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Saturn Vue

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Saturn Vue
Overview
ManufacturerSaturn Corporation (2002–2007)
Opel (General Motors) (2008–2010)
Production2001–2009
Model years2002–2010
Body and chassis
ClassCompact SUV (2002–2007)
Compact crossover SUV (2008–2010)
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
PlatformTheta
RelatedPontiac Torrent
Chevrolet Equinox
Chronology
PredecessorIsuzu Rodeo (Canada)
Geo/Chevrolet Tracker
SuccessorChevrolet Captiva Sport

The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was built and marketed 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 facelifted for the 2006 model year. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year as a rebadged Opel Antara.

Vue production in North America ended as GM discontinued the Saturn brand as part of the 2009 General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization.

First generation (2002)

[edit]
First generation
Facelift model (2007)
Overview
Production2001–2007
Model years2002–2007
AssemblySpring Hill, Tennessee, United States (Spring Hill Manufacturing)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact SUV
Body style5-door SUV
PlatformGM Theta platform/GMT315
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.6 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 designed by Saturn and introduced for the 2002 model year. 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 through 2007.

The Vue was produced trim levels with a four-cylinder (I4) or V6 gasoline engine and a manual or automatic transmission. A Red Line trim was added starting with the 2004 model year. A Green Line (mild hybrid) 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

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 reliability 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, cruise control, and automatic headlights became standard. 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

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  • 2003:

The FWD V6 configuration was offered part-way through the model year. This version included the L81 V6 engine with Aisin AF33 five-speed automatic transmission.

  • 2004:

The Vue Red Line trim was added. The V6 models featured the Honda 3.5 L J35S1 engine and a Honda five-speed transmission. This combination improved performance over the prior V6. The Honda V6 engine was used in the Saturn Vue through the 2007 model year.

  • 2005:

The I4 front-wheel-drive configuration included a four-speed automatic transmission in place of the Continuously variable transmission (CVT). The AWD I4 configuration with the CVT was available for the 2005 model year until the existing stock was depleted. Exterior colors Storm Grey, Pacific Blue, and Dragonfly green were added. Electric Blue, Electric Lime, and Rainforest Green are discontinued.[1]

  • 2006:

Facelift with redesigned interior including a new center console, center stack, and upgraded interior trim. New audio options received aux in and satellite radio. New front and rear fascias.[2] Fusion Orange exterior color was added.

  • 2007:

Green Line model added. Fusion Orange exterior color dropped, while Deep Blue color replaced Pacific Blue.

Red Line

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2004–2005 Saturn Vue Red Line

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

Green Line

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Saturn Vue Green Line
Saturn Vue Green Line rear

The high-performance Vue Red Line was joined in 2007 by the Green Line model. The Green Line was a mild hybrid, or "assist hybrid", using GM's belt alternator starter (BAS) system.[4] An electric motor connected to the crankshaft via a special accessory drive belt and the Green Line included a modified automatic transmission.

The start-stop system automatically stops the engine when the vehicle halts and instantly restarts it when the brake pedal is released. The electric motor assists somewhat during initial launch, providing torque smoothing, and during heavy acceleration. A 36-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, located under the load floor, powers the BAS and also stores electricity from regenerative braking. The regenerative brake charging and electric motor assist functions are shown to the driver via an analog gauge on the dashboard, and real-time fuel-economy feedback is accomplished via an "eco" light that glows when the instantaneous fuel economy exceeds the published window sticker fuel economy rating.

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

The Green Line has a 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4 L Ecotec DOHC-phaser engine which replaced the standard 144-horsepower (107 kW) 2.2 L I4 engine. The 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time was improved by 1.0 second. Pricing for the hybrid was 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

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Years Engine Power Torque
2002–2007 2.2 L Ecotec L61 I4 143 hp (107 kW; 145 PS) 152 lb⋅ft (206 N⋅m)
2002–2003 3.0 L L81 54-Degree V6 181 hp (135 kW; 184 PS) 195 lb⋅ft (264 N⋅m)
2004–2007 3.5 L GM L66 (J35S1) V6 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) 242 lb⋅ft (328 N⋅m)
2007-2010 2.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) 163 lb⋅ft (221 N⋅m)
2008-2010 3.6 L LY7 V6 257 hp (192 kW; 261 PS) 248 lb⋅ft (336 N⋅m)

