Car Review of the 2003 Saturn View Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $16,325 - $22,910
Base Invoice Range: $15,226 - $21,350
MSRP As Tested: About $24,000
Versions: Saturn VUE FWD and AWD
Vehicle Category: Compact Sport Utility Vehicle
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive and optional All Wheel Drive
Optional Engine As Tested: 3.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, V-6 cylinder, 181-horsepower at 6,000rpm and 195 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.
Standard Engine: 2.2-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4 cylinder, 143-horsepower at 5,400rpm and 152 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission As Tested: 4-cylinder 5-speed manual, optional VTI (automatic variable), 6-cylinder 5-speed automatic. Automatic with Grade Logic Control system.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 4-cylinder manual FWD: 23/28, VTi FWD: 21/28, VTi AWD: 21 / 26, 6-cylinder 19/25
Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, power-assisted disc brakes.
Competition: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V,Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, Kia Sedona, Subaru Forester
It seems like every carmaker is rushing into the compact sport utility market and Saturn is a big part of that with its Vue.
Did you know that carmakers projecting that they will sell almost 1 million SUVs by 2005?
The Vue is worth a serious look because there are creature comforts and features on it that you won't find in other offerings in the compact SUV market.
Power and performance is more than impressive in this 3.0-liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine. This is not the standard engine, but I feel strongly that it's a better option. It gives you all the pep and acceleration you'll need for any kind of driving that you'll do.
The 5-speed automatic transmission, also optional, is not located on the floor or on the inside of the steering wheel. It's strategically placed in the middle of the instrument panel. Seems a little strange at first, but you'll get used to it.
Standard is a 4-cylinder engine with a manual transmission. Don't be cheap -- opt for the automatic and the V6.
The Vue had a nice ride. Thank its 4-wheel independent suspension that allows that nice ride and responsive handling.
Also on board is an advanced electronic power steering system that gives you optimum control at reduced speeds and in highway driving.
The Vue we tested had the optional all-wheel drive system. This is another option worth paying for because you'll get even better control through improved traction in bad weather. If the system detects the front wheel slipping, the system will automatically transfer some of the drive torque to the rear wheels and keep everything under control. I love security features like that.
Other security features that you'll find on the Vue and not on a few other offerings are the optional head-curtain air bags that protect you in a side-impact collision. There are also three sets of child seat anchors in the rear seats and 3-point safety belts for all passenger positions.
Again an option, the Vue offers OnStar, GM's cool on-board communications system that allows you to find a restaurant, a gas station, navigation features and provides automatic response in the case of an accident.
I didn't care very much for the interior design in the Vue. The instrumentation was plain. It didn't really appeal to me. The rear seats fold flat and the front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing you to carry longer cargo, like long planks of wood.
People who purchase the Vue can customize their vehicle in a host of ways through their Saturn dealer. Aftermarket products like body side graphics, interior trim kits and stuff like bike racks or luggage racks are available and can be installed after the sale or before delivery of your Vue.
The Saturn Vue I drove was the AWD V6 with an automatic transmission outfitted with an AM/FM 6-disc CD and cassette stereo and floor mats that cost $23,655.
Let me tell you what was on the standard equipment list for that price: driver seat height adjuster, cargo organizer and 4 tie-down hooks, air conditioning, power locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control, map lights, center console three 12-volt outlets, 16-inch all-season tires, power front disc brakes, electric power steering, roof rails, polymer bodyside panels allow wheels and a stainless steel exhaust.
On the safety issues, you'll find all the neat stuff you can find, like dual front air bags, those pesky daytime running lights, fog lamps, child safety door locks, immobilizer theft deterrent system, 2-way adjustable front head restraints and rear window washer and wiper system.
You'll find that the Vue will give you some nice returns on the gas consumption side. You'll get 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The Vue is a great little sport ute that would be perfect for a single guy or gal with an active lifestyle who could utilize a vehicle like this. Go take a look for yourself and let me know what you think by writing avanti1054@aol.com..
Editors' Ratings
Pros: Constant variable transmission is adventurious for this product
Cons: Do not really consider the Vue to be a true Sport Utility vehicle more of a station wagon, poor build quality.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 7
- Performance: 7
- Price: 8
- Handling: 6
- Ride: 7
- Comfort: 7
- Quality: 6
- Overall: 6.85
More Data
Where Built: Spring Hill, Tenn U.S.A.
Major Options: Power package, (4-cylinder), Leather package, all wheel drive.
Seating: 5
Number of Rows: 2
Length in Inches: 106.6
Warranties: 3 years/36,000 bumper to bumper warranty, 6 years/100,000 miles corrosion, 3 years/ 36,000 miles free roadside assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3179 - 3491.
Maximum Payload in Pounds: Not Available.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weigh in Pounds: Not Available.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: 15.5 /.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 4-cylinder engine with trailer brakes 1500, V6 with trailer brakes 2500, Without trailer brakes 1000.
Destination Charge: $575
