Saturn VUE I 3.5 i V6 24V Red Line AWD (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. With a weight of 1680 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7 s). 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 AWD (253 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines the potent 253 hp V6 with all-wheel drive, delivering excellent acceleration (7 seconds 0-100 km/h) and superior traction in all conditions.
Fuel Economy
The least fuel-efficient option in the lineup, but acceptable for its high performance and AWD capability. Expect frequent trips to the pump.
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 AWD (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 |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.6 kg/Hp, 150.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 194.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1680 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 860 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 59 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4605 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1817 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1689 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2707 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1550 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1550 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| 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 | 235/60 R17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |













Behind the wheel of the Saturn VUE. How does it handle on the road?