2006 Saturn Vue Review
The Saturn Vue stands out among the compact SUVs with its unique styling and innovative plastic body panels, which resist dents and eliminate corrosion. Inside, it's roomy and practical.
Similar in size to the Honda CR-V, the Vue seats five. Back-seat riders are made more comfortable with seatbacks that recline slightly for comfort. The seats, including the front passenger seat, fold flat, providing enough space to haul an eight-foot ladder. In back, a cargo organizer keeps things from rolling around.
The Vue is one of the quickest SUVs in its class when ordered with the 3.5-liter V6. Built by Honda, the V6 generates 250 horsepower and the Vue enjoyable to drive. Acceleration performance is decidedly tepid with the standard four-cylinder engine, however. The Vue comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for improved traction and stability in winter weather.
The interior trim has been improved for 2006, and the front and rear styling has been revised for a more pleasing appearance.
The Saturn Vue ($17,390) comes standard with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The four-cylinder is available with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission ($18,745). For 2006, power windows, locks, and mirrors, air conditioning and cruise control are standard. Also standard: an adjustable steering column, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo, rear privacy glass, an engine-immobilizing anti-theft system, visor vanity mirrors and a cargo area organizer.
The Vue V6 ($21,390) packs more standard equipment, including cruise control, power locks with remote keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, automatic headlamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, aluminum wheels, and an enhanced security system. A leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, leather shift knob, bright interior trim plates, and upgraded seat fabric brighten the interior. The V6 comes with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The V6 is also available with all-wheel drive ($23,050).
Options include leather upholstery ($695), XM Satellite Radio ($325), and a rear-seat DVD system ($1,140). A Comfort Package ($595) includes a six-way power driver's seat and heated front seats. A moonroof is available for four-cylinder models ($725). A Sun and Sound Package ($995) is available for V6 models that combines CD, MP3, and a power moonroof.
The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV about the size of a Honda CR-V. It's smaller than midsize utilities like the Ford Explorer but slightly larger than the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Liberty. As with most compact SUVs, the Vue is based on a car platform.
The styling has been revised for 2006 with new front and rear fascias with an integrated step pad, along with a new hood, grille and new headlamps.
The Vue is distinctive, but its styling is more sensible than sensational. Most unusual is the front end, thick and snubbed, with headlamps that ride high on either side of a button-nose grille. From the side, the Vue is boxy and nondescript. It features a high beltline, meaning the doors come up relatively high, giving passengers a more secure feeling. From the rear, the large liftgate complements a low-liftover bumper with integrated step pad to provide easy and efficient access to the spacious rear cargo area. Overall, it looks modern and practical, with strong lines that avoid the bubble effect that curvy, cutesy imported mini-utilities share.
The interior of the Saturn Vue has improved steadily since launch, and most dramatically for 2006. The quality of the interior materials is better than ever and there's a new dashboard design.
New color schemes for 2006 include an uplevel design with nice wood-grain trim for an unexpectedly classy ambience. Chrome accents brighten the instrument panel and new white-faced gauges that are backlit at night give it a sporty look. The three-spoked steering wheel has elegant metallic cuffs around the cruise control and redundant audio buttons. Satin-nickel trim surrounds the shifter.
Getting inside the Vue is easy thanks to wide door openings and a low step-in height. Despite the high beltline, visibility is good, providing a panoramic view. Big mirrors afford good visibility rearward. The driver's visor has an extension to help block the sun. Handy pockets on either side of the center console are good for maps and other items.
The seats use a nice combination of vinyl and fabric. A Comfort Package combines heated front seats with six-way power and lumbar support for the driver. Leather trim for the seats and steering wheel is another worthwhile upgrade. Red Line models come with black leather upholstery with suede inserts, the power seat from the Comfort Package, metal pedals, embroidered floor mats and available ambient footwell lighting in amber or blue.
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