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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:54:33 |
| Rating |
 338 ( 15 +4.43% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Saturn VUE
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2004 Saturn VUE. Both FWD and AWD systems are offered, each responding to the fully-independent suspension.
2004 Saturn VUE. A VUE with the V6 gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather shift knob, and improved interior fabric.
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2004 Saturn VUE. The old 3-liter V6 that created a measly 181 hp. has been tossed - a new 3.5-liter V6 yields a healthy 250 hp. and 242 lb.-ft. of torque.
2004 Saturn VUE. The rear seat splits in a 70/30 fashion, while the front passenger seatback folds flat, a great help for carrying longer items.
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2004 Saturn VUE. For the performance-oriented, the VUE Red Line is offered to appease any spirited-driving urges.
Saturn introduced the VUE compact SUV in 2002, and calls it a success in terms of sales. For 2004, Saturn reworks this popular model, hoping to strengthen an already solid vehicle, and also adds a performance version, the Saturn VUE Red Line.
Of the many upgrades, one of the most significant is the all-new V6 engine. The old 3-liter V6 that created a measly 181 hp. has been tossed - a new 3.5-liter V6 yields a healthy 250 hp. and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. Variable valve timing appears within the new mill, and while upping high-end power and low-end torque, this new system also improves fuel economy. A 5-speed automatic transmission, with grade logic control, backs the V6. Grade logic is meant to assist during hilly driving by keeping the transmission from "hunting" for the right gear. Towing capacity is up to 3,500 lbs., an increase of 1,000 over the previous V6's ability.
If V6 power is not needed, a base 2.2-liter inline-4 can be fitted to propel the VUE. Output is 143 hp. and 152 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is backed by one of two gearboxes - a standard 5-speed manual or an optional VTi variable transmission. The variable VTi automatic changes the gear ratio continuously, instead of in traditional steps. As a result, fuel economy, acceleration, and hill-climbing performance all improve.
Both FWD and AWD systems are offered, each responding to the fully-independent suspension. The suspension also includes anti-roll bars, both front and back, to keep the VUE flat in corners. Advanced electric power steering is meant to enhance both low-speed precision and high-speed feel. ABS brakes are standard with V6 models and optional with the four-banger versions.
Mechanical tidbits aside, there are also several notable exterior and interior improvements. For example, 17-in alloy wheels with 235/60 series tires are standard on AWD V6 VUEs and optional on FWD ones. Smaller 16-in. steel or alloy wheels appear on 4-cylinder models. Other improvements include tinted rear door glass, body-color door handles and chrome front fascia accents (on V6 models), and chrome "SATURN" lettering on the liftgate (V6). Electric Lime is now a color choice, and the panels on which it is applied are dent-resistant polymers, a regular Saturn feature. A sunroof is optional.
Inside, five people can be accommodated, and 30 cu.-ft. of their gear can be carried. The rear seat splits in a 70/30 fashion, while the front passenger seatback folds flat, a great help for carrying longer items. The Seat Comfort Package includes a 6-way power driver's seat, lumbar support, and front seat heaters. Other features include painted nickel-finish door handles, white-faced gauges, and automatic headlamp controls (standard on V6, optional on I4). A VUE with the V6 gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather shift knob, and improved interior fabric. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system that uses a 7-in. LCD screen, remote control, and wireless headphones is offered. The three stereo systems are all capable of reading MP3s. Audio options include single CD with MP3, a six-disc CD changer with MP3, and a CD/DVD again with MP3. XM Satellite radio is also offered.
Dual-stage front airbags detect the severity of the collision and decide how hard the bag should deploy. These arrive standard on all VUEs. Front seat-belt pretensioners are also regular equipment. For even more security, head-curtain airbags and ABS brakes are offered. Traction control is available on FWD models.
