Saturn added more sound-deadening material starting with the 2004 models, so noise, vibration and harshness have been reduced. Ride quality is generally good, though still not great. Sharp bumps, such as pavement transitions and expansion joints, are transmitted into the cabin and there's a general lack of smoothness around town.Handling has been improved more decisively. Saturn recalibrated the steering for 2004, addressing a big complaint we had with the 2003 model. Gone is the torque steer we objected to on earlier V6-powered 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 electronic steering automatically boosts power assistance during emergency avoidance maneuvers.
When equipped with the V6, the Vue offers strong, smooth power with quick and smooth shifting. The 3.5-liter Honda engine produces 250 horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. Saturn says the Vue can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds, which is pretty quick. Yet EPA fuel economy ratings are 19/25 mpg for the AWD V6. Variable-valve timing enhances high-end power, low-end torque and fuel efficiency.
The V6 is mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control engineered by Honda. This automatic transmission offers reduced hunting between gears on hilly roads. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, enough to pull a snowmobile, personal watercraft, or a small boat. And the Vue V6 can be flat towed, making it a more attractive choice for RV owners.
The 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that comes in the base Vue is rated at 143 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque. While the V6 Vue is quick, the four-cylinder model is not. The base Vue with five-speed Getrag manual covers Saturn's 0-60 test in 11.0 seconds, a lethargic pace by anyone's standards. The four-cylinder delivers better fuel economy, however, with an EPA rating of 23/28 mpg City/Highway.
The four-cylinder is also available with an automatic. Gone for 2005 is Saturn's VTi continuously variable transmission which, until last year, was offered as an option on four-cylinder Vues. In its place Saturn now offers a more conventional electronically controlled four-speed automatic, namely, the proven Hydra-Matic 4T45-E from General Motors. We haven't yet tested this combination, but we don't expect it to run any quicker than the four-cylinder Vue with a five-speed manual. EPA fuel economy estimates with the Hydra-Matic are 22/26 City/Highway.
Vue's available all-wheel-drive system improves traction and stability in slippery conditions. It's particularly valuable on snow and ice. It works automatically with no input from the driver, and is designed to withstand extremely cold weather. The Vue is not designed for off-road driving, however.
Vue gets rear drum brakes instead of the preferable disc brakes. An anti-lock brake system is standard with the V6, and optional ($600) on four-cylinder models. We recommend ABS because it helps the driver to maintain control of the steering in a panic stop.
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