NEW 3.5L V-6, INTERIOR REFINEMENTS AND RED LINE EDITION TAKE SATURN VUE TO HIGHER LEVEL

A solid sales success since its debut as a 2002 model, Saturn VUE broadens its appeal for 2004 with the addition of a new 250-horsepower 3.5L V-6 engine and the introduction of the VUE Red Line performance-tuned vehicle. The 2004 VUE lineup also features a host of upgrades to safety, exterior looks, interior appearance and comfort, and adds available amenities such as enhanced audio systems and a new DVD rear entertainment system.

'As the compact SUV segment continues to grow, the Saturn VUE is well positioned to attract new fans with its combination of performance, refinement, versatility, and customer-friendly innovations,' said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn's vice president for sales, service and marketing. 'The performance-tuned VUE Red Line incorporates upgrades that will be featured across the 2004 VUE lineup and was developed with the assistance of the General Motors Performance Division. This specialty vehicle breaks new ground in the small SUV market and is positioned at the intersection of three important industry trends: surging small SUV sales, strong truck personalization, and sport tuning.'

The right-sized VUE can carry five passengers, or can be configured to carry over 30 cubic feet of cargo with features such as a second-row seat and front passenger seat that fold flat. VUE exceeded its sales goals in 2002 by more than 50 percent, topping 75,000 units. The strong sales momentum continues in 2003 with a 70-plus percent year-over-year sales increase in the first quarter.

New powertrain

A wide range of powertrain choices has always been one of VUE's competitive advantages. For 2004, VUE offers a new advanced 3.5L V-6 engine that delivers 250 hp (186 kw) at 5800 rpm and 242 lb.-ft. (327 Nm) of torque at 4500 rpm. 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 will give the VUE an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 7 seconds. This 3.5L V-6 provides an impressive 69 more hp (51 kw) and 47 more lb.-ft. (64 Nm) of torque at peak than the 3.0L V-6 it replaces on the VUE.

The available 3.5L V-6 is mated to a new 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 new powertrain also increases towing ability up to 3,500 pounds, compared to 2,500 pounds on VUE's previous V-6 engine. In addition, VUE models equipped with the new V-6 powertrain can be flat-towed - pulled behind another vehicle without needing to use a special dolly - making it an ideal choice for RV owners.

VUE also offers the choice of the Ecotec 2.2L inline four-cylinder, 16-valve, 143-hp (107-kw) engine, which is available with a five-speed manual or with GM's advanced VTi variable transmission. The VTi allows the engine to operate more efficiently than a traditional step-ratio automatic transmission, achieving virtually the same fuel economy as a manual transmission, as well as excellent acceleration and hill-climbing performance.

The VUE is equipped with an advanced electric power steering system for precise steering at lower speeds and confident feel on the highway. For 2004, calibrations have been adjusted to improve on-center feel and responsiveness.

Four-wheel independent suspension is a key to VUE's controlled ride and responsive handling on a wide range of surfaces. The VUE is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which is available on models with the V-6 and five-speed automatic as well as on models equipped with the four-cylinder engine and VTi.

Advanced safety features

Safety enhancements on all 2004 VUE models include front seat-belt pretensioners and dual-stage air bags. Dual-stage air bags are designed to detect vehicle deceleration and, based on the deceleration data, provide an appropriate amount of air-bag inflation. The dual-level air-bag system senses the severity of a crash and determines whether to deploy the air bag with primary or 'lower' amount of inflation or with primary and secondary 'higher' amount of inflation. Dual-stage air bags are designed to help reduce the occurrence of inflation-induced injuries by deploying the air bag less forcefully in lower speed crashes.

These added features build on VUE's reputation for safety and security with its world-class structural design and other notable safety advancements, including an optional head-curtain air-bag system.

Exterior changes

Exterior changes for 2004 include dark-tinted rear door glass and new 17-inch aluminum wheels that are standard on all-wheel-drive V-6 models, optional on the front-wheel-drive V-6. Body-color door handles and a chrome accent on the front fascia are standard on all V-6 models. Chrome 'SATURN' lettering in the liftgate eyebrow will be standard on all V-6 models, except Red Line. Electric Lime replaces Orange as an exterior color choice.

