2007 Saturn VUE Hybrid Review

The Saturn VUE Green Line, as it’s called, was designed to be simple to use, simple to understand, and very affordable. To that end, the simple version of how the VUE’s hybrid technology works is this: Saturn bolted a five-kilowatt electric motor to the engine. This takes the place of the traditional alternator. This setup is mated to a 36-volt NiMH battery, and when extra power is needed, the electric motor steps in as a “helper.” This technology is simpler and cheaper to produce than competing hybrid setups, which is part of the reason the VUE’s price tag is so low. The original VUE debuted for the 2002 model year. It has seen few changes, except for minor exterior and interior upgrades for 2006.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Saturn VUE Green Line brings hybrids into a lower price range. That said the hybrid VUE offers a limited increase in fuel efficiency over the gas powered version, though any saving on gas in the CUV class is welcome. Overall, the VUE Green Line is excellent value though the cost cutting shows in its interior quality and lack of safety features.The VUE deserves a good look.

What’s New For 2007:

The VUE Green Line is just entering the market and is the first vehicle available to the public to use its unique hybrid technology. The Green Line VUE shares most of its features with the 2006 gasoline-only model, with a few minor caveats. There are numerous tweaks to the dashboard and gauges to accommodate information particular to the Green Line. For instance, the tachometer has a position below zero to indicate when the gasoline engine is not being used; there’s a green ECO light which turns on when the VUE is meeting or exceeding its EPA estimated economy; and it has a charge-assist meter. Other accents to the design have been made to distinguish the Green Line from its V6 gasoline-powered cousin, such as a spoiler, Green Line badges, standard alloy wheels, and chrome trim on the lower sides of the fascias.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

The Green Line is too new to have long term reliability data available yet. However, J.D. Power and Associates gives it three out of five stars in initial reliability. Automotive Information Systems gave the 2004 VUE an overall green rating. Problems that plagued the first two years of the VUE include loose exhaust manifold bolts, inaccurate fuel gauges, engine lubrication problems, and a faulty defroster. Expect above average reliability out of the VUE. The standard warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the VUE its highest rating in front impact crash tests and the lowest available for side impacts. This low rating could be mitigated by upgrading to head-curtain airbags, though. Also, the VUE received five out of five stars for front and side impact tests in government crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traction control, anti-lock brake system (ABS), and front airbags are standard, with side curtain airbags available as an option. There has been one noteworthy recall for the VUE: In 2002, it was recalled for faulty rear outboard seat belts.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Least expensive hybrid CUV available
+ Comes with many features standard
+ Excellent fuel economy

Cons
– Poor IIHS side impact rating
– Cost-cutting apparent from interior design
– Unknown hybrid reliability

Head-To-Head Competition:

There aren’t a lot of hybrid CUVs on the market yet. The closest in price to the Green Line is the Ford Escape Hybrid, but even it costs about $3,000 more. The Escape’s somewhat weaker engine and continuously variable transmission give it a leg up on fuel efficiency; it gets nine miles per gallon more in the city than the VUE. The similar Mercury Mariner Hybrid has an even weaker engine, less fuel efficiency than the Escape, and costs $5,000 more than the Green Line. The other option is the incredibly expensive Lexus RX Hybrid, which features a powerful 268 horsepower engine, but gets about the same gas mileage as the VUE, all for about twice the price.

What Others Are Saying:

“Critics of the “high-priced” hybrid car models finally have a reason to rejoice. Saturn unveiled pricing for the 2007 Vue Green Line hybrid, and it’s the cheapest on the market yet.” – Motor Trend

“We found the Green Line ran more quietly and more smoothly than the base Vue with the identical 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. In fact, transitions from gas-only to electric-assist and even the auto-stop and restart features all engaged more smoothly than in a Honda Civic hybrid or a Mercury Mariner hybrid we recently tested.” – Auto Week

“The 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line is the first vehicle to use G.M.’s belt alternator starter (BAS) system. Combined with regenerative braking and a modified 4-speed automatic transmission, the system will give what G.M. is calling the “mild hybrid” version of the VUE a 12-15 percent improvement in fuel economy.” – HybridCars.com

Read more about the 2007 Saturn VUE Hybrid at the Saturn manufacturer web site.