SATURN VUE

For Release: Aug. 1, 2004

New for 2005

  • Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed electronic transaxle optional on four-cylinder FWD models
  • OnStar Gen 6 hardware with upgraded hands-free capability
  • Chrome headlamp bezel
  • Chrome door handles and belt line molding (V-6 except Red Line)
  • Body color outside rearview mirrors (V-6)
  • Satin nickel film accent shift position indicator plate with new surface
  • Driver-side sun visor extender
  • Five-spoke machined aluminum alloy wheel replaces painted alloy wheel (I-4)
  • New colors: Dark Dragonfly Teal replaces Eden Green; Arrival Blue replaces Cobalt Blue; Aero Blue added for specialty, limited run (interim)
  • New seat fabric on four-cylinder models

Model Lineup:

Engines

Transmissions

Ecotec 2.2L I-4

3.5L V-6

5-spd man
(MG3 Getrag F23)

4-spd auto (Hydra-Matic 4T45-E)

5-spd auto
MJ7 (FWD)
MJ8 (AWD)

Vue 4-Cyl FWD

s

-

s

o

-

Vue 6-Cyl FWD

-

s

-

-

s

Vue 6-Cyl AWD

-

s

-

-

s

Vue Red Line (FWD or AWD)

-

s

-

-

s

Key:
Standard        s
Option             o
Not Available   -

VERSATILE, FUN-TO-DRIVE VUE ACCOMMODATES ACTIVE LIFESTYLES

With its abundant versatility and fun-to-drive manners, Saturn Vue accommodates the desire to get away and all the gear needed for the adventure. Vue’s clean styling, numerous safety features, innovative technology and vast array of accessory choices also contribute to making it a popular choice among customers with active lifestyles.

Among updates for 2005, Vue offers the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model. The available OnStar system features next-generation hardware with upgraded hands-free capability.  Vue models, in particular the V-6 versions, also benefit from several new upscale exterior and interior touches.

The Vue also builds on Saturn’s reputation for safety, earning the maximum five stars for driver and passengers in both the front- and side-impact tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Vue Red Line, which debuted in interim 2004, will mark its first full year of production in ’05, giving customers a true sport-tuned choice in the compact SUV market. The Red Line version starts with Vue’s impressive 3.5L V-6 and adds performance handling to the package.

"The Vue, and now the Vue Red Line, are playing a significant role in widening Saturn's appeal," said Scott Horn, Vue marketing manager. "Vue's combination of performance, refinement, versatility and customer-friendly innovations puts it in position to attract new fans as the compact SUV segment continues to grow."

New transmission among powertrain choices

Vue has always offered a surprisingly wide range of powertrain choices, allowing customers to select the driving dynamics that fit their personal needs and style.

New for 2005 is the choices are expanded with the addition of the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle, offered as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Vue. This General Motors transmission is known for its reliability, smoothness and efficiency, and is expected to deliver an estimated 22 mpg city driving and 26 mpg on the highway.

The standard transmission for the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Vue is a five-speed manual that delivers excellent smoothness and durability. The manual transmission includes a synchronized reverse gear, allowing the Vue to shift into reverse without grinding if the driver shifts before the car is fully stopped.

The base engine is the Ecotec 2.2L inline four-cylinder. This 16-valve, 143-horsepower (107 kw) powerplant is notable for its combination of performance, efficiency, low maintenance and smooth operation with technology familiar in premium engines, including hydraulic roller finger valve operation and electronic “drive-by-wire” throttle.

Vue also offers an advanced 3.5L V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kw) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (327 Nm). The engine's variable-valve timing helps enhance high-end power, low-end torque and fuel economy.

The most powerful engine in its segment, the 3.5L V-6 gives the Vue an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds. The V-6 is mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control, which helps eliminate hunting between gears – a benefit especially on hilly roads. Specifically engineered for Saturn Vue by Honda, the powertrain also provides towing ability up to 3,500 pounds.