Transmissions (first generation)

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Years Transmission Type Configuration RPO Code
2002–2007 5-Speed Getrag F23 Manual FWD MG3
2002–2003 5-Speed Aisin AF33 Automatic FWD/AWD M09 (FWD 6), M45 (AWD 6)
2002–2005 VTi VT25-E CVT Automatic FWD/AWD M75 (FWD 4), M16 (AWD 4)
2005–2007 4-Speed GM 4T45-E Automatic FWD MN5
2004–2007 5-Speed Honda H5 Automatic FWD/AWD MJ7 (FWD 6), MJ8 (AWD 6)

Safety

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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)

[edit]
Second generation
Overview
ManufacturerOpel (General Motors)
Also calledOpel Antara
Vauxhall Antara
Holden Captiva 5
GMC Terrain (Middle East)
Daewoo Winstorm MaXX
Chevrolet Captiva Sport
Production2007–2009
Model years2008–2010
AssemblyRamos Arizpe, Mexico
Body and chassis
ClassCompact SUV
Body style5-door SUV
PlatformGM Theta platform/GMT319
RelatedChevrolet Captiva Sport
Main article: Opel Antara
Saturn Vue rear

Saturn introduced the second generation Vue in 2007 for the 2008 model year, manufactured at Ramos Arizpe Assembly in Mexico as a rebranded version of the German-designed Opel Antara. The front end featured a large chrome trim on the grille with "teardrop-shaped" headlights. The roof sloped downward to an angled rear hatch. GM badges were featured on the front doors.

2008

The 2008 Vue was available in four trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR, top-of-the-line Red Line, and a Green Line hybrid. The XE included 16-inch wheels, body-colored door handles, and side mirrors, while the XR added chrome door handles, chrome-tipped dual exhaust, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Engine options included a 2.4 L I4, hybrid 2.4 L I4, 3.5 L V6, or a 3.6 L V6. The V6 versions of the Vue come with conventional hydraulic power steering, replacing the previous electric assist; however, the I4-powered cars continued with electric power.[8]

The Mexican-manufactured Vue was also marketed in Mexico and South America as the Chevrolet Captiva Sport, with only badges changed and a new grille insert.

2009

Three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR, and Red Line. The XE included 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a tilt steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio. The XR added 17-inch alloy wheels, luggage rack rails, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and heated side mirrors. The Red Line featured 18-inch alloy wheels, a lowered suspension, a roof-mounted spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, and heated front seats with leather and suede upholstery.[9]

2010

2010 Saturn Vue was available in two trims, the base XE and the XR. Both were available with a I4 or a V6 engine, as well as front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Vue Hybrid was equipped similarly to the XE Preferred package and available only with front-wheel drive powered by the 2.4 L I4 gas/electric engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.[10]

Saturn Vue (second generation) powertrains
Engine Specifications[11][12] Transmission Trim(s) Year(s)
Power Torque Consumption (City/Hwy) XE XR Red Line Green Line / Hybrid
2.4 L LE5 I4 169 hp (126 kW) @6200 161 lb⋅ft (218 N⋅m) @5100 19 / 26 mpg‑US (12.4 / 9.0 l/100 km) 4-spd AT FWD FWD — — 2008, 2009, 2010
2.4 L LAT BAS hybrid I4 172 hp (128 kW) @6200 167 lb⋅ft (226 N⋅m) @5100 25 / 32 mpg‑US (9.4 / 7.4 l/100 km) 4-spd AT — — — FWD 2008, 2009, 2010
3.5 L LZ4 V6 222 hp (166 kW) @5900 219 lb⋅ft (297 N⋅m) @3200 16 / 23 mpg‑US (15 / 10 l/100 km) 6-spd AT AWD — — — 2008, 2009, 2010
3.6 L LY7 V6 257 hp (192 kW) @6500 248 lb⋅ft (336 N⋅m) @2100 17 / 24 mpg‑US (13.8 / 9.8 l/100 km) FWD
16 / 23 mpg‑US (15 / 10 l/100 km) AWD 		6-spd AT — FWD/ AWD FWD/ AWD — 2008, 2009, 2010
3.6 L LCS V6 262 hp (195 kW) @6100 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) @4800 28 / 31 mpg‑US (8.4 / 7.6 l/100 km) (est)[13] 2-Mode hybrid 4-spd / eCVT — — — FWD planned 2009;[14] cancelled[15]

