GMI Long-Term Review: 2005 Saturn VUE AWD 4

[TaHoE]

GMI Long Term Review: 2005 Saturn VUE AWD 4
The Economical Theta SUV
January 26th, 2005
www.GMInsidenews.com
> Part One

Many of us are familiar with Saturn’s VUE Crossover. The VUE debuted in late 2001 as a 2002 model. Since then lots of things have changed, particularly the addition of a Red Line Package which was previously tested here at GMI. My test model was a VUE 4 Model with All Wheel Drive. So will removing the Honda-sourced V6 hurt the VUE, or can it gain in economy and value.

Styling:

Although the VUE’s current design has gone essentially untouched since 2002 it still looks very modern and almost European. The VUE’s trademark Saturn horizontal headlights make the VUE immediately identifiable as a Saturn and give the VUE a tough, yet sporty look. Compared to the stylish Equinox, the VUE is definitely the more mature cousin of GM’s Theta architecture. The Strong C-Pillar and long hood make the VUE look like a true SUV. Checking off the Red Line box actually blacks out the C-Pillar and adds a spicy, car-like, side profile to the VUE. As with all Saturn products, the VUE proudly features the signature “Swish” side accent that runs down the side of both doors. Overall the VUE is definitely a look, especially compared to the stodgy Honda CR-V and the miss-proportioned Toyota RAV 4.

Interior:

The VUE’s interior is very original, but aging. The Red Line’s interior improves over the base interior by adding a Cadillac 3-Spoke steering wheel and metallic-esque trim. The base interior is covered in hard, black plastic and (disappointingly enough) the famous, Saturn Two-Spoke signature steering wheel. The cloth seats in my tester were extremely comfortable and the reclining rear seat is quirky, but not really all that useful.

Cargo capacity is 30.8 cubic feet (only 2.8 cubic feet less than the CR-V, but only 1.6 more cubic feet than the puny Toyota Rav4). Rear legroom is 36.8 inches, which beats out the Rav4’s 32.6 inches but again falls behind the CR-V’s 39.4 inches. The VUE’s cabin is still extremely comfortable, however I have one gripe: The rear seat is extremely low to the ground, a little too car-like for my tastes, but sill acceptable.

Keep Reading for Part Two...

[TaHoE]

> Part Two

Power/Handling/AWD Performance:

GM's EcoTec 2.2L 4-Cylinder Engine

The VUE 4 is powered by a 2.2L Ecotec 4-Cylinder engine which makes 143HP@5400 RPMs and 152lb/ft of torque at 4000 RPMs. These numbers are not that bad for a compact SUV, but considering the CR-V has 160HP @6000 RPM and 162lb/ft @ only 3600lb/ft out of a 2.4L 4-Cylinder and the tiny RAV4 netting a 2.4L 4-cylinder producing 161HP@5700 RPMs and 165lb/ft @ 4000 RPM, I think it’s time Saturn rethink dropping in GM’s 2.4L Ecotec which makes 170HP. Although the Red Line’s 3.5L V6 packs a big punch, providing neck-snapping power, the small Ecotec feels strained in this particular application. By adding AWD the VUE’s weight bloats to 3,430lbs, which isn’t all that bad when compared to the 3428lb CR-V, but remember the CR-V has a more powerful 4-Cylinder while the Toyota trumps them both with the lowest curb weight (3186lbs, which is actually quite heavy for such a small vehicle) and the most powerful 4-Cylinder engine of the group. Around the town, the VUE’s 2.2L engine matches the VUE well, especially with the VTi (Variable Transmission with Intelligence) which is only available in AWD 4 configurations. The VTi has no gears but uses a steel belt to continually adjust to the engine to keep the engine in its power band’s sweet spot. Driving the VUE with the VTi felt strange at first, but eventually you get used to it. Stepping on the throttle from a standstill lets the Ecotec rev freely, but then after 4-5 seconds of revving, the VTi tightens its belt and keeps the VUE’s Ecotec at a lower RPM where it makes more of its power. This configuration saves fuel and also helps performance, though you won’t notice any performance gain. On the highways, the VUE feels extremely tired and worked, if you do a lot of highway driving, I would extremely suggest opting for the 3.5L V6, however going for the V6 makes you drop city fuel economy from 21 MPG to 19MPG and dropping Highway Fuel Economy from 26MPG to 25MPH.