VUE's style 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.

Interior enhancements

The Saturn VUE's interior balances style, space and versatility, in a spacious yet efficient package with room for five people plus 30 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior design also includes a number of innovative storage solutions. Versatility is enhanced with a 70/30 split folding rear seat and a front passenger seatback that also folds flat.

For 2004, the Saturn VUE adds a number of improvements and refinements to the interior. The extensive addition of sound-deadening materials makes the 2004 VUE's cabin noticeably quieter.

A new six-way power driver's seat is available as part of the Seat Comfort Package that also includes heated seats and lumbar support. Adding to the uplevel touches, inside door handles get a painted nickel-finish and instrument clusters will now be backlit, with white gauge faces and chrome rings. Automatic headlamp controls are standard on V-6 models, optional on I-4 models.

Expanded entertainment choices include an optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system, which will be available mid-model year. Back-seat passengers can view a movie on a fold-down, 7-inch 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 audio system.

Three new optional audio systems all include MP3 readability for the first time: CD with MP3, replacing the CD/cassette system; six-CD changer with MP3 replaces CD changer with cassette; and a new CD/DVD with MP3.

Also available is XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only). XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a single CD.

All 3.5L V-6 models, including Red Line, get further enhancements for 2004 including a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, leather shift knob with chrome ring, light argent-finish interior trim plates and new seat fabric.

Personalization

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 40 retailer-installed accessories available through Saturn retailers. An optional sunroof also adds to the enjoyment of driving the VUE.

VUE Red Line

The limited edition VUE Red Line goes into production around the first of the new year and will be the first in Saturn's new series of Red Line-badged performance-tuned vehicles. It will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive.

The VUE Red Line's stiffened suspension is lowered over an 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 new 250-hp 3.5L V-6 engine.

VUE Red Line's custom looks include new 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. The VUE Red Line will be available in Onyx Black, Silver Nickel or Electric Lime.

by Saturn

A compact crossover SUV, at one time the Vue was Saturn's best-selling model was GM's first ‘home-grown' entry into the car-based small-SUV market. Sold by General Motor's Saturn marque, the Vue would be the first vehicle to ride GM's Theta platform. The Vue was also one of the least expensive SUVs on the market at the time. Manufactured at the Spring Hill GM plant, the Vue was launched in 2002 and shared a unibody platform with the Pontiac Torrent, Chevrolet Equinox and the European Opel Antara.

The Vue was one of Saturn's more appealing vehicles and proved popular before the 2009 GM bankruptcy debacle. Saturn made regular improvements during the Vue's lifespan to keep it current and even expanded the lineup with the high-performance Red Line and hybrid Green Line variations. When compared to other small SUVs of the time the Vue was an attractive choice thanks to its economical price and Saturn's famous no-hassle buying practice. On the smaller side when compared to other crossover SUVs, the Vue only had 56 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity, which was nearly 20 cubic feet less than the competition. However passenger space was quite roomy and even included a reclining rear seat that offered room for stretching out.

Powering the first generation four-cylinder Vue was the Ecotec I4. At first the L81 V6 from the L-Series and five-speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission, but by 2004 the six-cylinders models received Honda's 250 hp J35A3 engine and a Honda transmission. This engine and transmission upped performance and became an important selling point. Until GM removed it in 2005 for dependability issues, the four-cylinder Vue was offered with the VTi continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In 2005 the Vue received new air vents, a new steering wheel and a brand new radio faceplate. 2006 brought with it updates for the Vue that included a newly redesigned interior with more lux appointments. Other improvements included a new bumper and grille and a few cosmetic updates to the exterior. Newly standard for 2006 was OnStar, cruise control and automatic headlights.

In 2007 the second generation Vue was launched as a rebadged Open Antara model. GM badged were added to the side of the SUV finally. In North America Vue production ended in 2009 as GM disbanded the Saturn brand.

