Saturn VUE
Encyclopedia
The Saturn Vue is a compact
crossover SUV that was sold by General Motors
' Saturn marque, and at one time was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform
when it was introduced in 2002. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model as a rebadged Opel Antara
model. Vue production in North America ended as GM wound down the Saturn brand during its 2009 reorganization
.
GM plant. Its unibody platform is shared with the Chevrolet Equinox
, Pontiac Torrent
and the Europe
an Opel Antara
. The first generation ran from model year 2002-2007.
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 hp 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.
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.
J35A3
V6 but with sportier suspension tuning for performance. 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front bumpers, chrome exhaust tip, special black leather and suede seats, footwell lighting, 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.
, or "assist hybrid", using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter
" BAS Hybrid system. 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 miles per US gallon/27 miles per US gallon city/highway EPA sticker to 27 miles per US gallon/32 miles per US gallon, the highest highway fuel economy of any 2007 model SUV sold in the US market. In Canada, according to Saturn, the Vue gets an estimated 8.8 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway.
The Green Line has a 170 hp 2.4-liter Ecotec
DOHC-phaser engine which replaces the standard 144 hp 2.2-liter inline-four engine, resulting in the improvement of 0–60 mph (0–96.6 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.
(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.
version of the German-designed Opel Antara
. Saturn offered four trim levels: the "XE", "XR", the sporty "Red Line" and hybrid "Green Line". Engines ranged from a 2.4-liter inline-four to 3.5- and 3.6-liter V6s. A hybrid powertrain versions of the 2.4-liter model was also available. GM badges were now added to the front doors.
Following the demise of the Saturn brand in 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Vue was discontinued. However, GM continued to produce a Chevrolet version, the Captiva Sport, for the Mexican and South American markets. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available for the US commercial and fleet markets in late 2011 for the 2012 model year.
Compact SUV
Compact SUV is a class of small sport utility vehicles with a length roughly between . This class should not be confused with mini SUV, which refers to smaller vehicles.- Background :...
crossover SUV that was sold by General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
' Saturn marque, and at one time was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform
GM Theta platform
Theta is General Motors' compact and mid-size crossover SUV automobile platform. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the Saturn Vue and was later used for the Chevrolet Equinox and Captiva and similar models.-Development:...
when it was introduced in 2002. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model as a rebadged Opel Antara
Opel Antara
The Opel Antara is a compact crossover SUV, which was a co-development between Opel, the German subsidiary of General Motors , and GM Daewoo, the South Korean equivalent. The Antara, based on the GM Theta platform, shares its underpinnings and powertrains with the Chevrolet Captiva. However, it has...
model. Vue production in North America ended as GM wound down the Saturn brand during its 2009 reorganization
General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization
The General Motors Chapter 11 sale of the assets of automobile manufacturer General Motors and some of its subsidiaries was implemented through section 363 of Chapter 11, Title 11, United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York...
.
First generation (2002–2007)
The Vue was introduced for the 2002 model year and was designed by Saturn. It was manufactured at the Spring HillSpring Hill, Tennessee
Spring Hill is a city in Maury and Williamson counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee, located approximately south of Nashville. The population was 7,715 at the 2000 census...
GM plant. Its unibody platform is shared with the Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox
The second generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The new Equinox...
, Pontiac Torrent
Pontiac Torrent
The Pontiac Torrent is a sport utility vehicle that was offered by the Pontiac division of General Motors, being the successor of the discontinued Pontiac Aztek. It was manufactured at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, and it replaced the U-body Aztek as the company's crossover SUV...
and the Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an Opel Antara
Opel Antara
The Opel Antara is a compact crossover SUV, which was a co-development between Opel, the German subsidiary of General Motors , and GM Daewoo, the South Korean equivalent. The Antara, based on the GM Theta platform, shares its underpinnings and powertrains with the Chevrolet Captiva. However, it has...
. The first generation ran from model year 2002-2007.
Four-cylinder Vues use the Ecotec
GM Family II engine
The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in the early 1970s. It was used in the Opel Ascona and Opel Kadett and their corresponding sister models the Vauxhall Cavalier and Vauxhall Astra...
I4. The L81 V6 from the L-Series
Saturn L-series
The Saturn L-Series was a line of automobiles sold by General Motors' Saturn marque.The L-Series mid-size sedans and station wagons were introduced in 2000. They were based on the Opel Vectra B and manufactured at a GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware...
and five-speed Aisin AF33
Aisin AF33 transmission
The Aisin AF33 is a 5-speed automatic transaxle. It is designed to be used in transverse engine configurations and can handle up to 243 ft·lbf of torque. It is built in Anjo, Japan....
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all six-cylinder Vues were equipped with Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
's 250 hp J35A3
Honda J engine
The J-series was Honda's second V6 engine family, introduced in 1996. It is a 60° V6 – Honda's existing C-series was a 90° engine. The J-series was designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing , shorter connecting rods, and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series for...
engine and a Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
transmission. The four-cylinder Vue was available with the VTi
VTi transmission
The VTi is a continuously variable transmission for automobiles. It is fully automatic, electronically controlled, and designed for transverse front-wheel drive use. The VTi is assembled at a General Motors/Fiat joint venture plant in Szentgotthard, Hungary....
continuously variable transmission
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...
