Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Saturn VUE I 3.5 i V6 24V Red Line (253 Hp)
Overall Rating
Saturn VUE:
The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was built and marketed by Saturn, 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 facelifted for the 2006 model year. A second generation model was launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year as a rebadged Opel Antara.
Vue production in North America ended as GM discontinued the Saturn brand as part of the 2009 General Motors Chapter 11 reorganization....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Saturn VUE (I). With 327 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1610 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Saturn VUE I was not tested by Euro NCAP. US-based safety ratings (NHTSA, IIHS) showed mixed results, with good frontal crash protection but concerns regarding side impact safety without optional airbags.
3.5 i V6 24V Red Line (253 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Transforms the VUE into a surprisingly quick and sporty compact SUV. The 253 hp V6 provides strong acceleration and confident highway passing power.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is significantly lower than the 4-cylinder models, as expected for a powerful V6. It's a trade-off for performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Versatile interior with ample cargo space
- • Available powerful V6 engines (especially Red Line)
- • Dent-resistant polymer body panels
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • Interior quality can feel cheap
- • Base 4-cylinder engine is underpowered for some
- • Some models had transmission issues (especially early automatics)
- • Road noise can be noticeable
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I: 2001 - 2007).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Saturn |
| Model: | VUE |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 i V6 24V Red Line (253 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 253 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.9 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 327 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | L66 More details about the engine L66 |
| Engine displacement: | 3471 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 9.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.4 kg/Hp, 157.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1610 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 860 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 59 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4605 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1817 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1689 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2707 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1550 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1550 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
Describe your experience with the Saturn VUE using only emojis!