Saturn Vue

Last updated

Saturn Vue
2008 Saturn Vue XE.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Saturn Corporation (2002–2007)
Opel (General Motors) (2008–2010)
Production2001–2009
Model years 2002–2010
Body and chassis
Class Compact SUV (2002–2007)
Compact crossover SUV (2008–2010)
Body style 5-door SUV
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Theta
Related Pontiac Torrent
Chevrolet Equinox
Chronology
Predecessor Isuzu Rodeo (Canada)
Geo/Chevrolet Tracker
Successor Chevrolet Captiva Sport

The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was sold and built by Saturn, and it was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform when it was introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year. The Vue was later facelifted for the 2006 model year. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year as a rebadged Opel Antara. The Vue production in North America ended as GM wound down the Saturn brand during its 2009 reorganization.

Contents

First generation (2002)

First generation
Saturn VUE 1234 (cropped).JPG
Facelift model (2007)
Overview
Production2001–2007
Model years 2002–2007
Assembly Spring Hill, Tennessee, United States (Spring Hill Manufacturing)
Body and chassis
Class Compact SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Platform GM Theta platform/GMT315
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 106.6 in (2,708 mm)
Length181.3 in (4,605 mm)
Width71.5 in (1,816 mm)
Hybrid: 71.6 in (1,819 mm)
Height66.5 in (1,689 mm)
Hybrid: 66.3 in (1,684 mm)

The Vue was introduced for the 2002 model year and was designed by Saturn. It was manufactured at the Spring Hill GM plant. Its unibody platform is shared with the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and the European Opel Antara. The first generation ran from 2002–2007.

The Vue was offered in either 4 or V6 trim levels, with either a four-cylinder (I4) or V6 gasoline engine, and either a manual or automatic transmission. A sportier Red Line trim was added starting with the 2004 model year. A Green Line (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) was added for the final model year of the first-generation Vue (2007). Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD) were offered.

2003 Saturn Vue rear 03 Saturn Vue (6676845529).jpg
2003 Saturn Vue rear

Four-cylinder Vues use the Ecotec I4. The L81 V6 from the L-Series and five-speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all six-cylinder Vues were equipped with Honda's 250-horsepower (190 kW) J35A3 engine and a Honda transmission. The four-cylinder Vue was available with the VTi continuously variable transmission (CVT) until GM canceled it for 2005 due to dependability issues.

The Vue received a facelift for the 2006 model year. Upgrades included a redesigned interior with higher-quality materials, a new bumper and grille, and some minor cosmetic pieces to the exterior. OnStar is now standard as well as cruise control and automatic headlights. However, GM badges were not added to the side of the vehicle until GM took over production from Saturn for the second generation Vue.

Model year changes

In 2003:

In 2004:

In 2005:

In 2006:

In 2007:

Red Line

2004-2005 Saturn Vue Red Line Saturn Vue RedLine -- 10-31-2009.jpg
2004–2005 Saturn Vue Red Line

Saturn introduced a special high-performance line of vehicles in 2004 under the name, "Red Line". The Vue Red Line includes the same 250 hp (186 kW) Honda J35A3 V6 as the regular model, but with sportier suspension tuning, lowered 1 inch, and unique power steering calibration for performance, 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front and rear bumpers, unique rocker panel trim, chrome exhaust tip, special black leather and suede seats (optional for 2005, standard for 2006 and 2007), footwell lighting (included with leather and suede seats package, not available with optional full-leather (heated front) seats), and a special gauge cluster complete the visual updates. It also includes some special interior features as well, such as a higher quality audio system. [3]

Green Line

Saturn Vue Green Line 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line .jpg
Saturn Vue Green Line
Saturn Vue Green Line rear Argonne's Through-the-Road (TTR) Plug-in Hybrid prototype.jpg
Saturn Vue Green Line rear

The high-performance Vue Red Line was joined for 2007 by an environmentally oriented Green Line model. The Vue is a mild hybrid, or "assist hybrid", using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter" BAS Hybrid system. [4] A large electric motor is connected to the crankshaft via a special accessory drive belt, with a modified automatic transmission fitted.

It automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and instantly restarts it when the vehicle must move again. Not to be confused as just a "start-stop" system, the electric motor also assists somewhat during initial launch, during torque smoothing and when under heavy acceleration. A 36-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, located under the load floor, powers the motor/generator unit and also stores regenerative braking energy. The regenerative charging and electric motor assist functions are shown to the driver via an analog gauge on the dash board, and real-time fuel-economy feedback is accomplished via an "eco" light that glows when the instantaneous fuel economy is beating the window sticker fuel economy values.