For the performance-oriented, the VUE Red Line is offered to appease any spirited-driving urges. The Red Line tag signifies Saturn's effort to attract the enthusiast crowd and was developed through GM's Performance Division. VUEs will be offered with this sporty treatment, as are ION sport sedans. Red Line versions include new rocker moldings, revised front and rear fascias, and a chrome exhaust tip. Body-coloring appears on the door handles, lift-gate handle, and mirror housings. Exterior paint choices include Electric Lime, Onyx Black, and Silver Nickel.
The suspension is sport-tuned and has been lowered by more than one inch. Wheel wells reveal massive 18-in. alloy wheels fitted with P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza tires. Maneuvering that rubber feels even sportier thanks to sport-calibrated electric steering. Obviously, the 250-hp. V6 launches the VUE Red Line.
Saturn says that the VUE is meant to be personalized, evidenced by the 40-plus retailer-installed accessories available. If one is to make a personal statement, however, all he or she needs to do is jump in a VUE Red Line. The "slammed" appearance of this compact SUV will surely attract the attention of many street-goers.
2004 Saturn VUE Reviewer's Notes
Base price: $16,900 (inline-4); $24,185 (V6)
Engine: 2.2-liter inline-4 (143 hp @5,400 rpm, 152 lb.-ft. @4,000 rpm); 3.5-liter V6 (250 hp @5,800 rpm, 242 lb.-ft. @4,500 rpm)
Transmission: 5-speed manual; VTi variable automatic; 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 106.6 in.
Length: 181.3 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 66.5 in.
Head/leg/hiproom: front: 40.4/41.2/51.6 in.; rear: 40.3/36.8/52.7 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,207-3,630
Fuel economy: 21-23 city/26-28 highway mpg (4-cylinder); V6 TBD
Safety equipment: dual-stage frontal airbags; standard front seat-belt pretensioners; optional head-curtain airbags; optional ABS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Red Line?
General Motor's Performance Division has been responsible for several of the latest automobile enthusiast's entrees. Included are the Chevrolet Silverado SS and the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. Both of these vehicles are sport-tuned, high power versions of already-existing base models. GM titles them "High-Performance Variants." For 2004, Saturn adds performance to two of its models-the VUE and the Ion. Red Line is part of an effort to revamp the image of Saturn, a carmaker under the GM umbrella, known for being "different" and "family friendly". Now, the VUE (and Ion) are retooled inside and out with "hip" modern styling and some performance characteristics.
How is the Red Line VUE different from regular VUEs?
Red Line versions include new rocker moldings, revised front and rear fascias, and a chrome exhaust tip. Body-coloring appears on the door handles, lift-gate handle, and mirror housings. Exterior paint choices include Electric Lime, Onyx Black, and Silver Nickel. The suspension is sport-tuned and has been lowered by more than one inch. Wheel wells reveal massive 18-in. alloy wheels fitted with P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza tires. Maneuvering that rubber feels even sportier thanks to sport-calibrated electric steering. And, a 250-hp. V6 launches the VUE Red Line edition.
Can the Red Line VUE be personalized?
Saturn says that the VUE is meant to be personalized, evidenced by the 40-plus retailer-installed accessories available. If one is to make a personal statement, however, all he or she needs to do is jump in a VUE Red Line. The "slammed" appearance of this compact SUV will surely attract the attention of many street-goers.
How does it handle?
We drove the Red Line VUE on a short drive to assess handling on two-lane roads near the General Motors Proving Grounds, in Milford, Michigan. It's all the things that a VUE is, but more. General handling is competent and mannered in all areas. We found the straight-line sprints very enthusiastic, with a great engine note that comes when you're hard on the throttle. Caution, however, it's still an SUV in the corners! That means, body roll and weight transfer -it's not a sport compact-it's still an SUV with a tall roofline, despite its nifty performance package.
What's its best feature?
From the outside, the VUE's lowered looks are very appealing and different and certainly speak the language of the "chopped" and "street rod" crowd. However, what you get inside is all the comfort and everyday practicality that VUEs offer for families and transporting a group of friends, along with their gear. And, there's definitely a surge of power when you're hauling the kids to soccer and you go out for a pass!
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of Saturn
© 2004, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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