A more refined Vue: Saturn fit and polish gets rid of the rough edges

A local dealer wasn't fond of the criticism, but even Saturn knew there were problems and started correcting some of them by 2004.

First up was more soundproofing and the optional 3.5 liter V-6 from Honda.


Four years later, the Vue has now what it needed then - refinement, refinement, refinement.

Those early years of cheap, rough interior plastic and the raspy 3.0 V-6 are mostly gone. Vue's still not perfect, but it's perfect enough for those who want to support a good American-made product. (For now, the Vue is still built in Spring Hill, Tenn.)

This is a platform also shared with the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, but the Vue seems most distinct. The styling is one of the most complete and contemporary of the lot, which includes Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V.

Vue is sold in four-cylinder or V-6 models, with a choice of all-wheel drive only on the V-6. Pricing starts at $17,990, which includes such extras as remote locking, air conditioning and power windows, locks and mirrors. A four-speed automatic transmission adds $1,355.

The V-6 starts at $21,990 and was $26,200 as tested. Options included a power sunroof, leather, power driver seat and head curtain side air bags. Floor mats added $80.

Vue comes with another desirable feature. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives it a top five-star rating for driver and passengers in front- and side-impact tests.

The 2006 Vue has gone through what is called a major midcycle redesign that updates just about everything seen or touched. That includes a new interior, new front and rear fascias with an integrated step pad, hood and grille.

This freshening is particularly timely for the launch of the Vue Green Line gasoline-electric hybrid.

The fully loaded Vue will have the necessary style and refinement to make a good impression on the many buyers who will seek this SUV for its improved fuel economy. The Vue Green Line goes on sale this summer.

As part of the Vue's value pricing, the Power Package was made standard, which adds cruise control; power windows, locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry; and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature readouts.

The four-cylinder model is a good starter vehicle and a worthy consideration for a college student. There's plenty of cargo capacity with the forward-folding front seat back and rear 70/30 split seat.

The engine has an oil-life monitor to remind drivers when it's time for a change. The first tuneup isn't for 100,000 miles.

It's also a favorite as a dinghy for RVers because it can be flat-towed without racking up mileage on the odometer.

I've only ever driven the V-6, so I can't say how rapidly the 143-horsepower four-cylinder can motivate its 3,207 pounds. Kelley Blue Book testers say it is surprisingly fast off the line, but that dissipates quickly as more passengers and cargo are added.

Fuel economy is 23/28 with the five-speed manual and 22/26 with the four-speed automatic. The four-cylinder is available only in front-wheel drive. The V-6 has the choice of front- or all-wheel drive and the five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic.

For those who have someplace to be and are in a hurry to get there, the V-6 is the better choice. It'll get up to highway speed - zero-to-60 mph - in about 7.5 seconds, which is plenty to keep you out of trouble.

Fuel economy isn't horrible at 20/28, on 87 octane, but the gas tank is just 16 gallons, so it might seem the needle moves quickly toward empty.

Small SUVs are ideal because of their tough-it-out personalities. This one still has an array of storage slots, boxes and consoles built in. A nifty foldaway bin in the cargo area is good for corraling grocery bags or muddy boots.

Somewhere in the evolution, the turning circle has grown more than a foot, to 39.4 feet. That's too much for the trail or the mall. And there is no lock on the glove box, no rear center armrest and no individual rear reading lights, but you don't pay for those, either.

But what will four more years bring?

SPECS BOX
2006 Saturn Vue V-6

Body style: Compact five-door, five-passenger sport utility, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; polymer front fenders, door panels, rear quarter panels and bumper fascias; galvanized steel hood, roof and liftgate

Engine: Aluminum SOHC 3.5 liter V-6 with four valves per cylinder and continuously variable valve timing

Horsepower: 250 at 5,800 rpm

Torque: 242 at 4,500 rpm

Transmission: five-speed automatic with grade logic control

Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph, 7.5 seconds, estimated

EPA fuel economy estimates: 20 mpg city, 28 highway; AWD, 19/25

Fuel Capacity: 16.3 gallons; 87 octane recommended

DIMENSIONS
Cargo space: 30.8 cubic feet

Length/Wheelbase: 181.3/106.6 inches

Front head/leg/shoulder room with sunroof: 39.3/41.3/54.7 inches

Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 40.3/40.1/54.7 inches

Curb weight: 3,478 pounds; AWD, 3,630

Tow capacity: 3,500, with trailer brakes

FEATURES
Standard equipment: Remote locking, air conditioning with pollen filter, power windows-locks-mirrors, CD audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and temperature display, cruise control, map lights, driver seat height adjuster, fold-flat front passenger seat back, 70/30 split folding rear seat, foldaway cargo organizer, center console with storage, three 12-volt power outlets, stainless steel exhaust

Safety equipment: Dual-stage front air bags with front passenger sensing system, anti-lock brakes with traction control

CHASSIS
Suspension: 4-wheel independent with coil springs and anti-roll bars

Steering: Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion; turning circle, 39.4 feet

Brakes: Power-assisted front discs, rear drums, with ABS

Tires and wheels: P215/70SR 16-inch Bridgestone Dueler all-season touring blackwall radial on alloy wheels

PRICING
Base Price: $21,990, including $600 freight charge; price as tested, $26,200

Options on test car: Power sunroof, $725; leather package, $695; six-CD changer with MP3, $650; Comfort package, $595, includes six-way power driver seat, heated front seats, driver lumbar support; head curtain side air bags, $395; XM satellite radio, $325; 17-inch alloy wheels, $300; Chrome package, $295, includes skid plates and fog lamps; roof rail chrome, $150; floor mats, $80

The Competition: Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V

Waranty: 4 years/50,000 miles basic with 24-hour roadside assistance, first free maintenance service and lodging for emergency breakdown 100 miles from home; 5-year/70,000 miles powertrain

Where assembled: Spring Hill, Tenn.

PLUSES: Good looking, good price and efficient use of space inside.

MINUSES: Still a little rough inside when compared with the import competitors, but much better than before; 39.4-foot turning circle.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

© Copley News Service