When Saturn released the first Vue Green Line in 2006, it was underwhelming in a major way.  The EPA MPG ratings were barely above those of the regular Vue, and real-world testing revealed about the same.  In other words, Saturn was asking you to pay more for very little real benefit.  My, how things change,and quickly at that.

Brand new for 2008, the new Vue has been getting great reviews.  The look is much better than the last version, and quality has gone up too.  The Vue Green Line is the first of three planned hybrid versions of the Vue ( Why three?  Stay tuned to find out ), and is rated at an incredible-for-an-SUV 25 MPG city / 32 MPG highway.  This compares quite favorably to the current King of the SUV Mileage, the Ford Escape Hybrid.  Here’s a quick comparison of their EPA estimates:

As you can see, the Ford beats the Vue handily around town ( thanks to Toyota’s fantastic HSD system ), but the Vue comes out ahead on the highway.  32 MPG on the highway from a people mover is pretty dang impressive, at least in today’s world.  Hopefully in a few years things will get better, but that’s a topic for another day.

The two additional planned Vue Hybrids include one using GM’s vaunted Two-Mode hybrid system, and the “real deal”, a Two-mode system with a lithium ion battery pack and plug-in recharging ability.  The plug-in Vue is probably several years away, at best.  If Gm can manage to get this one to market quickly ( i.e. before Toyota has a similar one on the road ), and prices it right, they could corner this market in a hurry.

GM and I don’t get along most of the time.  It pains me to see them make mistake after mistake.  But when they hit a home run, I am the first to get them an “attaboy”.  The Vue Green Line is a winner, no question.  And with a base price of $24,795 ( a bit less than a base Escape Hybrid ), there will be buyers.  Saturn is becoming a relevant brand in a hurry – Toyota and Honda should take notice.  GM may have it’s faults, but Saturn is on the right track today.

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When you look at the 2008 Saturn VUE, you’re likely to say “Golly, that looks an awful lot like the new Honda CR-V.”  And dag-nabit you’d be right, the new Vue looks far more like the CR-V than it does the old Vue.  And, truth be told, that’s not a terrible thing.  Honda sells tons of their funky CR-V, so it’s a good vehicle to imitate.

The 2008 Vue is available with 3 different engines – a wheezy 4 cylinder, a decent 3.5 liter V6, and a powerful 3.6 liter V6.  For some reason Saturn, along with nearly all American brands, feels the need to offer several different V6 engines.  Notice that no major Japanese brands offer multiple V6′s in the same vehicle.  If there are two engines, it’s a 4 cylinder and a V6.  No second V6, it simply adds confusion.

On the base 2008 Vue, Saturn cheaped out and stuck with the ancient 4 speed slushbox.  Once again Saturn, it’s 2007, and 4 speed automatics are not acceptable anymore on a vehicle costing more than about $9,000.  5 speeds is the minimum, with a strong preference towards six.  Fortunately, Saturn did drop the 6 speed automatic into all of their V6 models, including the XE, XR and Redline.  On the V6′s, you also have your choice of FWD or AWD. 

There is no Green Line Hybrid Vue yet, though hopefully one will make an appearance soon, with an updated hybrid system to go along with it’s newly found good looks.

2008 Saturn VUE Specs

• 164 HP 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine
• 222 HP 3.5 liter V6 ( XE trim )
• 257 HP 3.6 liter V6 ( XR & Redline trim )
• FWD or available AWD
• 4 speed automatic transmission
• 6 speed automatic on XE, XR, and Redline trims 
• Side and curtain airbags standard
• 4 wheel ABS standard

2008 Saturn VUE Reviews

Cars.com reviews the 2008 Saturn VUE and writes – ‘Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder found that our XR V-6 didn’t snap back to center very well after turns, and it had dramatic torque steer. Many front-drive cars with any torque to speak of exhibit this, but nowadays most of them keep the vehicle going straight despite some wobble in the steering wheel, sometimes through the use of traction control. Under hard acceleration, our Vue’s steering consistently jerked to the side and stayed off-center, inducing a sustained turn. We’ll keep an open mind because this was an early production model. If you experience this — or don’t — drop us an email.’

Autobytel reviews the 2008 Saturn VUE and writes – ‘Forget everything you know about the Vue, from its dumpy shape to the ill-fitting plastic body panels. The 2008 Vue is based on a European-designed model from Opel called the Antera. It is altered only slightly inside and out, mostly to accommodate Saturn badges on the exterior and GM’s standard American switchgear inside. The Vue itself is the first of a new line of truly global products from General Motors. The basic platform will eventually replace the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent (hooray!), and much of the work was spread between GM’s North American, European and Korean divisions.’

