2009 Saturn Vue in Morehead City, NC - $9,490

As compact five-door SUV with European-inspired design infused with sporty ride and handling attributes, the 2008 Vue is the latest Saturn model to showcase the brand’s new design character and focus on positive driving characteristics.

The new Vue’s exterior exhibits the automaker’s new European-inspired design cues, with a clean, sculpted and distinctively sporty look. The tapered roof line is one of the design cues drawn from the PreVue concept shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show.

Offered by the automaker in XE and XR trim levels, the Vue models are distinguished from each other by specific fascias, rocker panels and wheel opening trim. All V6 models include dual chrome exhaust. Additional model differentiation is accomplished with wheel treatments that include 16-inch alloy wheels on XE models and 17-inch alloy wheels for the uplevel XR.

Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations; the new Vue is powered by a Ecotec 2.4L four-cylinder or 3.5L V6 engine. The base gearbox is the Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed electronically-controlled automatic. A six-speed automatic is standard on V6-equipped XE and XR models.

On the road, the upmarket V6 powertrain delivers a solid performance at speed â€"- smooth and quiet, with reassuringly predictable and even handling.

At the core of the Vue’s European-inspired driving character is a stiff, steal body-frame integral structure. Ride and handling are augmented by different levels of specific spring-rate and wheel-travel tuning: XE/XR V6 or XE/XR four-cylinder. A four-wheel independent suspension system utilizes traditional hardware that has proven its worth over the years. A MacPherson strut-type front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar along with a double-isolated engine cradle benefits ride and handling. Rear suspension hardware consists of a trailing arm assembly with three lateral locating links, stabilizer bar and coil springs.

Inside the cabin, the upscale theme continues with refined materials and precise fit and finish. Designers used lighter colors to bring a greater sense of spaciousness to the cabin and incorporated an array of useful storage solutions. The Vue interior is equipped with a host of standard comfort and convenience features which include: flip-down second-row armrest with storage; CD stereo with MP3 capability; and heated front seats.

Seating is very comfortable and the driver enjoys an elevated view of the road without the heavy weight of a traditional SUV. Second row passengers are treated to a flat floor, easy second row entry/exit and a 60/40 split rear seat, and the front passenger seat back folds flat for maximum versatility. A novel rear cargo management system features removable, adjustable upper and lower rails and storage nets to contain a variety of items. Additionally the Vue is equipped with storage capability beneath the cargo load floor.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 106.6; overall length: 180.1; width: 72.8; height: 67.0 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder -- 169 hp at 6,200 rpm and 161 lbs-ft of torque at 5,100 rpm; 3.5L V6 -- 222 hp at 5,900 rpm and 219 lbs-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm; 3.6L V6 â€"- 257 hp at 6,500 rpm and 248 lbs-ft of torque at 2,100 rpm.

Transmission: four-speed automatic and six-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 2.4L â€"- 19 city/26 hwy.; 3.5L V6 -â€" 15 city/22 hwy.; 3.6L V6 (FWD) â€"- 16 city/23 hwy., (AWD) -â€" 16 city/22 hwy.

Cargo capacity: 56.4 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico.

US/Canada: 51 percent.

Mexico: 36 percent.

Engine/transmission: USA.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, battery rundown protection, OnStar communications system, security system, engine immobilizer, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system, traction control, tire pressure monitor, automatic power door locks, remote keyless entry system, automatic headlamp control and daytime running lights. XR adds fog lights.

Optional safety features include: garage door opener, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, remote engine start and navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Saturn Vue SUV starts from $20,770 for the XE up to $26,270 for the XR AWD. Destination charges add $625.

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