Saturn Vue

The Saturn Vue is a compact sport utility vehicle manufactured by General Motors’ Saturn marquee; it has been one of the best promotional models for Saturn. The Saturn vue is the first and foremost model to use the concept of General Motors theta platform. The Saturn vue is the oldest model manufactured in the Saturn array. The second generation Saturn vehicle is instigated in 2007 and is sold as 2008 model. The Saturn vue is also called as Chevrolet captiva in the countries like Europe, Brazil, and Mexico.

First Generation

The Saturn was introduced to the automobile market in the year 2002 and the design part handled by Saturn. The Saturn manufacturing took place in spring hill, GM manufacturing plant. The first generation body design platform took the concept of Pontiac torrent and Chevrolet equinox. The Saturn first generation model ran between 2002 ad 2007.

Initially the Saturn vue with 4 cylinders use the Ecotec 14 –V6 engine and a five speed auto-transmission. In 2004, the Saturn vue started using the 6 cylinder engines outfitted with Honda’s 250 Horsepower. The 4-cylinder vue was accessible with CVT.

Models in Saturn Vue Lineup

Now, let us take a look at the various models in the Saturn Vue lineup.

Red Line (2004)

Saturn started manufacturing the high performance version in the form of Vue red line in the year 2004, which was incorporated with a sportier suspension for improved performance, and it delivered 250 hp. It was offered with 18 in alloy wheels, suede seats made up of extraordinary black leather, lightening at the footwell, and some special interior features.

Green Line (2007)

Along with the Saturn Vue Red Line, the Green Line model was introduced in the year 2007. The fuel efficiency of the vehicle was 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highways; this was the highest mileage vehicle sold in the U.S (in its segment).

Second Generation (2008-Present)

The second generation Vue was introduced in 2008; the trim levels in current Saturn Vue lineup include XR, XE, hybrid green line and sporty red line. The standard engine is a 2.4 liter Ecotec capable of delivering 169 horsepower. The optional engine comprise of a 3.5 L-V6 engine that generates 222 Hp.

Red Line – Second Generation

The Saturn Vue Red Line in second generation uses the good old 3.6L V6 engine of the XR version; however, the red line second generation underwent few additional modifications. The XR models were incorporated with tap shift, 6-sped auto-transmission, and fresh stabilizer bars as well as unique brushings were installed on this version.

Green Line and 2-Mode Hybrid models

The Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid versions made use of the same 2.4 L Ecotec engine. The optimizations and Software updates enhanced the operation and rendered advanced fuel economy. The fuel economy of the vehicle went up to 25 mpg in city and 32 mpg on the highways.

The stronger full hybrid models were introduced in 2009 and it was joined with a hybrid version of 3.6 liter V6 engine capable of generating 262 HP and a torque of 250 lb-ft. The towing capacity of the vehicle went up to 3500 lbs.

For the year 2010, General Motors is planning to release a hybrid version, based on the two mode hybrid platform.