2005 Saturn Vue

VERSATILE, FUN-TO-DRIVE VUE ACCOMMODATES ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

With its abundant versatility and fun-to-drive manners, Saturn Vue accommodates the desire to get away and all the gear needed for the adventure. Vue's clean styling, numerous safety features, innovative technology and vast array of accessory choices also contribute to making it a popular choice among customers with active lifestyles.

Among updates for 2005, Vue offers the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model. The available OnStar system features next-generation hardware with upgraded hands-free capability. Vue models, in particular the V-6 versions, also benefit from several new upscale exterior and interior touches.

The Vue also builds on Saturn's reputation for safety, earning the maximum five stars for driver and passengers in both the front- and side-impact tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Vue Red Line, which debuted in interim 2004, will mark its first full year of production in '05, giving customers a true sport-tuned choice in the compact SÚV market. The Red Line version starts with Vue's impressive 3.5L V-6 and adds performance handling to the package.

'The Vue, and now the Vue Red Line, are playing a significant role in widening Saturn's appeal,' said Scott Horn, Vue marketing manager. 'Vue's combination of performance, refinement, versatility and customer-friendly innovations puts it in position to attract new fans as the compact SÚV segment continues to grow.'

New transmission among powertrain choices

Vue has always offered a surprisingly wide range of powertrain choices, allowing customers to select the driving dynamics that fit their personal needs and style.

New for 2005 is the choices are expanded with the addition of the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle, offered as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Vue. This General Motors transmission is known for its reliability, smoothness and efficiency, and is expected to deliver an estimated 22 mpg city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.

The standard transmission for the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Vue is a five-speed manual that delivers excellent smoothness and durability. The manual transmission includes a synchronized reverse gear, allowing the Vue to shift into reverse without grinding if the driver shifts before the car is fully stopped.

The base engine is the Ecotec 2.2L inline four-cylinder. This 16-valve, 143-horsepower (107 kw) powerplant is notable for its combination of performance, efficiency, low maintenance and smooth operation with technology familiar in premium engines, including hydraulic roller finger valve operation and electronic 'drive-by-wire' throttle.

Vue also offers an advanced 3.5L V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kw) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (327 Nm). The engine's variable-valve timing helps enhance high-end power, low-end torque and fuel economy.

The most powerful engine in its segment, the 3.5L V-6 gives the Vue an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The V-6 is mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control, which helps eliminate hunting between gears – a benefit especially on hilly roads. Specifically engineered for Saturn Vue by Honda, the powertrain also provides towing ability up to 3,500 pounds.

Vue models equipped with the five-speed manual, the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic or the V-6 powertrain can be flat-towed – pulled behind another vehicle without needing to use a special dolly – making Vue an ideal choice for RV owners.

The Vue is equipped with an advanced electric power steering system for precise steering at lower speeds and confident feel on the highway. Four-wheel independent suspension is a key to Vue's controlled ride and responsive handling on a wide range of surfaces.

Versatile interior

The Saturn Vue's interior balances style, space and versatility, in a spacious yet efficient package with room for five people plus 30.8 cubic feet (872L) of cargo space. With the 70/30 split second-row seat folded flat, cargo area volume increases to 63.8 cubic feet (1,807L). The front passenger seatback also folds flat to help transport long items.

The interior design also includes a number of clever storage solutions, such as a rear cargo organizer that flips up to hold grocery bags, and side storage bins that can hold water bottles or other cargo. Bins, pockets and other storage spaces throughout the Vue help prevent clutter.

A six-way power driver's seat is available as part of the Seat Comfort Package that also includes heated seats and lumbar support.

Interior upgrades for 2005 include a satin nickel filmaccent shift position indicator plate with new surface, a driver-side sun visor extender that slides rearward and new seat fabric on four-cylinder models.

Entertainment choices include an optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Back-seat passengers can view a movie on a fold-down, 7-inch (178-mm) LCD screen. The system includes remote control and dual wireless headphones, so rear passengers can listen to CDs or watch a movie while front-seat passengers can either listen to the DVD program or to the car's regular radio system.

Three optional audio systems include MP3 readability: CD with MP3, six-CD changer with MP3, and a CD/DVD with MP3.

Also available is XM Satellite Radio (continental Ú.S. only). XM Satellite Radio provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

An optional sunroof also adds to the enjoyment of driving the Vue.

Clean, contemporary exterior
Vue's styling is clean and contemporary, but with a sturdy and substantial sport utility presence. Saturn's unique polymer bodyside panels provide a rugged and dent-resistant body that can boost resale value by helping prevent parking-lot dings and rust.

Several uplevel touches are added to the 2005 Vue, including chrome headlamp bezels on all models. In addition, V-6 models (except the Red Line) now have chrome door handles and belt-line molding, as well as body-color outside rearview mirrors. A new five-spoke machined aluminum alloy wheel replaces the painted alloy wheel on four-cylinder models.

New exterior colors for 2005 are Dark Dragonfly Teal, replacing Eden Green; Arrival Blue, replacing Cobalt Blue; and Aero Blue for a specialty, interim limited run.

Úpgraded OnStar highlights safety

Like all Saturns, Vue has a reputation for safety and security. For 2005, the available OnStar safety and security system has been upgraded. OnStar-equipped Vues feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar's Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the Únited States and Canada. Úsing the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

Vue also offers many other safety features, starting with a structure that is designed to help absorb the energy of a crash while protecting the integrity of the passenger compartment. Standard, front dual-stage air bags for both driver and front passenger are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. The Vue also has pretensioners in the front safety belt system that engageat the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing.

Another notable safety advancement is an available head-curtain air-bag system, which helps to provide protection for both front- and rear-seat passengers in a side-impact collision.

Wide range of accessories
The clean, contemporary design of the Saturn Vue makes it a natural for the growing personalization trend, especially among customers with active lifestyles. Vue customers can outfit their vehicles with a choice of more than 50 retailer-installed accessories available through Saturn retailers.

Among the accessories designed for active lifestyles are: the Pet Net, to keep dogs or cargo securely in the rear cargo space; an interior bike rack, to keep bikes out of the elements while transporting them; a trailer hitch package; and roof rack accessories for carrying canoes, kayaks, surf and sail boards, bikes and skis.

Exterior accessories that help to customize the Vue include a rear spoiler, side step bars, wheel flares and front grille guard. Customers can also find a wide selection of interior accessories to personalize and/or protect the look, such as trim kits and seat covers.

Vue Red Line
The limited edition Vue Red Line began production as an interim 2004 model. This performance-tuned version is available in both front- and all-wheel drive.

The Vue Red Line's stiffened suspension is lowered more than one inch (26 mm) and the vehicle rides on aggressively styled 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires, a combination that contributes both to sportier handling and a 'slammed' appearance. The electric power steering is calibrated for a sporty feel. The Vue Red Line comes standard with the 3.5L V-6, 250-horsepower engine.

Vue Red Line's custom looks include unique rockers, rear fascia, front fascia with black air intakes, and a chrome exhaust tip. Door and liftgate handles, along with mirror housings, are painted body color to finish off the monochromatic theme.

Source - GM Corporation