Vue models equipped with the five-speed manual, the Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic or the V-6 powertrain can be flat-towed – pulled behind another vehicle without needing to use a special dolly – making Vue an ideal choice for RV owners.

The Vue is equipped with an advanced electric power steering system for precise steering at lower speeds and confident feel on the highway. Four-wheel independent suspension is a key to Vue's controlled ride and responsive handling on a wide range of surfaces.

Versatile interior

The Saturn Vue's interior balances style, space and versatility, in a spacious yet efficient package with room for five people plus 30.8 cubic feet (872L) of cargo space. With the 70/30 split second-row seat folded flat, cargo area volume increases to 63.8 cubic feet (1,807L). The front passenger seatback also folds flat to help transport long items.

The interior design also includes a number of clever storage solutions, such as a rear cargo organizer that flips up to hold grocery bags, and side storage bins that can hold water bottles or other cargo. Bins, pockets and other storage spaces throughout the Vue help prevent clutter.

A six-way power driver's seat is available as part of the Seat Comfort Package that also includes heated seats and lumbar support.

Interior upgrades for 2005 include a satin nickel filmaccent shift position indicator plate with new surface, a driver-side sun visor extender that slides rearward and new seat fabric on four-cylinder models.

Entertainment choices include an optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Back-seat passengers can view a movie on a fold-down, 7-inch (178-mm) LCD screen. The system includes remote control and dual wireless headphones, so rear passengers can listen to CDs or watch a movie while front-seat passengers can either listen to the DVD program or to the car's regular radio system.

Three optional audio systems include MP3 readability: CD with MP3, six-CD changer with MP3, and a CD/DVD with MP3.

Also available is XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only). XM Satellite Radio provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

An optional sunroof also adds to the enjoyment of driving the Vue.

Clean, contemporary exterior

Vue's styling is clean and contemporary, but with a sturdy and substantial sport utility presence. Saturn's unique polymer bodyside panels provide a rugged and dent-resistant body that can boost resale value by helping prevent parking-lot dings and rust.

Several uplevel touches are added to the 2005 Vue, including chrome headlamp bezels on all models. In addition, V-6 models (except the Red Line) now have chrome door handles and belt-line molding, as well as body-color outside rearview mirrors. A new five-spoke machined aluminum alloy wheel replaces the painted alloy wheel on four-cylinder models.

New exterior colors for 2005 are Dark Dragonfly Teal, replacing Eden Green; Arrival Blue, replacing Cobalt Blue; and Aero Blue for a specialty, interim limited run.

Upgraded OnStar highlights safety

Like all Saturns, Vue has a reputation for safety and security. For 2005, the available OnStar safety and security system has been upgraded. OnStar-equipped Vues feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Personal Calling that allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls using a powerful three-watt digital/analog system and external antenna for greater reception.

Vue also offers many other safety features, starting with a structure that is designed to help absorb the energy of a crash while protecting the integrity of the passenger compartment. Standard, front dual-stage air bags for both driver and front passenger are designed to help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injury. The Vue also has pretensioners in the front safety belt system that engageat the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing.

Another notable safety advancement is an available head-curtain air-bag system, which helps to provide protection for both front- and rear-seat passengers in a side-impact collision.

Wide range of accessories
The clean, contemporary design of the Saturn Vue makes it a natural for the growing personalization trend, especially among customers with active lifestyles. Vue customers can outfit their vehicles with a choice of more than 50 retailer-installed accessories available through Saturn retailers.

Among the accessories designed for active lifestyles are: the Pet Net, to keep dogs or cargo securely in the rear cargo space; an interior bike rack, to keep bikes out of the elements while transporting them; a trailer hitch package; and roof rack accessories for carrying canoes, kayaks, surf and sail boards, bikes and skis.

Exterior accessories that help to customize the Vue include a rear spoiler, side step bars, wheel flares and front grille guard. Customers can also find a wide selection of interior accessories to personalize and/or protect the look, such as trim kits and seat covers.

Vue Red Line
The limited edition Vue Red Line began production as an interim 2004 model. This performance-tuned version is available in both front- and all-wheel drive.

