightline stability. V6 Vues have good cornering grip on their 17-inch tires, but also undue body lean, noseplow. Again, Red Line sportier, more agile. V6 versions suffer torque-steer veering in rapid takeoffs, even with AWD, and test AWD V6s exhibited some front wheelspin on wet pavement before system engaged rear wheels. Brake performance adequate, but rapid stops induce pronounced nosedive in non Red Lines.
Quietness

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
4 4 4 4.1

V6 subdued at cruise, emits rich-sounding growl in rapid acceleration. Wind noise low, but copious road rumble tiresome on long drives, bumps produce loud thumps, doors close with a clang.
Controls

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
5 5 5 5.6

Clear instrumentation nicely organized. Power controls for windows, locks, mirrors arrayed on center console, which some testers find inconvenient. Interior revisions for 2006 long overdue. They're most noticeable in front-seat area, where substantial-feeling, padded panels replace flimsy, hard-surface plastics. Steering-wheel audio controls have top-notch design, but minor switchgear, such as power-window controls, sunroof button, have cheap-feeling weight, movement.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
6 6 7 5.8

Good leg room. Head room adequate even with intrusion from sunroof housing. Gearshift mounts at base of dashboard, frees floor space for purses and such. Seats too soft for best support, lack good lateral bolstering; Red Line Package seats firmer, have more-pronounced bolstering. Either way, some testers complain of mediocre lumbar support.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
4 4 4 4.6

Ample head space. Leg room adequate if front seats are less than halfway back. Seat flat, thinly padded, notably unsupportive, though clever design accommodates two child seats with one seatback section folded down. Door openings modest, and no ceiling-mounted grab handles to ease entry and exit, but step-in height relatively low.
Cargo Room

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
7 7 7 7.3

Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass--a minor demerit--but load floor longer than in most rivals. Rear-seatback release awkward to reach, feels crude, and seatbacks don't fold fully flat, but work with fold-down right-front seatback to accommodate long objects. Standard pop-up cargo organizer a nice touch, despite flimsy plastic dividers. Cabin storage adequate.
Value within Class

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
4 5 2 6.3

Though not yet made available for testing, the gas-electric hybrid Green Line model is a significant addition to the Vue line. Among conventional-powertrain models, go with the available V6, a Honda-made engine that almost--almost--offsets Vue's deficits in steering, handling, and comfort. Dent-resistant, rustproof plastic body panels, competitive pricing, and Saturn's high customer-satisfaction scores do appeal, but we'd still scout the competition.

