2005 Saturn VUE Review (continued)
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Walkaround

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 fog lamps, while Vues with the V6 and AWD ride on larger (17-inch) aluminum wheels. Chrome accents at the front end, once exclusive to the V6, now brighten all Vues, while non-Red Line V6 models have acquired new chrome door handles and belt line molding.

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 with 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.

Interior Features

The interior of the Saturn Vue has improved greatly over the past two years, with generally better-quality materials than were used in 2003 and before. The new color scheme that debuted for 2004 gives the interior a nicer ambience. Chrome accents brighten the instrument panel and new white-faced gauges that are backlit at night give it a sporty look. The steering wheel was redesigned for '04 as well. The improvements continue for 2005, with a new seat fabric for four-cylinder models, a new satin-nickel panel around the shifter, and a sun visor extender for the driver.

The seats use a nice combination of vinyl and fabric, and your passengers will assume the vinyl is leather. A Comfort Package combines heated front seats with six-way power and lumbar support for the driver.

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 '05 Saturn Vue has a nice interior.

The stereo is nicely designed and attractive. Audio options include AM/FM/CD with MP3, six-CD changer with MP3. XM Satellite Radio is 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 24-hour news and sports broadcasts, or for staying tuned into your favorite types of music (classical, jazz, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s). You still get ads, but fewer and less obnoxious than what you hear on AM and 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 allows back-seat passengers to 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 70/30 split folding rear bench seat provides versatile stowage of longer items while carrying rear passengers. Even the front passenger seat folds flat, providing room for an eight-foot ladder 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.

Saturn offers accessories to customize Vue's storage space. A Pet Net ($202) keeps dogs (or whatever else) securely in the cargo bay. You can also buy an interior bike rack ($157), and/or specific roof rack accessories for carrying canoes ($60), kayaks ($120), surf boards ($75), sail boards ($75), bicycles ($90-$95), and skis ($100).

GM's OnStar security and information service has been upgraded for 2005 with new Gen6 hardware, promising easier and more intuitive hands-free operation. OnStar works well as a navigation system because there's nothing to program. Press the button and a human operator responds, to provide directions and other assistance. The operators vary in proficiency, but most are friendly and knowledgeable, and it's sometimes fun to engage them in conversation on long trips. OnStar 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 OnStar 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. OnStar 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.