The fuel savings are 20 percent up from the base vehicle's 22 mpgUS (11 L/100 km)/27 mpgUS (8.7 L/100 km) city/highway EPA sticker to 27 mpgUS (8.7 L/100 km)/32 mpgUS (7.4 L/100 km), the highest highway fuel economy of any 2007 model SUV sold in the US market. [5] In Canada, according to Saturn, the Vue gets an estimated 8.8 L/100 km (32 mpgimp; 27 mpgUS) city and 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpgimp; 35 mpgUS) highway. [6]

The Green Line has a 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC-phaser engine which replaces the standard 144-horsepower (107 kW) 2.2-liter inline-four engine, resulting in the improvement of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time by 1.0 second. Pricing for the hybrid is about US$2,000 more than a similarly equipped Vue, and debuted in production form on January 8, 2006, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Green Line went on sale in the third quarter of 2006.

Engines

YearsEnginePowerTorque
2002–20072.2  L Ecotec L61 I4 143  hp (107  kW)152  lb·ft (206  N·m)
2002–20033.0 L L81 54-Degree V6 181 hp (135 kW)195 lb·ft (264 N·m)
2004–20073.5 L GM L66 (J35S1) V6 250 hp (186 kW)242 lb·ft (328 N·m)
2007-20102.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4 170 hp (127 kW)163 lb·ft (220 N·m)
2008-20103.6 L LY7 V6 257 hp (192 kW)248 lb·ft (336 N·m)

Transmissions (First Generation)

YearsTransmissionTypeConfigurationRPO Code
2002–20075-Speed Getrag F23ManualFWDMG3
2002–20035-Speed Aisin AF33 AutomaticFWD/AWDM09 (FWD 6), M45 (AWD 6)
2002–2005 VTi VT25-E CVT AutomaticFWD/AWDM75 (FWD 4), M16 (AWD 4)
2005–20074-Speed GM 4T45-EAutomaticFWDMN5
2004–20075-Speed Honda H5AutomaticFWD/AWDMJ7 (FWD 6), MJ8 (AWD 6)

Safety

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests the Vue receives a Good overall rating in the frontal offset crash test. In 2008 models came equipped with standard front and rear head side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags. These models were given an acceptable overall rating in side impacts. Models without side airbags were given an overall poor rating. [7]

Second generation (2008)

Second generation
2nd Saturn Vue -- 08-28-2009.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Opel (General Motors)
Also called Opel Antara
Vauxhall Antara
Holden Captiva 5
GMC Terrain (Middle East)
Daewoo Winstorm MaXX
Chevrolet Captiva Sport
Production2007–2009
Model years 2008–2010
Assembly Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class Compact SUV
Body style 5-door SUV
Platform GM Theta platform/GMT319
Related Chevrolet Captiva Sport
Saturn Vue rear Saturn vue-2007washauto.jpg
Saturn Vue rear

Saturn introduced the second generation Vue in 2007 for the 2008 model year, manufactured in Mexico as a rebranded version of the German-designed Opel Antara. Saturn offered four trim levels: base "XE", classier, up-level "XR", top-of-the-line sporty "Red Line" and a "Green Line" hybrid trim. Available engines include a 2.4L inline 4 cylinder, as well as 3.5L and a 3.6L V6 options. A hybrid powertrain version of the 2.4-liter model was also available. GM badges were now added to the front doors. The Mexican-manufactured Vue was also retailed in Mexico and South America as the Chevrolet Captiva Sport, with only badges changed and a new grille insert fitted.

Following the demise of the Saturn brand in 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Vue was discontinued. [8] However, GM continued to produce the Chevrolet Captiva Sport, for the Mexican and South American markets. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport was introduced for the US commercial and fleet markets in late 2011 for the 2012 model year. [9]

Sales

Calendar YearUnited States
2001 [10] 393
200275,478
200381,924
2004 [11] 86,957
200591,972
2006 [12] 88,581
200781,676
2008 [13] 84,767
2009 [14] 28,429

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References

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  5. 2007 model EPA Highway rating of 32 mpg.
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  7. "Saturn Vue". Iihs.org. Archived from the original on June 7, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
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