![]() Saturn VUE Utility 4. D Red Line AWD (V6) Expert Review & Saturn VUE 2. Utility 4. D Red Line AWD (V6) Test Drive Results. The Saturn Vue has been greatly improved for the 2. More power, more refinement, and a dozen other improvements make this a far more compelling product. And there's a new performance- oriented Red Line model. Headlining the changes is a new 3. ![]() V6 built by Honda. It's very smooth, an enormous improvement over the rough- sounding V6 used in last year's model. Saturn claims this year's 2. V6 is the most powerful engine in the compact SUV segment. The V6 comes with a very smooth five- speed automatic that adds up to a responsive new drivetrain. Base models with the 2. ![]() The Vue's electronic power steering has been re- calibrated for 2. Gone are the annoying torque steer, vague on- center feel, and darty handling that plagued the 2. ![]() The 2. 00. 4 Vue's interior looks richer and better finished than last year, with improved materials, textures, and colors. As if to show off the improved steering, a nice new steering wheel replaces last year's cheap- feeling wheel. New gauges and a cargo organizer have been added, while new dual- stage airbags enhance passenger safety. While Saturn is best known for friendly sales and service, it's also known for engineering innovation. The Vue is fitted with Saturn's traditional polymer body panels, which resist dents and eliminate corrosion.
The Vue is available with all- wheel drive for lousy weather capability, and four- cylinder models are available with a continuously variable transmission. The Vue's long wheelbase makes for a roomy interior, including a reclining second row and a useful third row. ![]() Edmunds has detailed price information for the 2004 Saturn ION. See our 2004 ION page for detailed gas mileage information, insurance estimates, local ION inventory and more. The Saturn Vue (2004). INTERIOR REFINEMENTS AND RED LINE EDITION TAKE SATURN VUE TO HIGHER LEVEL. For 2004, the Saturn VÚE adds a number of improvements and refinements to the interior. These features, combined with a competitive price, unique looks, and friendly dealerships, make the 2. Saturn Vue a much more appealing product. The 2. 00. 4 Saturn Vue is available with a choice of four- cylinder or V6 engines and with front- wheel drive (FWD) or all- wheel drive (AWD). The base Vue ($1. Windows, locks, and mirrors are manually operated. But the basic Vue does come with air conditioning, an adjustable steering column, a four- speaker AM/FM stereo, an engine- immobilizing anti- theft system, visor vanity mirrors and a cargo area organizer. The four- cylinder is also available as a FWD automatic ($1. AWD automatic ($2. Anti- lock brakes and traction control ($6. FWD model; anti- lock brakes ($6. AWD models (AWD doesn't need traction control). A Convenience Package ($1,3. V6, including cruise control and power windows, locks, and mirrors. V6 models ($2. 1,9. V6 models come with more standard equipment, including anti- lock brakes (ABS), 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 new leather- wrapped three- spoke steering wheel, leather shift knob, bright interior trim plates, and new seat fabric improve the V6 models for 2. All- wheel drive ($2. Curtain airbags ($3. Other options include a power sunroof ($7. On. Star telecommunications system ($6. XM Satellite Radio ($3. DVD system ($9. 95). The Red Line is a limited- edition Vue available with FWD ($2. AWD ($2. 5,6. 05). The Red Line's stiffened suspension is lowered an inch and rides on aggressive 1. P2. 45/5. 0R1. 8 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires. The V6 is standard and the Red Line's electric power steering is calibrated for a sporty feel. Unique front and rear fascias, with black air intakes and a chrome exhaust tip distinguish the Red Line Vue from other models. The Saturn Vue is distinctive and visually striking, but it is not necessarily a head- turner. Its exterior design is more sensible than sensational, with looks that are modern and practical, and strong lines that avoid the bubble effect that curvy, cutesy imported mini- utilities share. In terms of size (and price), the Vue sits between the Honda CR- V and Pilot. It's larger than a Toyota RAV4, smaller than a Highlander. The front end is thick and snubbed, with headlamps that ride high atop an exaggerated grille. From the side, the Vue is boxy and nondescript, except for its high beltline. Its large, back- end liftgate with floodlights provides easy and efficient access to the rear cargo area. V6 models feature chrome accents at the front end, and fog lamps; and Vues with the V6 and AWD have dark- tinted rear door glass and new 1. Polymer body panels provide a rugged, dent- resistant exterior without the clutter of lower- body cladding. Gaps between body panels are more pronounced on Saturn vehicles because these polymer panels expand and contract according to temperature. Car- height bumpers offer enhanced protection from parking lot damage and help create a smoother appearance. The spare tire is mounted inside the vehicle, which reduces potential damage from low- speed rear impacts. The interior of the Saturn Vue is greatly improved for 2. For the most part, the interior materials are better quality than what was on the 2. A new color scheme gives the interior a classier ambience. Chrome accents brighten the instrument panel and new white- faced gauges that are backlit at night give it a sporty look. A nice new steering wheel is a big improvement over last year's. New heated front seats ($5. The seats use a nice combination of vinyl and fabric, and your passengers will assume the vinyl is leather. Getting inside Vue is easy, thanks