Saturn VUE Hybrid
2007 Saturn VUE Hybrid Cars Review
The Saturn VUE Green Line, as it’s called, was designed to be simple to use, simple to understand, and very affordable. The original VUE debuted for the 2002 model year. The Saturn VUE Green Line brings hybrids into a lower price range. Overall, the VUE Green Line is excellent value though the cost cutting shows in its interior quality and lack of safety features.The VUE deserves a good look.
The VUE Green Line is just entering the market and is the first vehicle available to the public to use its unique hybrid technology. The Green Line VUE shares most of its features with the 2006 gasoline-only model, with a few minor caveats.
New for 2007 is the Saturn Vue Green Line, featuring a hybrid powertrain that includes a 170-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a battery-powered electric motor. In the middle you'll find the front-wheel-drive Vue models powered by either a 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine or the 248-hp V6. Model Lineup
The entry-level Saturn Vue ($17,995) is powered by a 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a five-speed manual transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard for both models. An all-wheel-drive model ($24,230) is also available. The Vue hybrid ($22,995) is hybrid-powered, with a 170-hp 2.4-liter engine and a battery-operated electric motor plus a four-speed automatic transmission.
A package includes a six-way power-adjustable driver seat as well as seat heating for both front seats ($595). The Saturn Vue Red Line option package ($2,495) delivers aggressive performance on the street, and it can be matched with either the 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine or the 248-hp 3.5-liter V6. The Red Line also features a unique exterior appearance package and unique interior trim.
Safety features include front-seat airbags with seat-belt pre-tensioners, while optional curtain-type airbags ($363) protect both front- and rear-seat passengers from head injuries. The Vue V-6, Vue Green Line and Vue Red Line include standard front-wheel disc brakes with rear drum brakes plus an anti-lock feature and traction control, but the electronics are an extra-cost option ($600) for the Vue four-cylinder models.
New for 2007 is the Saturn Vue Green Line, featuring a hybrid powertrain that includes a 170-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a battery-powered electric motor. At the other end of the spectrum, the Saturn Vue Red Line emphasizes pure driving performance on the street. In the middle you'll find the front-wheel-drive Vue models powered by either a 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine or the 248-hp V6. A comprehensive makeover of the Saturn Vue for the 2006 model year delivered a more upscale appearance, notably in the interior. The entry-level Saturn Vue ($17,995) is powered by a 143-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a five-speed manual transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard for both models. An all-wheel-drive model ($24,230) is also available. The Vue Green Line ($22,995) is hybrid-powered, with a 170-hp 2.4-liter engine and a battery-operated electric motor plus a four-speed automatic transmission.
Options include leather upholstery ($755), XM satellite radio ($199), and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1140). A package includes a six-way power-adjustable driver seat as well as seat heating for both front seats ($595). The Vue's electric power-assisted steering is tuned for a a heavier, sporting feel. The Vue V-6, Vue Green Line and Vue Red Line include standard front-wheel disc brakes with rear drum brakes plus an anti-lock feature and traction control, but the electronics are an extra-cost option ($600) for the Vue four-cylinder models. The Saturn Vue is a five-passenger vehicle with a rear seat that folds flat to increase cargo space plus a one-piece rear liftgate. The Saturn Vue Hybrid compromises its cargo volume slightly in the process, however, as it has 30.8 cubic feet of cargo volume with the second seat in place, and 63.8 cubic feet of cargo volume when the second seat is folded flat. The Vue weighs as much as a mid-size car, ranging between the 3292 pounds of the Vue four-cylinder with manual transmission to the 3668 pounds of the Vue V-6. Like the CR-V, the four-cylinder Vue can tow 1500 pounds, and like an Escape V-6, the Vue V-6 can tow 3500 pounds.
The Vue looks practical, not cute.
Interior
The Vue's wide door openings and low step-in height simplify access. The standard seats nicely combine fabric and vinyl. The optional Comfort package includes heated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Saturn Vue has less rear-seat legroom than the Honda CR-V, but more than the Ford Escape.
The Saturn Vue Hybrid is configured largely to enhance passenger space, as its 113 cubic feet of passenger volume indicates, yet there's still some 30.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second seat. Saturn's accessory catalog features some interesting items for the Vue.
Driving Impression
The Honda-built 3.0-liter V6 really wakes the Vue up. The front-wheel-drive Vue V-6 delivers 20/28 mpg City/Highway; the all-wheel-drive Vue V-6 is rated at 19/25 mpg.
