The Saturn VUE is the 2007 SUV offering from General Motor's import-fighting brand. The basic VUE starts at $17,475 and uses a 2.2L four-cylinder engine that makes 143 horsepower. The base transmission is a manual five-speed, but a four-speed automatic is available. The VUE features Saturn's dent-resistant polymer doors, fenders, and bumpers. It also includes air conditioning, a 70/30 split rear seat, cruise control, power windows, and a remote keyless entry.
The $21,750 VUE V6 uses an excellent 3.5L engine supplied by Honda. This model is only available with the five-speed automatic, and includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes as standard equipment. Traction control is also standard, as are 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. While the four-cylinder VUE is only offered as a front-wheel drive vehicle, the V6 can be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The Saturn VUE Red Line is a package available on the V6 models, and it has a tuned suspension that has been lowered by more than an inch. It also gets 18-inch wheels with 245/50 Bridgestone performance tires. You can spot the VUE Red Line by its distinctive grille and unique front fascia. Inside, the seats are leather with suede inserts. Also included are metallic pedals, embroidered floor mats and footwell lighting in either Warm Amber or Cool Blue. You can switch between the two colors depending on your mood.
The biggest news for 2007 is the $22,870 VUE Green Line hybrid. This model gets a 2.4L in-line four cylinder engine that puts out 170 horsepower. The Green Line also gets an electric motor for assist. While the base VUE is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, the Green Line gets a 27/32 score from the EPA. The VUE Green Line is available only with front wheel drive.
Optional equipment on the VUE includes leather seat trim, a power driver's seat, running boards, a rear spoiler, anti-lock brakes, skid plates, satellite radio, a rear seat entertainment system, and side curtain air bags.
Available With V6, Four-cylinder, Or Hybrid
Saturn's No-dicker-sticker Price
Good Handling.
The Saturn VUE welcomed a new variant for 2007: the VUE Green Line hybrid. Along with a host of upgraded standard equipment, the VUE Green Line was estimated by the EPA to achieve 27 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. For the base VUE and the VUE V6, Laser Blue has been replaced by Deep Blue, and there are new 16- and 17-inch wheels available.
The Saturn VUE is a small American SUV that is available with an economical four-cylinder engine, a peppy V6, or as a hybrid in 2007. The Green Line offers improved gas mileage over its conventional four-cylinder sibling, while the peppy 250-horsepower V6 engine found on the upgraded VUEs makes for an SUV that is equal parts sport and utility. Thanks to fine chassis tuning, all VUEs offer excellent handling for its class.