Saturn's VTi

Handling and Electric Power Assist Steering are antonyms. The EPAS really hurts Handling, giving the driver an extremely dumb driving experience. I have been driving GM trucks for much of my life, trust me, I know about numb steering but the VUE’s was horrendous. Driving the VUE is very easy, and the heavy boost helps when you are parking or getting through some snow, but at highway driving, the steering does not tighten up enough to ensure that a slight movement in the wrist won’t send you into the other lane. Steering honestly feels like a video game, one must judge where the vehicle is going. This trait is really more of an annoyance than a deal breaker, but those used to fine feedback and perfect amounts of boost, will not appreciate the super-numb feeling from the EPAS system.

Saturn's EPAS System

However, when it comes to negotiating the white stuff, the VUE really shines. Recently the Tri-State area (Consisting of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) got pounded by over Two Feet of snow (well here on Long Island we did anyway). This provided me with the perfect opportunity to tests the VUE’s AWD capability. The VUE features a Full Time All Wheel Drive system that gives all the power to the front wheels in normal driving applications, however when it starts to get slippery, the VUE sends torque to the rear wheels as needed to get out of the slippery stuff. When I first got the keys to the VUE it was plowed in by snow. The sensible side in me said shovel out the car and then drive off, but the truck enthusiast in me said “Go on, drive through it, you know you want to!”, well needless to say, Mr. Sensible took a back seat during the test drive and we were off to get the VUE out of the snow. Covered by at least 26” of snow (up to ¼ way up the door) I got into the VUE, shifted it into reverse and slowly pressed on the accelerator. The Front Wheels immediately tried to grab the road, but once the VUE realized it wasn’t working, the rear wheels kicked in and immediately pulled the VUE through, but there was still more. Now in the thick of the snow I pulled the steering wheel all the way to the left and floored the accelerator and the VUE just broke through the snow without effort. The VUE is an excellent soft -roader, but that’s it. As we got out of the snow, you could hear the under-carriage scraping the snow beneath it as we departed. Therefore, no real off-roading for the VUE, but show it a slippery road covered in snow and the VUE will smile in happiness, as will the driver.

Saturn VUE's AWD System

Final Opinions:

Although the VUE has been on the market since 2002, it still is an extremely competitive vehicle. I dare anyone to go to Saturn’s website and compare it with competitors (even it’s corporate cousin the Chevrolet Equinox) and you will get at least ten to fifteen reasons why the VUE is better. For those who need to go from the store, to work, to school and home the VUE 4 AWD is fine, and for those who don’t experience severe conditions the FWD model will suit nicely. However for those who use the highway a lot, the V6 is worth the drop in fuel economy. The VUE is not cheap, with base VUE 4s starting at $17,630 (which is reasonable) but with prices climbing quickly, look carefully for the right model for you before putting down that down payment. Whichever model you choose, no one should be ashamed owning a VUE it’s a very competitive package, with it’s tidy size and excellent AWD capability the VUE is a real winner, it just needs a bigger 4-Cylinder.

------------------------------

The Ratings:

PROs: Excellent AWD capability, just-right size, very attractive styling

CONs: Base 4-Cylinder models get tired; prices can get high, monotone interior styling and materials

Overall Rating:

9.0 Out of 10.0

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Specifications
2005 Saturn VUE
Selected Style: AWD 4

Exterior: Chili Pepper Red
Interior: Light Gray Cloth Seating Surfaces

Total MSRP: $22,295.00

[atomicshark]

I am a big fan of the Vue, especially the Redline version. I enjoyed your review and I would like to add some thoughts:

I agree with your final assessment, I don't think the fuel economy savings are enough to offset the extreme lack of power in the 4 cyl VUE. Especially considering the much lighter Ion with the same engine feels a bit under-powered.
22 MPG versus 23.5 MPG on average is not a great savings at all.
I would definitely opt for the FWD V6 for 23,000. 250 HP in this class is untouchable, especially at that price. AWD inches closer to $25,000 though, but still reasonable.
The VTi is also riddled with so many issues, that anyone interested in buying one really needs to be warned.
My mother-in-law is currently having her 2004 Ion QC3 VTi bought back by Saturn because it occasionally surges unexpectedly and this is after Saturn's update to the VTi.
Luckily Saturn has dropped the VTi in favor of a 4 speed auto for all of it's 05 models (Vue and Ion QC).