The Car Connection reviews the 2008 Saturn VUE and writes – ‘GM has not been known for its interiors, at least not in recent years, but Saturn has been pushing the proverbial envelope with new offerings, such as the Aura sedan and, now, with the Vue. Our XR boasted a two-tone finish, with gray leather seats matching the bottom of the door panels. Most materials, dash and door alike, were soft touch, an unexpectedly upscale detail. Better yet, the design department has effectively banished that cheesy black plastic that cheapens even some high-line GM products in favor of a satin gray stack and matte chrome details around vents and gauges.’

Detroit News reviews the 2008 Saturn VUE and writes – ‘The new Vue’s exterior is more innocuous than decisive. It looks nice, but it looks like everything else. If you want something that stands out, go elsewhere. That’s not a negative comment, nice and inoffensive seems to be exactly what many consumers want. Everything on the exterior is thought out and precise. Things like the dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, the front fender moldings with a turn indicator mounted in it, and the roof rack are nice touches.’

Motor Trend reviews the 2008 Saturn VUE and writes – ‘So how’s it feel? The loaded XR AWD Vue sampled here represents a quantum leap in refinement, but tips the scales at over 4300 pounds. That makes it feel sluggish off the line (blame tall economy-minded gearing) and less than nimble at the helm, though body control and overall performance are admirable. Our tester weighs almost 600 pounds more than a RAV4 Sport V6 4WD and 100 pounds more than a Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD-two competitors that offer third-row seating and carry 16-20 cubes more cargo. Another unflattering fact: Most dimensions measure larger outside but smaller inside than the key rivals’-of course, that’s when measured before hitting the wall.’

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While the Saturn Aura is new here, the platform has been on the European market for 6 years – hardly a new vehicle when you look at it that way. GM is hard at work, trying to keep things fresh, so here we have a first look at the 2009 Saturn Aura / Opel Vectra. The new platform is wider, taller, more spacious, and expected to handle better than the current one.

A new 2.8 liter V6 is reportedly being developed – a tad on the small side for a new V6, and a bit pointless, in my mind. Leave the small engines to 4 cylinders and reap the fuel economy gains. If you’re going to built a V6, make it a minimum of 3.0 liters ( really 3.5 these days ). Anyway, this new Aura is tough to see with all the body cladding, so we’ll have to wait for some new pics to judge it.

Check out the rest of the pics here.

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I’ve been honest about my feelings concerning the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line before – I even crowned it the Worst Hybrid Ever. Now that it’s out, and some people have had a chance to drive it, has my opinion changed? Well, no, not really. Here are my 2 main problems with the Aura Green Line:

1. 4 speed automatic – need I say more? It’s 2007 folks. Get with the program… 5 is an absolute minimum number of gears.

2. 28 MPG / 35 MPG – And this is a hybrid? GM – if you’re going to make a hybrid, then please, by all means, do it right. Look at the Prius or Civic Hybrid for inspiration. These are successful hybrids, that can run with the engine off. There is no need for a hybrid that cannot run on electric power alone – that defeats the purpose of the hybrid, and takes away one of it’s biggest benefits.

I understand why GM didn’t go the Prius route, and make a standalone model, with funky aerodynamic styling. There is ultimately a limited market for this, and adding a new model wouldn’t be the best idea. So it would make more sense to go the Civic Hybrid, or Camry Hybrid route, and add a hybrid powertrain to the Aura. However, they failed to follow through and do it right, and ended up with a sub-par “hybrid”, when they could’ve had an absolute standout.

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Specs

• 164 HP 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine
• HP electric motor
• 4 speed automatic
• 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
• Curtain airbags standard
• EPA Says : 28 MPG city / 35 MPG highway

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Reviews

Wheels.ca reviews the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line and writes – ‘Twenty minutes into the drive and I’ve already passed all-too familiar Toronto the Good landmarks like the Hockey Hall of Fame, (been there), and the Eaton Centre and Dundas Square (done that). The 12 km/h, stop-and-go pace only highlights all the efforts the Aura goes though to save precious fossil fuel. Like most other hybrids, the Aura Green Line shuts down its gas engine when you decelerate or come to a stop. Initially off-putting, after awhile, you get used to the silence at lights and the guilt-free knowledge that you’re not wasting fuel idling. It’s taken me 45 minutes to cross under the 401, heading into North York, where traffic comes to a crawl again. The Saturn’s trip computer numbers aren’t very encouraging. I’ve only managed 15.2 L/100 km fuel consumption, averaging 17 km/h. So much for saving the planet.’