Total Score

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Class Average
49 49 49 52.5
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
29
Average Score
52
High Score
62
2006 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, manual $17,390 $16,053 $600
2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic $18,745 $17,299 $600
2WD V6 4-door wagon, automatic $21,390 $19,733 $600
AWD V6 4-door wagon, automatic $23,050 $21,260 $600
Price note: Green Line prices and equipment not available at time of publication.
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
Powertrain
2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, cargo organizer, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70R16 tires, wheel covers.
V6 adds to 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Traction control, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/60SR17 tires. Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Leather Pkg.
4-cylinder
$755
$695
V6
$695
$639
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
Sport Appearance Pkg.
4-cylinder
$1,385
$1,274
Rear spoiler, running boards, 235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.
Comfort Pkg.
4-cylinder, V6
$595
$547
Heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment. NA w/Red Line Pkg.
Sun and Sound Pkg.
4-cylinder, V6
$995
$915
Power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, upgraded sound system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month).
Chrome Pkg.
V6
$295
$271
Fog lights, chrome skid plates. NA w/Red Line Pkg.
Red Line Pkg.
V6
$2,495
$2,295
Leather/suede upholstery, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, bright-metal pedals, special interior lighting, floormats, unique interior and exterior trim, lowered sport suspension, 245/50R18 tires. NA w/roof rails.
Safety
Curtain side airbags
4-cylinder, V6
$395
$363
Antilock brakes
4-cylinder
$600
$552
Includes traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
4-cylinder, V6
$725
$667
DVD entertainment system
4-cylinder, V6
$1,140
$1,049
Includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player. NA w/power sunroof or Sun and Sound Pkg.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
4-cylinder, V6
$150
$138
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
4-cylinder, V6
$650
$598
Upgraded sound system
4-cylinder, V6
$295
$271
Requires optional radio or DVD entertainment system.
Satellite radio
4-cylinder, V6
$325
$299
Requires optional radio or DVD entertainment system. Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
Floormats
4-cylinder, V6
$80
$74
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails
4-cylinder, V6
$150
$138
Fog lights
V6
$170
$156
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Chrome skid plates
4-cylinder
$170
$156
Alloy wheels
4-cylinder
$400
$368
Includes 235/65R16 tires.
17-inch alloy wheels
2WD V6
$350
$322
Includes 235/60R17 white-letter tires.
235/65R16 white-letter tires
2WD
$140
$129
4-cylinder requires alloy wheels.
235/60R17 white-letter tires
V6
$140
$129
2WD requires 17-inch alloy wheels.
2006 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. 40.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 40.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 sohc V6 dohc I4/electric
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.2 /134 3.5 /212 2.4 /145
Horsepower @ rpm. 143 @ 5600 250 @ 5800 170 @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 152 @ 4000 242 @ 4500 162 @ 4400
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 23/28 --/-- --/--
4-speed automatic 22/26 --/-- 27/32
5-speed automatic --/-- 19/25 --/--
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 All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile vehicle exchange program. VTi vehicles are covered for an additional 5/75,000 miles.
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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2006 Saturn Vue
Trim Level:  V6
Arrival Date:  10/27/2005
Engine:  sohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $21,390
Price as Tested:  $26,200
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3150
Mileage at End of Test:  3465
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  14.573 gals.
 

Major Options:  Power Sunroof, Leather Appointments Package, AM/FM 6 CD Changer w/MP3, Comfort Package (6-way power driver seat, heated driver and passenger seats, driver lumbar support), Head Curtain Side Airbags, XM Satellite Radio (first 3 months included), 17-Inch Machined Alloy Wheels, Chrome Package (chrome skid plates, fog lamps). Chrome Roof Rail, Floormats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  21.62 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Mark Bilek Vue is competitively priced, refined, and roomy. GM needs to polish the mechanical components a bit, through--steering and ride control first and foremost. Also, there are some odd quarks like the seat heater controls in the center of a dashboard bin, centrally located window switches, and awkwardly placed pulls for the fold-down rear seats. Still, I would recommend this vehicle to a small family on the go.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2006 Saturn Vue
Trim Level:  V6
Arrival Date:  02/23/2006
Engine:  sohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $23,050
Price as Tested:  $27,140
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3142
Mileage at End of Test:  3375
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  13.908 gals.
 

Major Options:  Red Line Package (lowered sport suspension, 18" tires and alloy wheels, unique front fascia, Red Line interior, black leather appointed sport bucket seats with sueded fabric inserts, black center console, driver side power adjustable and manual lumbar seats, black Red Line floor mats, black carpeting), Sun and Sound Package (XM satellite radio - service fee extra, 1st 3 months included, AM/FM CD w/MP3, advanced audio system, power sunroof), Chrome Accented Pedals, Ambient Footwell Lighting.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  16.75 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Vue is not among our favorite vehicles of any stripe. There's a level of crudeness about it that can't be justified in a modern automobile, especially one from an automaker with the resources of GM. The V6 is a Honda-made gem, but even it feels coarser and noisier here than it does in SUVs from its Japanese maker. And it doesn't erase Vue's other deficiencies. The Red Line's steering is good, and suspension revisions do quell the queasy body motions that plague other models in this line. But there are far better ways to spend $27,000 on a small SUV.

Rick Cotta Sadly, one of Vue's best features is also one of its worst. The composite body panels that resist rust and dents contribute to a slightly loose, rattley feel over bumps. Power is strong with the V6, but the Red Line's stiffer suspension imparts more harshness than sporty feel, making the less-expensive base V6 model a more attractive proposition.

Also in the 2006 Saturn Vue Review:
5. 
Saturn Vue Photos

6. 
Saturn Vue Full Review

7. 
All Saturn Vues

8. 
All Saturns


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