Used 2007 Saturn VUE

Now entering its fifth year of production, the Saturn VUE compact SUV has made great strides since its introduction, showing a big improvement in the areas of quality, performance and value. Designed to compete with such popular competitors as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the 2007 VUE tackles the competition by offering a wider choice of engine options as well as a few unique features uncommon in this class. Consumers looking to downsize from their fuel-thirsty V8-powered SUVs, but who still need the versatility, may find the VUE an attractive alternative. Still, with many competitors now offering a third-row seat, the VUE’s aging platform places it behind the curve when it comes to maximum seating capacity.

With 248 horsepower and a firmer suspension, the VUE Red Line will be the favorite of those who want more performance and sharper handling. At the other end of the VUE performance spectrum, the four-cylinder engine will, obviously, have acceleration that’s quite a bit more sedate but, in the exchange, will cost less to buy and deliver better fuel economy. The hybrid VUE Green Line will give the best fuel economy of the lot, with acceleration somewhere in the middle. As is typical of hybrids, Green Line owners can expect to see the best fuel economy advantages in stop-and-go driving, because the gasoline engine shuts off when the vehicle is stopped and deceleration utilizes regenerative braking to recharge the battery pack.

Inside are a host of clever compartments, including two bins in the rear cargo area that are each capable of holding a one-gallon milk jug firmly in place. There are also rear hooks for hanging shopping bags and a pull strap that makes it easier to close the rear hatch. Up front are two comfortable bucket seats divided by a wide center console with more storage areas and dual cup holders. Rear-seat passengers will also enjoy open and roomy space, highlighted by a reclining 70/30 split-bench seat. The front passenger seat folds completely flat so you can load long objects and close the rear hatch.

The clean lines of the VUE’s exterior are plain and simple. Other than its new grille and headlight treatment and the sculpted side-sweep line, you’d never know this was a Saturn vehicle. On the flip side, this "blank-slate" look lends itself perfectly to aftermarket parts and accessories.

Cargo Cutouts for Milk
The convenient cargo area includes special cutouts to hold one-gallon milk jugs.

Red Line Option
The Red Line option adds a sporting flavor.

The VUE features a 2.2-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, rear defroster, illuminated entry, cruise control, front and rear power outlets, AM/FM stereo, tilt steering wheel, full wheel covers, keyless entry, OnStar, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors and a rear wiper/washer. The VUE Green Line includes the same features but has a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The V6 model adds a 248-horsepower V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels, traction control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Options include all-wheel drive (V6 only), heated front seats, a six-way power driver’s seat, alloy wheels, power sunroof, leather seats, rear-seat DVD player, AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 playback, a head-curtain airbag and the Red Line performance package available only with the V6.

Though not terribly potent, the VUE’s four-cylinder engine is on par with those offered by Hyundai, Toyota and Jeep. Those seeking more power or the need for all-wheel drive will want the Honda-derived V6; it’s worth every penny. A nice compromise that won’t break the bank is the new 2.4-liter hybrid option. Rated at 170 horsepower, the hybrid employs a motor/generator that kicks in to assist with quick starts and high-speed passing maneuvers. The gasoline engine shuts off when at idle and is quickly started again once the accelerator is depressed. A battery pack located beneath the floor provides power to the motor/generator and is recharged by the same unit whenever the vehicle decelerates.

2.2-liter in-line 4
144 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
152 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 (manual), 22/27 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4 with Hybrid Motor
170 horsepower @ 6300 rpm
160 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/32

3.5-liter V6
248 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
242 lb.-ft. of torque 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (FWD), 19/25 (AWD)