Autoweek reviews the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line and writes – ‘General Motors’ hybrid system eschews the high-tech equipment found in the transmissions of the competitors’ offerings; instead, it uses a motor/generator connected by a belt to the dual-cam engine’s crankshaft. The motor helps most under acceleration, as we found in the Vue. It also allows the gasoline engine to shut down when the car stops and cuts fuel delivery while decelerating. Since the system never runs solely on electricity, there’s no cute video screen showing the energy flow (an “ECO” light on the dash glows green when the electric motor activates, and a gauge informs you when the battery charges), and the lower power and torque figures don’t provide the same rush as other hybrid sedans.’

Hybrid Cars and Trucks reviews the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line and writes – ‘We should admit, the Aura Green Line hybrid car has no refinement of that Honda Hybrid Accord or Toyota Camry has. Besides all, this vehicle is a huge accomplishment for Saturn Company in their desire to satisfy Aura customers.’

Kicking Tires reviews the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line and writes – ‘The Aura Green Line has what’s called a mild hybrid system that supplements the car’s four-cylinder gasoline engine with additional power from an electric motor/generator when accelerating. The car doesn’t move on battery power alone, like a Prius. The Aura’s total system output is 164 hp, which is adequate, and more importantly it operates seamlessly. If you didn’t know you were driving a hybrid, there’s relatively little from the driving experience — apart from the engine shut-off feature when the car comes to a stop — to clue you in to the fact.’

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Review is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

Saturn announced the  pricing on the new 2008 Aura green line Hybrid.  MSRP will start at $22,695 ( includes destination charge ) – and since it’s a Saturn, what you see is what you pay.  This makes the Aura the cheapest Hybrid available – cheaper than the Civic Hybrid, and cheaper than the Prius, though by a negligible amount.  So what’s the ruckus?

The Aura Hybrid’s EPA estimates are 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway.  Wait, what?  Compared to the Prius’ 45+mpg real world mileage, and the Civic Hybrid’s 40-45 mpg real world mileage, I’m not impressed.  Heck, even the good old fashioned, dinosaur-only fueled Nissan Altima 4 banger is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway.  To top it off, the Altima puts out 175 HP vs the Aura Green Line’s 160 HP.  Pricing for the Altima starts at $21085, including destination.  Is $1,600 worth 2 extra mpg in the city? 

I think we can officially crown the Aura Green Line the Worst Hybrid Ever.

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Saturn is progressing quickly into becoming GM’s ‘Europe in America’ brand.  Considering the utter blandness that is most of Saturn’s models, I say great!  As part of this movement, we have the upcoming 2008 Saturn Astra, available in both a 2 and 4 door hatchback.  Power will come from a 140 horse, 1.8 liter 4 banger.  For some reason, Saturn still thinks it’s 1996, and will be dropping a 4 speed automatic in this puppy.  Saturn, it wasn’t ok 2 years ago, it sure as heck isn’t ok for a 2008 model.  5 speeds can be considered the minimum these days.

Fortunately, Saturn did get the safety memo, and tons of goodies will be making their way inside the Astra in that regard.  The Astra will have all this standard – ABS, six airbags standard, 4 wheel disc brakes, and stability control.  Look for the Astra by the end of 2007.

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Saturn is famous for their pricing policy – the price is on the sticker, and that’s final.  If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to buy something else.  Now GM’s rejuvenated one-price brand is adding a new trick to their bag – test drives at your home.  Anyone who is in the market for a Saturn, and wants to test-drive one, can simply pick up the phone and call their local dealer.  The dealer will arrange to deliver a new Saturn to the potential customer’s home for the test-drive.  The program even allows for the customer to hang on to the car while they run some errands, to get a better feel for the car.

The point of Saturn doing this is twofold.  One, they’re trying to re-affirm that they are the most customer-friendly brand on the market.  Not only do you not have to haggle to get a good price, you don’t even have to leave your home to drive our cars.  I think the gesture is a solid one in that regard.  On the other side of the coin, Saturn is trying to cater to the people that are ‘too busy’ to come out and drive a car.  This part, I simply don’t buy, and here’s why.

