2007 Saturn Vue
Saturn has always seemed the odd fish in the General Motors portfolio, its intimate, no-hassle sales approach contrasting against the General's typical hulking, global reach. But as noted by one exec at our Vue Green Line preview drive, Saturn delivers a customer that GM couldn't otherwise reach. That is, cost-conscious granola crunchers too timid to engage their local dealer in a little good-natured psychological abuse.
Everyone knows that you never get a good deal until you've lashed your sales jockey as a "dim-witted, ignorant bandit" or "juvenile swine of a Nixon youth." But in the same way we tolerate those who eat tofurkeys on Thanksgiving, so too do we respect a demographic that abstains from such callous entertainment.
GM is playing the Green Line smart though, using Saturn's warm-and-fuzzies to get over on the swelling hybrid hipster choir. The Green Line Vue makes a solid opening gambit, offering impressive mileage (27 city/32 highway) and surprising value ($22,995) for a mid-size sport ute. It's Ecotec 2.4-liter gas/electric engine puts down 170hp/162 lb-ft torque to the front wheels, aided by a 55-pound nickel metal hydride pack placed under the cargo floor, between the rear wheels.
The powertrain's fuel-saving tricks include cutting off fuel delivery during deceleration and converting heat generated through braking to charge the battery pack. Car-audiophiles, take note: The hybrid Green Line Vue uses a conventional 12-volt battery for accessory power, so all the usual rules apply for setting up big-power systems. There's no alternator, though; it's been replaced by a three-phase alternating current converter.
Rating
Audio Score: 6.5 / 10
Ergonomics: 7 / 10
Navigation: NA
Key Features
MusicGate sound system with swing-down "tailgate" speakersSeven-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system that includes an 8" subwooferiPod dockOne-year free Sirius Satellite Radio subscription115-volt receptacle in the center consoleGood bass responseSteering-wheel audio controlsNo auxiliary input for MP3 players on the model testedGood but not great stereo soundMusicGate sound was weak with tailgate open