Saturn puts the new 2003 Vue into orbit around crowded SUV market

By Vince Bodiford
Automotive Editor

PHOENIX, AZ - Saturn, the self-proclaimed "different" kind of Car Company, expands its rather bland passenger car lineup with the surprisingly agile and able "Vue" sport utility vehicle. In the ever expanding universe of SUV’s from nearly every manufacturer, the Vue is different among the standard-cause SUV’s.

Look closely at just about any SUV built today, and disguised underneath that tall ride height is nothing more than the station wagon of yester-year. But, it is the fastest growing segment in the car business, with sales of compact sport-utilities projected to grow from 500,000 units in 2000 to more than 800,000 vehicles projected in 2003.

With the debut of the VUE and the growth in units that will be sold, Saturn will again deliver on its purpose of adding even more "plus" business to General Motors. Unlike Saturn’s new Ion compact car, the Vue is toned-down and styled more like its competitors from Japan.

Like Saturn’s other products, the VUE is expected to appeal to customers who would have otherwise bought a non-GM product. More than 75 percent of Saturn buyers list a competitive make as their second-choice vehicle, with over half saying they would have bought an import brand.

The Saturn VUE provides a new perspective on sport utilities - one that incorporates Saturn innovations such as space-frame construction and dent-resistant polymer bodyside panels, along with being the only SUV to offer an advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Two engine choices include a modestly powerful 138-horsepower twin-cam four-cylinder engine or the friskier 181-horsepower dual-overhead camshaft V6, which we tested. The four-cylinder engine is available with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT engineered to deliver smoother shifting, good acceleration, hill-climbing performance and improved fuel economy. The six-cylinder engine is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission for responsive performance.

Four-wheel independent suspension is becoming the norm on all SUV’s, first heralded by the new Ford Explorer. The Vue is no exception, and its independent suspension helps maintain a controlled ride and responsive handling on a wide range of surfaces. The VUE also features an advanced electronic power steering system that provides precise steering at lower speeds and confident feel on the highway.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system that improves traction and security in inclement weather by smoothly transferring up to 100 percent of drive torque to the rear wheels should the front wheels start to slip. Its not true AWD in that respect, but it’s better than nothing.

The VUE’s interior design overall is comfortable and user-friendly, but not without complaint. Saturn seems to have mastered the use of vast expanses of interior plastic - there is virtually no piece of metal anywhere inside the car except for a pair of metal tie-downs in rear cargo area. Most cars today use a lot of interior plastic, but the Vue just has too much. It is at least very handily molded into very useful and interesting shapes and spaces. The seats are well made, and versatile with the 70/30 split folding rear seat and a front passenger seatback that also folds flat, allowing long objects to be carried inside the vehicle.

Most major vehicle controls are designed for easy one-hand operation. All of the controls are logically placed and work well, and the inside is well lit at night. The instruments are analog, easy to read and also well lit at night. The only complaint about the controls is that all four of the power window buttons are scattered around the center gearshift tree console - making it impossible to operate more than one window at a time. The rear cargo area includes the two metal tie-down points, hooks for plastic grocery bags and a cargo organizer for smaller objects. The VUE is also available with OnStar.

The VUE’s exterior design is clean and contemporary, lending itself to customization, an important consideration for youthful buyers with active lifestyles. It has an unusual, distinctive profile that gives it a chopped look at some angles, and a beefier stance than it really has. The body is fashioned in sets of 90-degree slabs - roofline, beltline, hoodline - that looks closest to the new Hummer H2 - which is about the highest compliment that could be paid to any SUV on the road today.

Made at Saturn’s Spring Hill, Tennessee facility.

COMPARISON VEHICLES: Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Honda CRV.

HIGHS: Lots or interior room. Comfortable seats. Attractive exterior styling. Inexpensive and fuel efficient for the size.

LOWS: Antilock brakes should be standard equipment. AWD system in really FWD that defaults to rear drive if the fronts slip.

VEHICLE PRICE: Suggested retail price $22,575 and $24,675 as tested including floor mats, sunroof, ABS, upgraded stereo and destination charges. Prices vary and do not include factory and dealer discounts. See dealer for details.

FUEL ECONOMY: EPA estimates 19-mpg city, 25-mpg highway.

LIFE’S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired and always buckle-up. Copyright © 2003 The Weekend Drive. All Rights Reserved.