2005 Saturn VUE Review (continued)
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Summary

Saturn Vue benefits from recent improvements that improve its driving characteristics. The interior is clever and versatile and continues to improve with higher quality materials and sound-deadening measures. Performance with the upgrade 3.5-liter V6 puts Vue among the quickest in its class and makes for a refined powertrain. But the Vue can hardly get out of its own way with the base model's four-cylinder engine. Saturn stands out with its unique styling. Curtain airbags are available for head protection in an accident and we strongly recommend getting them. The best thing about the Vue is that it's backed by Saturn's highly regarded sales and service people. You should expect them to be friendly and easy to work with.

New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough filed this report from Detroit; nctd.com correspondent Tom Lankard contributed to this review.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Saturn Vue FWD 5-speed ($17,055); FWD automatic ($20,615); AWD automatic ($21,720); V6 FWD ($22,655); V6 AWD ($24,315)
Engines:	3.5-liter sohc 24-valve V6
Transmissions:	5-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual-stage front airbags, seat-belt pre-tensioners, child seat anchors
Saftey Equipment (optional):	ABS; head-curtain side-impact airbags; traction control for FWD models
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Springhill, Tennessee

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Saturn Vue V6 AWD ($24,315)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning with dust filter, ABS, reclining front bucket seats with folding armrests, cargo area power outlet, fold-flat front passenger seat, integrated roof rails, two-position reclining rear seats, 70/30 split folding rear seatbacks, liftgate loading lights, rear window wiper/washer, AM/FM/CD stereo, power outside mirrors, power windows, remote keyless entry, alarm system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with outside temperature and compass display, dual map lights, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Safe and Sound II package ($1,140) includes OnStar, side-curtain airbags, MP3 player, heated front seats, six-way power drivers seat
Destination Charge:	575
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	26030
Layout:	all-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	250 @ 5800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	242 @ 4500
Transmission:	5-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	19/25
Wheelbase:	106.6
Length/width/height:	181.3/71.5/66.5
Track, f/r:	61.0/61.0
Turning circle:	39.4
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	40.4/51.6/41.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	40.3/52.7/36.8
Cargo volume:	30.8
Payload:
Towing capacity:	3500
Suspension, f:	independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, r:	independent, one trailing arm and three lateral links per side, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground clearance:	8.0
Curb weight:	3630
Tires:	P235/60SR17
Brakes, f/r:	disc/drum with ABS
Fuel capacity:	16.3