The Vue Red Line's stiffened suspension is lowered more than one inch (26 mm) and the vehicle rides on aggressively styled 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires, a combination that contributes both to sportier handling and a "slammed" appearance. The electric power steering is calibrated for a sporty feel. The Vue Red Line comes standard with the 3.5L V-6, 250-horsepower engine.

Vue Red Line's custom looks include unique rockers, rear fascia, front fascia with black air intakes, and a chrome exhaust tip. Door and liftgate handles, along with mirror housings, are painted body color to finish off the monochromatic theme.

# # #

Contact:
Saturn Communications
Sue Holmgren
Phone: 313-665-4233
Fax: 313-665-7125
E-mail: susan.j.holmgren@gm.com

GM of Canada Communications
Richard James
Phone: 905-644-1804
Fax: 905-644-3873
E-mail: richard.james@gm.com

GM de Mexico Communications
Juan Bernardo Urrutia
Phone: 011(5255) 5901-3046
E-mail: juanbernardo.urrutia@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

(See General Motors of Canada for Canadian product differences.)

Overview

Models:

Saturn Vue FWD and AWD; Vue Red Line FWD and AWD

Body style / driveline:

5-door, 5-passenger, transversely-mounted front-engine and transaxle, front-wheel or all-wheel drive sport utility vehicle

Construction:

steel spaceframe with front and rear crumple zones; polymer front fenders, door panels, rear quarter panels and bumper fascias; galvanized steel hood, roof and liftgate

EPA vehicle class:

sport utility vehicle

Manufacturing location:

Spring Hill, Tennessee

Key competitors:

Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Hyundai SanteFe, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V

Engine

Ecotec 2.2L I-4 (L61)

3.5L V-6 (L66)

Type:

2.2L inline 4-cylinder

3.5L 60 degree V-6

Displacement (cu in / cc):

134 / 2189

212 / 3471

Bore & stroke (in / mm):

3.39 x 3.72 / 86 x 94.6

3.5 x 3.66 / 89 x 93

Block material:

cast aluminum

aluminum alloy

Cylinder head material:

aluminum

aluminum

Valvetrain:

dual overhead camshafts, roller-type finger followers, 4 valves per cylinder

single overhead camshaft, 4 valves per cylinder

Ignition system:

distributorless design with 7 reference pulses per revolution, coil-on-plug module and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs

distributorless design with 7 reference pulses per revolution, coil-on-plug module and extended-life platinum-tipped spark plugs

Fuel delivery:

sequential injection with returnless fuel supply

ETC (electronic throttle control), sequential injection with returnless fuel supply

Compression ratio:

10:1

10:1

Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm):

143 / 107 @ 5400 rpm

250 / 186 @ 5800 rpm

Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):

152 / 206 @ 4000 rpm

242 / 327 @ 4500 rpm

Recommended fuel:

87 octane unleaded

87 octane unleaded

Maximum engine speed (rpm):

6500

6300

Emissions controls:

positive crankcase ventilation, catalytic converter, evaporative system

positive crankcase ventilation, catalytic converter, evaporative system

Estimated fuel economy:

   

MPG (city / hwy / combined)

FWD manual: 24 / 29 / 25
FWD 4-spd auto: 22 / 27 / 24

FWD: 20 / 28 / 24
AWD: 19 / 25 / 22

MPIG (city / hwy / combined)

FWD manual: 27 / 38 / 31
FWD 4-spd auto: 26 / 35 / 30
Continuously variable:
FWD: 26 / 36 / 30
AWD: 26 / 35 / 29

FWD: 23 / 36 / 28
AWD: 22 / 33 / 26

L/100km (city / hwy / combined)

FWD manual: 10.4 / 7.4 / 9.0
FWD 4-spd auto: 10.8 / 8.1 / 9.5
Continuously variable:
FWD: 10.9 / 7.8 / 9.5
AWD: 11.0 / 8.1 / 9.7