to wide door openings and a low step- in height. Despite the Vue's high beltline, visibility is good, providing a panoramic view. Big mirrors afford good visibility rearward. The switchgear is well designed and easy to operate. Heating and air conditioning controls are straightforward and easy to operate, but look like they came from a compact car. The window switches are located on the center console, making them harder to find quickly than if they were on the door. The Vue's interior is still not perfect. The flimsy lid for the center console is still here and we felt a rough edge on the inside door handles. But overall, the 2. Saturn Vue has a nice interior. The stereo is nicely designed and attractive. New audio options for 2. AM/FM/CD with MP3 ($1. CD changer with MP3 ($6. CD/DVD with MP3. (Prices are higher on four- cylinder models.) Also available is XM Satellite Radio ($3. It's a great option to have when traveling because the stations don't change as you drive across the country. Around town, XM Satellite Radio is nice to have for listening to the 2. You still get ads, but fewer and less obnoxious than what you hear on FM. The rear seats recline slightly (7 degrees) for comfort by pulling on a latch behind the seat. There's lots of rear- seat headroom, though the seating position is low enough to make our knees ride a little high. A rear- seat DVD entertainment system ($9. 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. The Vue is a good vehicle for carrying cargo. The standard 7. 0/3. Even the front passenger seat folds flat, providing room for an eight- foot ladder or fly rod or lumber. The nearly flat load floor in the rear is a result of the compact all- wheel- drive system. Of particular note are the configurable cargo spaces: A cargo organizer folds out of the floor to corral smaller objects; it's important to fully snap it closed when put away, however, or it will make a small rattle that disturbs the Vue's otherwise quiet ride. There are hooks for grocery bags and two compartments sized specifically for gallon jugs, a welcome convenience on late- night food runs. Tie- downs provide for the safe transport of a wide variety of goods. Three power outlets provide opportunities to plug in toys or tools. The rear hatch is easy to open and close. In the safety department, the Vue gets high marks. Laudable are its space- age frame and optional head- curtain airbags ($3. New for 2. 00. 4 are front seat- belt pre- tensioners, and dual- stage air bags that inflate less forcefully in a less- severe crash, reducing the chance that the airbag itself will cause an injury. The Vue also comes with a rear- center shoulder belt, not found on many compact SUVs; and with child- seat tether anchors for all three seating positions. GM's On. Star security and information service ($6. Press the button and a human operator responds, to provide directions and other assistance. The operators vary a bit in the proficiency, of course, but most of them are friendly and knowledgeable, and it's sometimes fun to engage them in conversation on long trips. On. Star always knows the location of your vehicle, they can direct you to the nearest gas station or help find a good restaurant or motel. The On. Star staff will notify authorities of your location if your airbag goes off and you do not respond to their calls, or you can press the emergency button and they'll send out the troops. On. Star can unlock your doors if you lock the keys inside and, if your vehicle is stolen, they can pinpoint its location and direct the authorities to apprehend the bad guys and recover your vehicle. While last year's model offered average levels of noise, vibration and harshness, the 2. Saturn Vue is smooth and quiet. Saturn has added sound- deadening material, making the cabin in the 2. Vue much quieter. Saturn has recalibrated the steering system for 2. Gone completely is the torque steer that plagued last year's V6 models. Handling is good over a variety of driving terrain. The speed- sensitive power steering offers precise, easy steering in parking lots, yet adjusts for good road feel and stability on the highway. The steering can be reprogrammed to your preferences, and it automatically boosts power assistance during emergency avoidance maneuvers. Ride quality is generally good, though not great. Saturn's Red Line makes it easier to enjoy the Vue. Saturn's Red Line makes it easier to enjoy the Vue. The finest thing about the 2. Saturn Vue Red Line sport- utility vehicle has nothing to do with Saturn or its parent, General Motors, or even the Red Line modifications that emphasize the "S" in SUV. The best thing about the Saturn Vue is the Honda powertrain: 3. V- 6 linked to a five- speed automatic transmission. It's standard on the Red Line, optional on the civilian- grade Vue. Not that Vue generally, or the Red Line specifically, are bad. Just that nothing about them approaches the high- class excellence of the sweet- running, smooth- shifting go- unit under the hood. First, you get 6. GM V- 6 that the Honda engine replaces. Second, it's smoother, quieter and incalculably more fun than the GM engine. Honda- powered Vue scoots, even with a full load. Third, a relatively modest $2. Honda's long experience and valuable expertise under your hood — if you'll settle for a non- Red- Line Vue with front- wheel drive instead of four- wheel drive. In fact, if Saturn could bring the Vue up to the standard set by the Honda components, there'd be some SUV makers out there whimpering toward cover, unable to come close in power, space, durability (Saturn's plastic exterior body panels don't rust or ding) and friendly dealerships. The sporty Red Line, an '0. Vue