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2007 Saturn Vue Full Review
Date Published: 5/06/08
Also in the 2007 Saturn Vue Review:
5. 
Saturn Vue Photos

6. 
Saturn Vue Full Review

7. 
All Saturn Vues

8. 
All Saturns


2007 Saturn Vue Review
A gas/electric-hybrid model joins the lineup of this compact 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's the only one of the three with a hybrid version.

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.

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. The 4-cyl versions have manual or automatic transmission, the V6 and Green Line come only with automatic. ABS is standard on V6 and Green Line Vues, optional on others. Available for V6s is a Red Line Package with a lowered and firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific trim. Curtain side airbags are optional on all Vues.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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 Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
News
In something of a surprise, GM taps its South Korean branch for an expected 2008 Vue update. The makeover was designed for global production and sale by several GM brands. The just-launched European Opel/Vauxhall Antara is said to be much like the upcoming Vue, which will continue to be U.S.-built.

Though Saturn hasn't released details, we can make a few educated guesses from Euro-model specifics. For starters, the overall 5-passenger package is little changed dimensionally, but styling is new and more dynamic. Powerteams should comprise a base 140-hp 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine with 5-speed manual transmission; a new GM-designed 3.2-liter V6 with 5-speed automatic; and a Green Line with carryover hybrid drive. Both 4-cyl models should be sold only with front-wheel drive, the V6 with either front drive or "as you need it" AWD without low-range gears. ABS, front side airbags and full-length curtain side airbags will likely move from optional to standard equipment. An antiskid system should join the options list, along with upscale features like a navigation system. Depending on price and marketing considerations, the Vue may offer other Euro-market options such as rollover sensors, rear-obstacle detection, hill-descent control, rearview camera, and a unique new integral bicycle carrier that folds out from the rear bumper. We may get a clearer picture from a thinly disguised "concept" at one of this winter's major auto shows, so keep checking back with us for the latest in Vue.
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2007 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. Green Line Class Average
6 6 6 4 4.6

No opportunity yet to test 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 SUV. Smooth, refined V6/automatic combination provides impressive power, response; Saturn says about 7.5 sec 0-60. V6s tow up to 3500 lb.

Green Line sedate from a stop, but gathers speed adequately, feels on par with Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner hybrids. Hybrid system operates with commendable seamlessness.
Fuel Economy

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Green Line Class Average
5 4 4 7 5

Test 2WD Vue 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. Test Green Lines averaged a frugal 25.8-28.4 mpg. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines.
Ride Quality

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

2WD V6 AWD V6 AWD V6 w/Red Line Pkg. Green Line Class Average
4 4 5 4 4.8

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. Green Line Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.5

V6 subdued at cruise, emits rich-sounding growl in rapid acceleration. Green Line drive train well muted, but an underhood whistle is heard during full-throttle acceleration. Wind noise low in all Vues, 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. Green Line Class Average
5 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 mostly substantial-feeling, with padded panels. Steering wheel audio controls have top-notch design, but other 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. Green Line Class Average
6 6 7 6 6.1

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. Green Line Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.8

Ample head space. Leg room adequate if front seats aren't set far back. Seat flat, thinly padded, unsupportive, though clever design accommodates two child seats even 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. Green Line Class Average
7 7 7 7 7.2

Liftgate lacks opening glass--a minor demerit--but load floor longer than in most compact SUVs. 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. Green Line Class Average
4 5 4 6 5.5

The gas/electric hybrid Green Line is a significant addition to the Vue line, offering a modestly priced hybrid drivetrain and impressive fuel economy for the class. 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. Green Line Class Average
50 50 51 52 53.1
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
36
Average Score
53
High Score
60
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2007 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/16/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, manual $17,475 $16,339 $625
2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic $19,250 $17,999 $625
2WD V6 4-door wagon, automatic $21,750 $20,336 $625
AWD V6 4-door wagon, automatic $23,710 $22,169 $625
2WD Green Line hybrid 4-door wagon, automatic $22,870 $21,383 $625
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Vue (incl. hybrid) $2750 cash back or 0% financing. Customer 06/02/08
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
235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control.
Green Line adds to 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Leather Pkg.
4-cylinder, Green Line, V6
$755
$695
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.
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, fog lights, unique interior and exterior trim, lowered sport suspension, 245/50R18 tires. NA w/roof rails.
Comfortably Safe Pkg.
Green Line
$1,125
$1,035
Curtain side airbags, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, satellite radio. Requires optional radio or DVD entertainment system.
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, Green Line, V6
$725
$667
DVD entertainment system
4-cylinder, Green Line, V6
$1,140
$1,049
Includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD Audio player. NA w/power sunroof.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
4-cylinder, Green Line, V6
$150
$138
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
4-cylinder, Green Line, V6
$650
$598
NA w/DVD entertainment system.
Upgraded sound system
4-cylinder, V6
$295
$271
Requires optional radio or DVD entertainment system. NA Green Line.
Satellite radio
4-cylinder, V6
$199
$183
Requires optional radio or DVD entertainment system.
Floormats
4-cylinder, V6
$80
$74
NA w/Red Line Pkg. Std. Green Line.
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
V6
$350
$322
Includes 235/60R17 white-letter tires.
235/65R16 white-letter tires
4-cylinder, V6
$140
$129
4-cylinder requires alloy wheels.
235/60R17 white-letter tires
V6
$140
$129
Requires 17-inch alloy wheels.
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2007 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 23/29 --/-- --/--
4-speed automatic 22/27 --/-- 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 5/100,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 All Saturns have a 30-day, 1500 mile vehicle exchange program.
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 5/100,000 --
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:  2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
Trim Level:  Green Line
Arrival Date:  12/07/2006
Engine:  dohc I4/electric
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $22,370
Price as Tested:  $23,750
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  5151
Mileage at End of Test:  5840
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  25.542 gals.
 

Major Options:  Leather Appointment Package

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  26.98 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Vue Green Line is GM's sucker punch toward Toyota. There is absolutely no fault with this hybrid application. It's incredibly smooth and the fuel economy gains are tangible. Unfortunately, the fact that Vue Green Line is still a Vue and suffers all that vehicles other vices is a disappointment. Hopefully the hybrid application will work better in the next-generation 2008 Vue or the upcoming Aura Green Line.

Tom Appel Critics who decry GM's "mild hybrid" system as low-tech may want to spend some time with the Vue Green Line. Elegant is a better descriptor, with the less complicated drivetrain keeping the price of our test truck under $24,000 with the optional leather. In practice the system approaches seemless, and bests the smoothness and drivability of any other 4-cylinder hybrid, including Toyota Prius. And at 26 mpg, Vue Hybrid falls smack in the middle of the 24-29 mpg results we logged with the much pricier Escape and Mariner hybrids. Sadly, the dated Saturn Vue is a lousy platform to showcase this impressive drivetrain. I look forward to driving the upcoming Saturn Aura Green Line which will incorporate the same hybrid system in a much more refined vehicle.

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Also in the 2007 Saturn Vue Review:
5. 
Saturn Vue Photos

6. 
Saturn Vue Full Review

7. 
All Saturn Vues

8. 
All Saturns


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