FWD: 11.9 / 7.8 / 10.1
AWD: 12.6 / 8.5 / 10.8

Transmissions

  MG3 GETRAG F23 MJ7 (FWD) / MJ8 (AWD) Hydra-Matic 4T45-E
Type: 5-spd manual transaxle 5-spd auto with grade logic control 4-spd auto transaxle
Application: std on 4-cyl FWD std with V-6 engine opt on 4-cyl FWD
Gear ratios (:1)      
  Range: --- --- ---
First: 3.58 2.693

2.95

  Second: 2.02 1.565

1.62

  Third: 1.35 1.023

1.00

  Fourth: 0.98 0.729

0.68

  Fifth: 0.81 0.530

 ---

  Reverse: 3.31 1.888

2.14

Final drive ratio: 4.41 4.058 TBD

                                     

Chassis/Suspension

Front:

independent, strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar

Rear:

independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and coil springs

Traction control:

all-speed using engine torque reduction (FWD only)

Steering type:

electric-power-assisted rack-and-pinion

Steering ratio:

17.8:1 on-center

Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:  

3.46

Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):

39.4 / 12

 

Brakes

Type:

front / rear vented disc/drum with power assist and opt ABS (std ABS with 3.5L V-6)

Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):

front: 11.7 x 1.0 / 296 x 26; rear: 9.8 x 1.7 / 250 x 45


Wheels/Tires

Wheel size and type:

6.5 x 16 steel with full plastic cover (std on 4-cylinder models)

6.5 x 16 machined aluminum alloy (opt on 4-cylinder models)

6.5 x 16 machined cast aluminum (std on FWD V-6)

7.0 x 17 machined cast aluminum (std on AWD V-6, opt on FWD V-6)

7.5 x 18 painted cast aluminum (std on Red Line package)

Tires:

P215/70SR16 Bridgestone Dueler all-season touring blackwall radial (std on FWD I-4 and FWD V-6); opt white outlined letter

P235/65SR16 Bridgestone Dueler all-season touring blackwall radial (opt on FWD I-4); opt white outlined letter

P235/60SR17 Bridgestone Dueler all-season touring blackwall radial (std on AWD V-6, opt on FWD V-6); opt white outlined letter

P245/50SR18 Bridgestone Turanza all-season touring blackwall radial (std on Red Line)

Spare 4 x 16 steel wheel with Bridgestone Radial Spacesaver T155/90D16 tire

Dimensions

Exterior

Wheelbase (in / mm):

106.6 / 2707

Overall length (in / mm):

181.3 / 4605

Overall width (in / mm):

71.5 / 1817

Overall height (in / mm):

66.5 / 1689

Track (in / mm):

front: 61 / 1550; rear: 61 / 1550

Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):

8.0 / 203

Step-in height (in / mm):

17 / 432

Approach angle (degrees):

23

Departure angle (degrees):

27

Curb weight (lb / kg):

 

4-cylinder manual FWD: 3207 / 1455

V-6 automatic FWD: 3478 / 1577

V-6 automatic AWD: 3630 / 1647

Weight distribution (% front / rear):

57 / 43

Interior

Front

Rear

Seating capacity:

2

3

Head room without sunroof  (in / mm):

40.4 / 1026.7

40.3 / 1023.6

Leg room (in / mm):

41.2 / 1047.6

36.8 / 934.3

Shoulder room (in / mm):

55.4 / 1408.3

55.3 / 1404.8

Hip room (in / mm):

51.6 / 1311.2

52.7 / 1337.4

 

Capacities

EPA passenger volume (cu ft / L):

100 / 2826

Cargo volume (cu ft / L):

30.8 / 872

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):

4-cylinder engine with trailer brakes: 1500 / 680.4

V-6 with trailer brakes: 3500 / 1587.6

Maximum tongue weight (lb / kg):

350 / 113.5

Fuel tank (gal / L):

16.3 / 62.5

Engine oil (qt / L):

4-cylinder engine: 5.5 / 5.2

V-6: 5.0 / 4.7

Cooling system (qt / L):

4-cylinder engine: 7.4 / 7.0

V-6: 9.7 / 9.2