Saturn VUE
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The Saturn VUE is a compact SUV that was sold and built by General Motors, 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.
Saturn VUE
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Overview
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Manufacturer
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Saturn (General Motors)
(2002-2007) Opel (General Motors) (2007–2009)
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Production
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2001–2009
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Model years
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2002–2010
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Body and chassis
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Class
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Compact SUV
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Body
style
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4-door SUV
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Layout
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Transverse front-engine,
front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
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Chronology
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Predecessor
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Isuzu Rodeo (Canada)
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Successor
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Chevrolet Captiva Sport
Buick Envision
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First generation (2002–2007)
First generation
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Overview
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Manufacturer
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Production
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2001–2007
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Model
years
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2002–2007
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Assembly
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Spring Hill, Tennessee, United
States (Spring Hill Manufacturing)
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Body and chassis
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Class
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Compact SUV
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Body
style
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5-door SUV
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Related
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GM Theta platform
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Powertrain
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Engine
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2.2 L L61 I4 (gasoline)
2.4 L LAT (hybrid gasoline / electric)
3.0 L L81 V6 (gasoline)
3.5 L L66 V6 (gasoline)
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Transmission
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4-speed GM 4T45-E automatic
5-speed Aisin AF33 automatic
5-speed Honda H5 automatic
5-speed Getrag F23 manual
CVT VTi automatic
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase
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2,710 mm (106.6 in)
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Length
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4,610 mm (181.3 in)
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Width
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1,820 mm (71.5 in)
Hybrid: 1,820 mm (71.6 in)
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Height
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1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Hybrid: 1,680 mm (66.3 in)
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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 model year 2002-2007.
Four-cylinder VUE's 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 2004:
- The VUE Red Line was released
- V6 models received Honda's J35A3 engine and Honda transmission. This 3.5 liter engine and 5 speed transmission boosted performance over the prior V-6. It was an important selling point at the time. This V-6 engine was used in the Saturn VUE's 2004 to 2007 model years.
In 2005:
- 5- and 4-speed automatic transmissions return for 2005, and the CVT is dropped.
- All VUE's get a redesigned interior critique with new air vents, new steering wheel, and a new radio faceplate which contributes noise, vibration, and harshness.
In 2006:
- Facelift with new interior, cosmetic changes to the exterior.
Red Line
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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.
Green Line
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. 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 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 US market. In Canada, according to Saturn, the Vue gets 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.
The Green Line has a 170-horsepower (130 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
Years
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Engine
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Power
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Torque
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2002–2007
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2.2 L Ecotec
L61 I4
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143 hp (107 kW)
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152 lb·ft (206 N·m)
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2002–2003
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3.0 L 54-Degree V6
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181 hp (135 kW)
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195 lb·ft (264 N·m)
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2004–2007
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3.5 L GM L66 (J35A3) V6
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250 hp (186 kW)
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242 lb·ft (328 N·m)
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2007-2010
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2.4 L Ecotec
LE5 I4
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170 hp (127 kW)
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163 lb·ft (220 N·m)
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2008-2010
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3.6 L LY7 V6
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257 hp (192 kW)
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248 lb·ft (336 N·m)
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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.
Second generation (2008–2010)
Second generation
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Overview
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Manufacturer
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Also
called
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Vauxhall Antara
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Production
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2007–2009
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Model
years
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2008–2010
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Assembly
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Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
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Body and chassis
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Class
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Compact SUV
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Body
style
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5-door SUV
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Plaform
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GM Theta platform
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Related
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Chevrolet Captiva Sport
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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. Engines ranged from a 2.4-liter straight-four to 3.5- and 3.6-liter V6 powertrains. 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. 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.
Trim Levels and Standard Equipment
The second-generation 2008-2010 Saturn VUE was available in four trim levels, each with their own level of standard equipment:
XE: The XE was the base Saturn VUE trim level. It included the following standard equipment: Sixteen-inch all-season tires, sixteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD player and auxiliary audio input jack, six-speaker audio system, cloth seating surfaces, keyless entry, manually-adjustable front bucket seats, aluminum interior trim, black front bumper, exterior color-keyed rear bumper, 2.4L Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, and an automatic transmission. Additional options included an A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth for wireless phone connectivity, eight-speaker 'Saturn Advanced' premium audio system with subwoofer, a power front driver's bucket seat, remote vehicle starter system, OnStar, faux wood interior trim, and 3.6L V6 engine.
XR: The XR was the top-of-the-line Saturn VUE trim level. It included the following standard equipment, adding to the base XE trim level: Seventeen-inch all-season tires, seventeen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, A/M-F/M stereo with XM Satellite Radio, single-disc CD/MP3 player, and auxiliary audio input jack, OnStar, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, vehicle information center, power front bucket seats, faux wood interior trim, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, and 3.6L V6 engine. Additional options included a touch-screen GPS navigation system, A/M-F/M stereo with six-disc CD/MP3 changer and auxiliary audio input jack, Bluetooth for wireless phone connectivity, power sunroof, and eight-speaker 'Saturn Advanced' premium audio system with subwoofer.
Red Line: The Red Line was the "performance-oriented" Saturn VUE trim level. It included the following standard equipment, adding to the top-of-the-line XR trim level: Eighteen-inch all-season tires, eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces with microfiber inserts, remote vehicle starter system, aluminum interior trim, and red color accent stitching for seats, steering wheel, and center console lid. Additional options included a touch-screen GPS navigation system, Bluetooth for wireless phone connectivity, power sunroof, and eight-speaker 'Saturn Advanced' premium audio system with subwoofer. The Red Line trim level of Saturn VUE was discontinued in 2010 as the Saturn VUE ended production.
Green Line or Hybrid: The Green Line was the Hybrid version of the Saturn VUE. While not based on any particular Saturn VUE trim level (it was available with both the same as the XE and XR Saturn VUE trim levels), it included the following standard equipment, similar to the Saturn VUE XE trim level: Seventeen-inch all-season tires, seventeen-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack, OnStar, additional chrome exterior accents, 'HYBRID' door decals (2009-2010 Hybrid models, could also be deleted), front door 'Hybrid' emblems (2009-2010 Hybrid models), a 2.4L Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine with electric motor, vehicle information center, and color-keyed front and rear bumpers. Additional options included leather-trimmed seating surfaces (including power front bucket seats and dual heated front bucket seats), remote vehicle starter system, A/M-F/M stereo with six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer and auxiliary audio input jack, a touch-screen GPS navigational radio with Hybrid information system, Bluetooth for wireless phone connectivity, deletion of the 'HYBRID' door decals, a power sunroof, XM Satellite Radio, and eight-speaker 'Saturn Advanced' premium audio system with subwoofer. In 2009, the Green Line Saturn VUE was renamed Hybrid.
Sales
Calendar Year
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United States
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2001
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393
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2002
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75,478
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2003
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81,924
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2004
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86,957
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2005
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91,972
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2006
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88,581
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2007
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81,676
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2008
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84,767
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2009
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28,429
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Back to Saturn Corporation
Last updated on 11 January 2017, at 02:51.
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