line, is the first of what Saturn envisions as a series of Red Line packages for all its models. Next up: Ion Red Line sedan. The idea is to enhance both the performance of the vehicles and the image of the brand. Jim Trucksis' GM Specialty Vehicle Performance Division turns the '0. Vue into a Red Line by leaving the strong engine untouched and concentrating on the handling. Red Line, a $1,9. Vue, has wider, stiffer tires and firmer suspension to hold tenaciously when the corner ahead looks more like something on a sports car course than an SUV test road. Pitching and tossing and diagonal rocking — referred to as "head toss" in the industry — is the price of improved handling. It feels much too harsh at first, but by Day 3 or so, it seems pretty benign and a fair price for the crispness it imparts. Trucksis says the team is working on ways to eliminate the head toss but won't say how soon that'll happen. Red Line Vue in general makes a bad first impression, followed by creeping appreciation of the good points. The test Vue, a loaded Red Line absurdly high- priced at $2. Saturn? — seemed all plastic, all brittle, all the time. It's as if somebody at Saturn had an epiphany instead of a chuckle at the scene in the Dustin Hoffman movie The Graduate when the pushy neighbor let the grad in on the future: "Plastics." One for- instance should suffice. The plastic housing of the cup holder that pulls from the back of the floor console bends as you tug it open. In fact, the whole console wiggles and threatens to detach in response to your attempt to grab a place for your beverage. Vue goes further than a mere plastic persona to remind you it isn't up to snuff. The automatic transmission lever kuh- LACKS out of park into other gears. The power door locks ka- THANK into place. The ignition lock mechanism ka- SCHWINKS home when the key's removed. Those aren't good, industrial, metallic noises. They are the loud sounds of cheapness that will make you wince every day. Operating the turn signal lever feels like breaking a chicken's leg, as a gent at Chrysler once said in great candor about that company's minivan controls. Climate- control knobs turn with a rubbery feel. The four- wheel- drive system, which Saturn insists on calling all- wheel drive though it doesn't drive all the wheels all the time as the name implies, kicks in the rear wheels only when the fronts slip. Sometimes that's an instant too late, based on experience in similar systems in other vehicles. During the test, there was no terrain or weather suitable to challenge Vue's system. Get past the weaknesses, though, and you're soon caught up in what Vue and its Red Line version do right. Doors, for instance, close with firm authority lacking in other Saturns. All '0. 4 Vues, not just Red Line models, get new gauges, and they are a lovely blend of faux chrome trim and semi- sepia faces. Leather upholstery is handsome and comfortable. Often- overlooked details please, as well, such as silver matte finish on door handles. The test vehicle was equipped with XM radio and a stereo that maximized that satellite broadcast signal's clear, crisp nature. It was the first test vehicle that made XM's $1. Rear seats fold down easily and lock down. That's rare. Most just lie there awaiting a jolt to fly up and disturb your cargo. The rear seat offers three sets, not just two, of child- seat hooks referred to as Isofix or Latch connections. That's a big deal. It means you can securely and conveniently seat the baby in the middle, which is safest. Not only that, but Vue leaves you enough room when a baby seat's in the middle to fold down one side of the back seat to stretch the cargo area while trucking the tribe. In most vehicles, putting the baby seat in the middle blocks the fold- down function. By simply sensible design, Saturn shows its family- friendly nature. Vue Red Line is fun to drive, enormously practical and pretty good- looking. All you have to do is learn to tune out the remarkably low- rent elements of its personality. Vue Red Line•What is it? Sporty- handling special edition of Saturn's compact, four- door sport- utility vehicle, available with front- or four- wheel drive, which Saturn calls all- wheel drive (AWD). Red Line is a $1,9. Built at Spring Hill, Tenn.•How soon? Red Line has been on sale since December.•How much? Vue Red Line front- wheel drive starts at $2. Expect to pay full sticker price, according to Cars. Direct. com and Edmunds. Saturn — which swears it doesn't give rebates — camouflages as "down- payment assistance." AWD starts at $2. Expect to pay $2. How many? 3,0. 00 this year, then 7,0. What's the powertrain? Red Line models all have Honda- made, 3. V- 6 engines rated 2. Honda five- speed automatic transmissions. That engine is available in non- Red Line models. Base Vue engine, not available on Red Line, is 2. What's the safety gear? Normal belts and bags plus anti- lock brakes. Side- curtain head bags are $3. What's the rest? Vue Red Line comes with air conditioning; AM/FM/CD stereo; power steering, brakes, windows, mirrors, locks; cruise control; automatic on/off headlights; remote- control locks; height- adjustable driver's seat; rear window washer, wiper, defroster; fold- flat front passenger seat back; reclining and split- folding rear seat; fog lights; P2. How big? Seven inches longer than Jeep Liberty outside, similar inside. Vue is 1. 81. 3 inches long, 7. Cargo space is listed as 3. Weight is listed as 3,6. How thirsty? Rated 1. Overall: Exceptionally practical, even for an SUV, and entertaining to drive, but undermined by low- class feel of the interior and high prices for well- equipped versions.
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