[TaHoE]

...dropped them all except in the EcoTec AWD...this surprised me.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

...dropped them all except in the EcoTec AWD...this surprised me.

Oops. You are right, only the FWD 4cyl Vue has the 4 speed. That is strange, that transmission was not ready for prime time. Hopefully the 2005 versions are finally fixed. Judging by history, a flawed design stays flawed until replaced by a totally new version, so I am not too optimistic.

[surferdude00711]

Did you just test drive the car or did u ask the dealer if u could do a long term test or like what lol?One problem with SUVs, even car based ones, is that they require more ground clearance so the seats are lower, requiring the knee pinch. Go sit in a Tahoe 3rd row to see the extremity of this.

[dindak]

I really hope GM put the 2.4L Ecotec in the VUE next year with a fresh interior / exterior. Sales will get a nice boost if they do this. Over all I think it's a great effort.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by dindak

I really hope GM put the 2.4L Ecotec in the VUE next year with a fresh interior / exterior. Sales will get a nice boost if they do this. Over all I think it's a great effort.

I agree. At leaat put in the 2.4 and an upgraded interior. The current exterior is not bad though.

[Swahili]

I'm not sure who wrote this review, but if it was you TaHoE, you did a really good job. Reading that, I learned alot about the Vue and that I knew jack nothing about it before this was posted, lol. Being that the Vue is need of some updating and the fact that Saturn has taken on a new look and direction, I have a feeling a redesigned Vue won't be too far off and that it will be a good looking and very competitive vehicle once again. Especially in the growing small and compact SUV market, the Vue could carve out a large portion with a refresh.

[xtremegrandam]

I've always loved the VUE but my major complaint with the 4 Cyl VUE is the steering wheel its the same steering wheel that was in my 2001 SC2 and I hated it. Another thing I dont like is the electronic steering. My G6 has it and it gets kinda boring.....

[TaHoE]

SurferDude:
Did you just test drive the car or did u ask the dealer if u could do a long term test or like what lol?One problem with SUVs, even car based ones, is that they require more ground clearance so the seats are lower, requiring the knee pinch. Go sit in a Tahoe 3rd row to see the extremity of this.

Actually my GF just purchased a 2005 VUE, so I was able to borrow hers and take it out for a couple of hours while takin out in the snow.

The third row seat is low in the Tahoe because there is the solid rear axle, which eats up space, not due to the higher ground clearance (that's why SUVs are taller than cars). If I compared the VUE's second row seat with my GF's previous Kia Sportage, the Sportage had a higher seat, and it was a RWD Body On Frame Solid Axle design, which is the complete opposite of the supposedly space saving FWD Unibody design.

Swahili:
I'm not sure who wrote this review, but if it was you TaHoE, you did a really good job. Reading that, I learned alot about the Vue and that I knew jack nothing about it before this was posted, lol. Being that the Vue is need of some updating and the fact that Saturn has taken on a new look and direction, I have a feeling a redesigned Vue won't be too far off and that it will be a good looking and very competitive vehicle once again. Especially in the growing small and compact SUV market, the Vue could carve out a large portion with a refresh.

Yeah I wrote it, I will be updating this every now and then, sorta like a log book. Im glad you enjoyed it, a new VUE is due in '07.

[mkaake]

i thought the belt in the VTi was a steel belt? pretty sure it is. and i thought i had heard that it was completely gone from the gm lineup??

[TaHoE]

The steel belt is in Ford's and Audi's VTi, GM uses a Rubber Belt.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

The steel belt is in Ford's and Audi's VTi, GM uses a Rubber Belt.

Nope, it's a steel belt. Last paragraph.

[http://email.gmcanada.com/corpdb/cac...?OpenDocument]

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by Saturn69

Nope, it's a steel belt. Last paragraph.

http://email.gmcanada.com/corpdb/cac...6?OpenDocument

Had to correct the link, sorry. Not having much luck at this! Just click on the link in this reply box.