Saturn Vue Driving Impressions Oakland CA

Compared with other five-seat crossover utility vehicles from the Japanese, Korean, European and domestic competition, the Saturn Vue behaves more like a European vehicle. That makes sense, given its German Opel roots.

Local Companies

Connell Auto Center
(510) 891-7015
2820 Broadway
Oakland, CA
Lloyd Wise Auto Center
(510) 638-4800
Oakland, CA
Coliseum Auto Sales
(510) 638-2277
7101 San Leandro St
Oakland, CA
Bay Area Kenworth
(510) 836-6100
425 Market St
Oakland, CA
B G Corporate Motors
(510) 632-2426
7700 Edgewater Dr
Oakland, CA
Golden Gate Isuzu Truck Center
(510) 632-3535
8200 Baldwin St
Oakland, CA
All American Truck & Equipment
(510) 632-5804
821 66th Ave
Oakland, CA
Melrose Ford
(510) 437-8200
3050 International Blvd
Oakland, CA
Navistar International Transportation Corp-Used Truck Center
(510) 633-1644
10 Hegenberger Ct
Oakland, CA
Saturn of Oakland
(510) 839-6400
2401 Broadway
Oakland, CA

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Driving Impressions

Compared with other five-seat crossover utility vehicles from the Japanese, Korean, European and domestic competition, the Saturn Vue behaves more like a European vehicle. That makes sense, given its German Opel roots.

The power steering is not overboosted or mushy, and has good but not great road feel. The ride is taut without being jarring, and body roll control is right up there with the best of the other Europeans, including BMW and Land Rover, so the Vue invites spirited driving, especially through long sweeping curves. Isolation from the world outside is very good.

We were very impressed with the acceleration performance from the available 3.6-liter V6. Paired with the new six-speed transmission, this engine makes the Vue smooth, quiet, and authoritative without a lot of noisy cabin intrusion. The 257-hp V6 engine is near the top of the class in terms of power and torque. It'll accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds flat. In sixth gear, the engine sound all but disappears, providing a relaxed, easy cruising mode.

We like brakes that start braking right at the top of the pedal travel, and the Saturn Vue's brakes delivered on that, with lots of braking power at the initial stab of the pedal and even more with more pedal travel, very linear and effective.

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