Discontinuation

[edit]
Chevrolet Captiva Sport in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Following the end of the Saturn brand in 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Vue was discontinued.[16] However, GM continued to produce the Chevrolet Captiva Sport for the Mexican and South American markets until 2015. For the U.S. market, the Chevrolet Captiva Sport was imported from Ramos Arizpe and sold to commercial and fleet customers starting from late 2011 (for the 2012 model year)[17] until U.S. imports ended in 2014.[18]

Sales

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Calendar year United States
2001[19] 393
2002 75,478
2003 81,924
2004[20] 86,957
2005[21] 91,972
2006[22] 88,581
2007 81,676
2008[23] 84,767
2009[24] 28,429
2010[21] 3,201

References

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  • "Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid Delivers Great Fuel Economy Through New, Lower-Cost Hybrid System". General Motors (Press release). Archived from the original on February 3, 2006. Retrieved January 9, 2006.
  • "2007 Saturn Vue Roadtest". lemonfree.com. 2006. Archived from the original on December 9, 2006. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  1. ^ "Saturn US Full Line" (PDF). 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 22, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  2. ^ "Used 2006 Saturn VUE Review & Ratings". Edmunds. June 12, 2015. Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  3. ^ "Saturn Vue". Advertisement brochure. Canada: General Motors Corporation and General Motors of Canada Limited, 2006, p.21 of 32.
  4. ^ "GMability Advanced Technology: GM's Belt Alternator Starter". November 11, 2003. Archived from the original on October 29, 2006. Retrieved June 14, 2007.
  5. ^ 2007 model EPA Highway rating of 32 mpg[better source needed]
  6. ^ "Saturn Vue". Advertisement brochure. Canada: General Motors Corporation and General Motors of Canada Limited, 2006, p.8 of 32.
  7. ^ "Saturn Vue". iihs.org. Archived from the original on June 7, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  8. ^ Thomas, David. "2008 Saturn Vue review:our expert's take". cars.com. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  9. ^ "2009 Saturn VUE Review". edmunds.com. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  10. ^ "2010 Saturn Vue Overview". autobytel.com. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  11. ^ "2008 Saturn VUE (brochure)" (PDF). General Motors. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  12. ^ "09 Saturn VUE (brochure)" (PDF). General Motors. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  13. ^ Siler, Wes (October 23, 2008). "2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid: First Drive". Jalopnik. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  14. ^ Wadecki, Adam (December 31, 2007). "2009 Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode Hybrid". Car and Driver. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
  15. ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (June 9, 2009). "Saturn Vue two-mode dead, Chevrolet Equinox hybrid unlikely to hit until 2011". AutoBlog. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  16. ^ Johnson, Kimberly; Krisher, Tom (October 1, 2009). "GM to phase out Saturn division". The Boston Globe. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
  17. ^ Lassa, Todd (March 11, 2011). "Chevy's Vue-Like Captiva Sport is for Fleets Only". Motor Trend. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  18. ^ Ewing, Steven J. (November 6, 2014). "GM nixes fleet-only Chevy Captiva Sport". Autoblog. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  19. ^ "mediaOnline". media.gm.com (Press release). January 3, 2003. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  20. ^ "GM Media Online". media.gm.com (Press release). January 4, 2006. Archived from the original on March 1, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  21. ^ a b "Saturn Vue U.S Sales Data & Charts". goodcarbadcar.net. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  22. ^ "GM Media Online". media.gm.com (Press release). January 3, 2007. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  23. ^ "GM Media Online". media.gm.com (Press release). January 5, 2009. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved May 21, 2009.
  24. ^ "Deliveries December 2009". gm.com (Press release). Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
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