(CVT) until GM canceled it for 2005.
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
OnStar
OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based communications, in-vehicle security, hands free calling, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, Canada and China. A similar service is known as ChevyStar in Latin...
is now standard as well as cruise control
Cruise control
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
and automatic headlights. However, GM badges were not added to the side of the vehicle.
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 HondaHonda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
J35A3
Honda J engine
The J-series was Honda's second V6 engine family, introduced in 1996. It is a 60° V6 – Honda's existing C-series was a 90° engine. The J-series was designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing , shorter connecting rods, and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series for...
V6 but with sportier suspension tuning for performance. 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front bumpers, chrome exhaust tip, special black leather and suede seats, footwell lighting, 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.
Green Line
The high-performance Vue Red Line was joined for 2007 by an environmentally oriented Green Line model. The Vue is a mild hybridMild Hybrid
Mild hybrids are essentially conventional fossil-fuel vehicles equipped with a large electric machine allowing the engine to be turned off whenever the car is coasting, braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly...
, or "assist hybrid", using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter
Belt alternator starter
- Generation I BAS :General Motors introduced a mild hybrid system called belt alternator starter in the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line. The BAS system is also used in the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid and Saturn Aura Green Line...
" BAS Hybrid system. 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
Nickel metal hydride battery
A nickel–metal hydride cell, abbreviated NiMH, is a type of rechargeable battery similar to the nickel–cadmium cell. The NiMH battery uses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the negative electrode instead of cadmium. As in NiCd cells, the positive electrode is nickel oxyhydroxide...
(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 miles per US gallon/27 miles per US gallon city/highway EPA sticker to 27 miles per US gallon/32 miles per US gallon, the highest highway fuel economy of any 2007 model SUV sold in the US market. In Canada, according to Saturn, the Vue gets an estimated 8.8 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway.
The Green Line has a 170 hp 2.4-liter Ecotec
GM Family II engine
The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in the early 1970s. It was used in the Opel Ascona and Opel Kadett and their corresponding sister models the Vauxhall Cavalier and Vauxhall Astra...
DOHC-phaser engine which replaces the standard 144 hp 2.2-liter inline-four engine, resulting in the improvement of 0–60 mph (0–96.6 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
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in Detroit. The Green Line went on sale in the third quarter of 2006.
Engines
| Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2007 | 2.2 L Litér - External links :*... Ecotec L61 I4 |
143 hp Horsepower Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the... (107 kW) |
152 ft·lbf (206 N·m Newton metre A newton metre is a unit of torque in the SI system. The symbolic form is N m or N·m, and sometimes hyphenated newton-metre... ) |
| 2002–2003 | 3.0 L 54-Degree GM 54-Degree V6 engine General Motors' Opel subsidiary in Europe designed a compact V6 engine with an odd 54° vee angle. It was an iron block/aluminum head DOHC design with 4 valves per cylinder. All 54° engines were assembled at Ellesmere Port in England.... V6 |
181 hp (135 kW) | 195 ft·lbf (264 N·m) |
| 2004–2007 | 3.5 L GM L66 GM L66 engine The L66 is an OEM V6 engine designed and built by Honda, but sold by General Motors in the Saturn Vue SUV. The L66 was acquired as part of a swap with Honda, who received the Circle L 1.7 L Diesel straight-4 for use in European Civics.... (J35A3 Honda J engine The J-series was Honda's second V6 engine family, introduced in 1996. It is a 60° V6 – Honda's existing C-series was a 90° engine. The J-series was designed for transverse mounting. It has a shorter bore spacing , shorter connecting rods, and a special smaller crankshaft than the C-series for... ) V6 |
250 hp (186 kW) | 242 ft·lbf (328 N·m) |
| 2007 | 2.4 L Ecotec LE5 I4 | 170 hp (127 kW) | 163 ft·lbf (220 N·m) |
Safety
In Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(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.
Second generation (2008–2010)
Saturn introduced the second generation Vue in 2007 for the 2008 model year, now manufactured in Mexico as a badge engineeredBadge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
version of the German-designed Opel Antara
Opel Antara
The Opel Antara is a compact crossover SUV, which was a co-development between Opel, the German subsidiary of General Motors , and GM Daewoo, the South Korean equivalent. The Antara, based on the GM Theta platform, shares its underpinnings and powertrains with the Chevrolet Captiva. However, it has...
. Saturn offered four trim levels: the "XE", "XR", the sporty "Red Line" and hybrid "Green Line". Engines ranged from a 2.4-liter inline-four to 3.5- and 3.6-liter V6s. A hybrid powertrain versions of the 2.4-liter model was also available. GM badges were now added to the front doors.
Following the demise of the Saturn brand in 2009 for the 2010 model year, the Vue was discontinued. However, GM continued to produce a Chevrolet version, the Captiva Sport, for the Mexican and South American markets. The Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available for the US commercial and fleet markets in late 2011 for the 2012 model year.
Sales
| Calendar Year | United States |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 393 |
| 2002 | 75,477 |
| 2003 | 81,924 |
| 2004 | 86,957 |
| 2005 | 91,972 |
| 2006 | 88,581 |
| 2007 | 81,676 |
| 2008 | 84,767 |
| 2009 | 28,429 |