The special high-performance Vue Red Line was introduced in 2004. This line included the same 250 hp Honda J35A3 V6 as the base model, but with sportier suspension tuning, lowered 1 inch, performance power steering calibration and 18- inch wheels. Other modifications included ground-effect front and rear bumpers, rocker panel trim, chrome exhaust tip, sporty black leather and suede seats, footwell lighting and a special gauge cluster with visual updates. Other interior modifications included a higher quality audio system.

In 2007 the Green Line model joined the Red Line as the environmentally friendly option. A mild hybrid or ‘assist hybrid', the Green Line uses a 'belt alternator starter' BAS Hybrid system. The hybrid featured a large electric motor connected to a crankshaft through a special accessory drive belt, with an updated automatic transmission fitted. The motor automatically stops the engine when the SUV comes to a halt and restarts instantly when the vehicle must once again move. This system differs from a 'start-stop' system, the electric motor helps during the initial launch, during torque smoothing and during heavy acceleration.

Storing regenerative braking energy and power for the motor/generator unit held in a 36-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack was housed under the load floor. An analog gauge on the dashboard lists the regenerative charging and electric motor assist functions for the driver and real-time fuel-economy feedback is accomplished through an 'eco' light that glows when the instantaneous fuel economy is beating the window sticker fuel economy values. The hybrid was 20% more fuel efficient than the base Vue and had a 27-mpg rating, and the highest highway fuel economy of any 2007 model SUV sold in the US market.

Replacing the base 144 hp 2.2-liter inline-four engine in the Green Line was a 170 hp 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC-phaser engine with an improved 1.0 second higher acceleration time. The Hybrid cost around $2,000 more than a similarly equipped Vue. The Hybrid was launched in production form at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2006. The Green Line went one sale later on during the year.

In 2007 Saturn debuted the second generation of the Vue for the 2008 model year. Many improvements upon the original formant were made and it shared many of its basic structure with the Antara. The second generation looked and drove like a European-designed car. Compared to its predecessor, the new Vue was similar in size, riding on a nearly identical wheelbase, and just a little bit wider and higher. The exterior of the new generation was constructed of steel body panels instead of the previous plastic ones. The new interior was much more luxurious with higher quality materials and improved ergonomics.

The SUV was manufactured in Mexico as a rebranded version of the German-designed Opel Antara. Four different trim levels were available; the XE, midgrade XR, the sporty 'Red Line' and hybrid 'Green Line'. Engine options ranged from a 2.4-liter inline-four producing 164 hp and 160 lb/ft of torque, to 3.5- and 3.6-liter V6s along with a hybrid powertrain version of the 2.4-liter model. On the XE an optional 3.5-liter V6 was available and had 215 horsepower and 220 lb/ft through a six-speed automatic. Standard on the XR for 2008 and optional for 2009 was a 3.6-liter V6 that pumped out 257 hp and 248 lb/ft of torque. The 3.6 Liter V6 was the only available option for the Red Line. Standard was a manuel-shift feature for the automatic transmission that was optional on the XR. On each trim one could specify front or all-wheel drive. Front doors now received GM badges. In Mexico and South America the Mexican-manufactured Vue was dubbed the Chevrolet Captiva Sport with a new grille insert and different badges.

Though the Vue was discontinued in 2009 for the 2010 model year GM still continued to manufacture the Chevy Captiva Sport. Late in 2011 for the 2013 model year the Captiva Sport was introduced for the US commercial and fleet markets.

For 2001 Saturn Vue numbers peaked at 393, before soaring to 75,478 in 2002. The following year sales rose to 81,924, 86,957 units sold in 2004, before reaching an all time high of 91,972 in 2005. In 2006 sales dipped slightly to 88,581 and 81,676 the following year. For 2008 sales rose to 84,767 before falling dramatically to 28,429 for the final sales year 2009.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Vue

http://www.carseek.com/reviews/saturn/vue/

http://www.edmunds.com/saturn/vue/

by Jessican Donaldson