EDMUNDS.COM 2004 SATURN VUE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A well-thought-out and capable mini sport-ute, the Vue''s unimpressive interior and sloppy steering keep it from challenging the class leaders in this segment.
Pros
Strong V6, large doors ease entry/exit, spacious cabin, comfortable ride, excellent crash test scores, good fuel economy.
Cons
Bland interior, low-grade plastics, inconsistent build quality, noisy four-cylinder, vague steering.
What''s New for 2004
A new 3.5-liter V6 replaces the previous 3.0-liter unit. Larger 17-inch wheels and tires are now standard on the V6 AWD model and optional on the front-wheel-drive version. Antilock brakes are standard on all V6 models. The interior has been upgraded to reduce noise and now incorporates metallic and leather trim. The front seats now have seatbelt pre-tensioners and dual-stage front airbags. New entertainment choices include MP3-compatible CD players, satellite radio and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (late availability).
Overview
Introduction:
When the Vue debuted in 2002 as the third member of Saturn''s growing lineup, it entered one of the fastest growing segments in the industry. Nearly every manufacturer in the U.S. now fields a compact SUV, so just showing up wasn''t going to guarantee any measure of success. With such fierce competition, the Vue sought to differentiate itself by offering unique drivetrain options, a spacious cabin and a low price to attract first-time buyers and anybody else looking for a great value. A continuously variable transmission is just one of the Vue''s unique features. Through the use of infinitely variable drive pulleys, this transmission can deliver the mileage of a manual even though it drives just like an automatic. The Vue was also the first mini sport-utility to offer a five-speed automatic. Couple this with a choice of two different engines and either front- or all-wheel drive and the Vue offers a little bit of something for everybody. The big news this year is the replacement of the torquey but unrefined 3.0-liter V6 with a 3.5-liter V6 built by Honda. With 250 horsepower at the ready, the Vue is easily the fastest of the mini-utes for 2004. Meanwhile, the engine''s quiet operation treats Saturn buyers to a previously unheard of level of refinement. Inside, the 2004 Vue offers an updated cabin that looks similar to the previous version''s but offers more interesting chrome, leather and painted surfaces. Whereas 2002 and 2003 Vues were known for their extremely bland interiors, this year''s version is more in keeping with the competition. Thoughtful features like a low step-in height, pop-up grocery bag holder in the cargo area and a roomy backseat give the Vue an easy-to-like nature that buyers in this segment are apt to find comforting. With so many mini SUVs to choose from, finding just the right one can be a daunting task. With the Vue, Saturn offers up an affordable alternative that gives buyers all the utility without the truckish ride quality or cramped rear seats. Add to that a no-hassle buying experience, plenty of features and top-notch crash test scores, and it''s easy to see why the Vue is a strong seller for Saturn. The availability of a powerful and fuel-efficient Honda-built V6 this year will give traditional import buyers new reasons to consider this affordable SUV. However, since most of the Vue''s car-based competitors continue to offer superior driving dynamics and better constructed cabins with higher-quality materials, informed car buyers would be wise to shop around before putting their money on the Saturn.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Vue is available in four-cylinder and V6 models with either front- or all-wheel drive; interior trim is largely dictated by the engine. Base four-cylinder models come with 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, cloth interior and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo. Moving up to the six-cylinder models adds features like alloy wheels (16-inch on front-drive models, 17-inch on AWD models); power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; keyless entry; and an upgraded six-speaker, MP3-compatible CD stereo. Optional equipment on all models includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, a DVD entertainment system, leather upholstery, a sunroof and the OnStar communications system. Order the Seat Comfort Package to pick up a power driver seat, heated front seats and adjustable lumbar support.
Powertrains and Performance:
The base model Vue is powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder rated at 143 horsepower. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual (front-wheel drive only) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The first ever in an SUV, the Vue''s CVT provides the shiftless ease of an automatic with the higher mileage of a manual, along with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. For additional power and capability, there''s a new 3.5-liter V6 rated for 250 hp and 242 pound-feet of torque. Available in front-drive and AWD configurations, the V6 Vue is the most powerful SUV in its class. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6. Fuel mileage is above average -- you can expect 19-23 mpg in the city and 25-28 mpg on the highway.
Safety:
Head curtain airbags that protect both front and rear passengers are optional on all Vues. ABS is standard on V6 models and optional on four-cylinder models. In government testing, the Vue earned a perfect five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for front-passenger protection. Side-impact tests resulted in a five-star rating for front and rear passengers. The IIHS gave the Vue a rating of "Good" (its best) in frontal offset crash testing. In IIHS side-impact tests of small SUVs, the Vue earned a "Poor" rating (the lowest), but the vehicle tested did not have head curtain airbags.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
A slight revamp this year gives the Vue a more attractive look inside, but in general, materials quality is still below that of most competitors. However, passenger room is excellent, and a low step-in height makes getting in and out easy. A foldable front-passenger seat allows the transport of extra-long cargo, while folding down the rear seats provides 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Knowing full well that the Vue would remain almost exclusively on the pavement, Saturn engineers gave the Vue a fully independent suspension that delivers a comfortable, forgiving ride. The wide stance keeps body roll down, but the electric power steering system doesn''t deliver much road feel. The four-cylinder engine is sufficiently powerful but noisy, while the V6 offers a substantial power boost that makes the Vue extremely quick on its feet for a small SUV.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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