If you’re a regular Joe, the kind of person who would consider a Saturn, then chances are you haven’t quite made up your mind on the *exact* model that you want to own.  You’re the kind of guy who goes to the dealership and spends half the Saturday there, driving a few different vehicles or trim levels to find the one you like best.  At-home test drives really don’t help this guy out, because the dealership can only bring one car at a time.  Arranging for multiple at-home test drives is inefficient and a waste of time for everyone involved.  If you happen to be more of a business executive kind of guy, who works 80+ hours a week and just can’t get away, then this program isn’t really for you either.  Chances are that you’ve researched the options to death, and you know exactly what you want, what trim level, and what options.  However, it’s not a Saturn that’s on your list.  More likely it’s a Mercedes or a Lexus instead.

While I think the program will win Saturn some feel-good points, it really wasn’t all that well planned out, and doesn’t fit their target market.  Now if Lexus begins to offer test-drives are your place of business, they’ll have a hit on their hands.  Lexus, you listening?

Source.

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. Want to test drive a Saturn? Stay at home is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.

The 2007 Saturn Outlook is built on the same platform as the new GMC Arcadia – an all-new unibody platform. GM is betting a lot on these two cousins, and they’re betting a lot on the new platform. Why unibody over a body-on-frame? Well, unibody promises better ride quality, lighter weight, and most importantly, better fuel economy. It sounds better all around, right? Just about – you do lose some towing capacity, and off-road prowess. Of course, upwards of 95% of SUV buyers never see dirt roads and trails. And many don’t use nearly the maximum towing capacity available to them. GM knows this, and that’s why the Saturn Outlook came into being. Overall, it’s a pretty nice looking vehicle, and it sounds like it’s comfortable and rides well too. Read on to find out the details..

2007 Saturn Outlook Specs

• 270 HP 3.6 liter V6
• FWD or available AWD
• 4500 lbs max towing capacity
• Seating for up to 8
• EPA says 18 MPG city / 26 MPG highway

2007 Saturn Outlook Reviews

The Car Connection reviews the 2007 Saturn Outlook and is impressed by the interior – ‘Inside, the Outlook is one of the best examples of the interior design renaissance at GM. Instead of the previous layered dash of, say, the Vue SUV, the Outlook’s dashboard sweeps smoothly and cleanly from door to door. The XR version has woodgrain insets that are light years better than are found in, for example, the GMC Envoy. Analog instruments are neat and classy. Cloth upholstery is standard, while leather is optional.’

Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com reviews the 2007 Saturn Outlook and writes – ‘Because it’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Outlook has both decent acceleration overall and efficient cruising. I stress overall because the drivetrain has what I consider a significant deficiency: accelerator lag. As I mentioned, once the car gets going it has decent power, but there’s often a delay after you step on the pedal before the Outlook responds.’

Edmunds.com reviews the 2007 Saturn Outlook and writes – ‘The 2007 Saturn Outlook doesn’t aspire to be sporty and thus doesn’t quite fall into the “fun to drive” camp, but it’s not ponderous either; it handles with more confidence than you’d expect from a vehicle weighing more than 4,700 pounds. Ride quality is forgiving without being wallowy. Its 3.6-liter V6s are smooth at almost every rev range and deliver enough power to handle most performance demands with ease.’

The Detroit News reviews the 2007 Saturn Outlook and writes – ‘Our passengers, including those in the third-row seat, rode happily. Even with all three seats up, we were able to pack all of their stuff into the rear luggage compartment. Because the Outlook is based on a unitized car platform, it rode low to the ground, like a car, which meant the older, less agile members of our families easily entered and exited the vehicle.’

Autosite.com reviews the 2007 Saturn Outlook and is in love – ‘Evidence that General Motors is no longer stepping on its own feet continues to mount. Witness the Saturn Outlook, a large crossover SUV that drives better than smaller rivals, looks terrific inside and out, and is priced exactly right. With a strong powertrain, composed handling, perfect suspension tuning, and stout brakes, the Outlook is actually fun to drive. It’s comfortable, too, with room for seven and a middle seat that slides for added leg room.’

Hi there – could you help spread the word about Houston Cars? I could really use your help in getting my work out to new readers. If you would send someone a link, email, or even mention it to your friends, I would appreciate it. 2007 Saturn Outlook Review is a post from: Houston Cars, home of the best darn car reviews around.