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2004 Saturn VUE Red Line

16 octobre 2004

par Alexandra Straub


Round Two of the Red Lines

My older brother went through high school before me, of course, and although we are a couple of years apart we ended up taking
I made the mistake of expecting the VUE Red Line to be similar to its ION sibling. In other words, I had low expectations of the sporty SUV. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
most of the same classes with many of the same teachers. With my brother establishing the family reputation it's no wonder some teachers had preconceived ideas of what to expect when they saw Straub on the attendance roll, but like so many things in life you can't always go by name associated assumptions.

But who am I to talk? I did the same thing before picking up Saturn's new VUE Red Line, thinking that it would be just like the ION Red Line I tested a short while ago. I judged it to be a relatively good car for its make, but it left me wanting for more refinement. Based on its shortcomings I'm embarrassed to admit that when I
The VUE Red Line was surprisingly good, and nicely topped its sibling in every category that matters to me. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
initially got behind the wheel of the VUE I had minimal expectations. That's where the sporty SUV surprised me, and nicely topped its sibling in every category that matters to me.

I immediately noticed a difference in performance. Its impressive 3.5-liter 24-valve, DOHC, Honda-derived V6 is powerful and responsive, putting 250 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm down to the road via all of its wheels. The Red Line's five-speed automatic transmission shifts each gear smoothly and subtly, making for a really enjoyable drivetrain. I should mention, however, that you don't have to step up to the Red Line package to enjoy this engine, as it comes as an option in both front- and all-wheel drivetrains.



What is specific to the Red Line package, however, is a set of snazzy P245/50S R18 all-season tires mounted on 18-inch alloy
The 250-hp 3.5-liter 24-valve, DOHC, Honda-derived V6 is powerful and responsive. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
wheels, framing a large set of 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. A sport-tuned suspension also comes as part of the package, but I can't say I found it all that sporty. In fact, it felt a little loose. Actually its four-wheel independent suspension was just that: four wheels acting independently of each other. When I went hard into a corner I could really feel the body roll, which was a shame because was difficult to take advantage of the superb engine. I wanted to push it a little more around corners, but when I tried it just "melted" underneath, so to speak. Too bad!

The VUE's interior is basic and functional, but still not as impressive as the engine. Like the ION, Saturn's SUV doesn't have that sporty flavor. The biggest difference between the two models, however, at least from a driver's
While the Red Line package doesn't change much on the inside, the VUE's interior is basic and functional. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
perspective, is that the instrument cluster is in front of the driver and not mounted at center, which is a plus in my books. The seats are comfortably cushy, but perhaps a little too cushy for my tushy that would have rather been held in place during aggressive maneuvers. This led to more movement in the seats than if the seats were formfitting, or had better side support.

On a more positive note the Red Line package makes the VUE quite distinguishable from its non-tricked out little ION brother, due to a reworked front and rear fascia, extended rockers and bright chrome exhaust tips. The flashy, yet hardly tacky ensemble is enough to make most people take a second glance.



I, on the other hand, hardly had to take a second glance rearward from the driver's seat as visibility is pretty good for an
The VUE Red Line isn't a stand-alone model but rather a $3,000 upgrade package to the standard V6-equipped VUE. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
SUV. I was able to see a fair amount out of the rear window and its blind spots were minimal. While it's a tallish seating position it never feels truck-like, another bonus for a vehicle attempting a sporting role.

By the way, unlike its ION Red Line sibling, the VUE Red Line isn't a stand-alone model but rather a $3,000 upgrade package to either a front- or rear-drive V6-equipped VUE.

Like the regular V6 VUE, it comes standard with the Power Package, which includes power windows, door locks, side view mirrors, keyless entry remote, cruise control, and an auto dim mirror with compass and temperature gauge. Other standard features include a decent
The VUE Red Line exceeded my expectations, but to make it really great it needs the suspension of the ION Red Line and some seats that hold the backside in place. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
audio system comprised of a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, as well as dual front and rear cupholders, fog lamps, tilt steering and dual front airbags. Side-curtain airbags are optional.

Other optional features include a comfort package, which integrates driver-side lumbar support and power seat actuation, plus heated cushions on both front seats. A leather package can also be included, featuring leather seats, steering wheel and shift knob. A DVD entertainment package is also available, as are upgrades to the audio system and GM's popular OnStar system as a stand-alone option. A power glass sunroof is also available.



But what about fuel economy? This is an important subject to me and its large displacement V6 can't help the matter much. Still, its estimated fuel consumption is decent at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 L/100 km on the highway. I like that.

In the end the VUE Red Line exceeded my expectations on many levels. Now, all it needs is the suspension of the ION Red Line and some seats that hold the back in place and it would be ready to rock and roll. Well, hopefully not roll.

Specifications (VUE Red Line):

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.