Filed under: SUVs
2006 Saturn Vue
The Saturn Vue gets substantial visual updates for 2006 including a completely new nose and tail section. It's good to see those black bumpers go away. The interior gets a much needed refresh with all new center stack, door trim, center console and more storage areas. The Vue also is equipped with standard OnStar and benefits with GM's new line of audio systems with an AUX jack for iPODs or any other external source. Engine choices stay the same with a 250 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 as the top engine and the only engine choice in the Red Line. A 5-speed automatic is standard on all V-6 powered trucks. I'm still getting used to the little bitty grille. A gallery of pictures are at the link. (The Red Line is in blue, the standard Vue in silver)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Brian 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
GM is getting better in there all around designs, this vue looks better with the front end, the body kit, an ipod holder, and if the Vue comes in a hybrid version, getting there. I people will purchase it. I am looking at the blue vue pictures, the regular version looks good too.
GM think hybrids... I am infavor of hybrids because sitting traffic at less than 25 mph is a waste of gasoline. Think about.. city traffic and mostly under 25 mph...
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jm 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Although it seems exterior design has taken a turn for the worst in the latest models (bmw, subaru, mitsu, ford, etc.. ) I have to say that interiors have gotten much better. I would never have expected an interior that nice on GM, but a Saturn none the less.
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JayP 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Amazing that 250hp has become mundane. 15 years ago that was sportscar territory.
The Redline is an attractive package. I hope the plastics have been upgraded and fit a little better.
'06 Redline AWD at the Employee price with a 6 speed tranny (and about a 2 in drop) would be in my garage. Dream on.
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avixe 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
The new front end looks a little weird to me, honestly, but it does look more like the Opels yet to come.
Not bad, Saturn, not bad.
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dave 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I am going to have to take another serious look at this car this summer. Time to think about trading..
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Jeff Crew 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
GM is moving the needle forward again with this update. I don't think there is much more they could do until a total redo on the Vue. The interior looks like a huge step in the right direction.
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EBM14 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
It still looks ugly to me. Sorry folks for this comment.
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EBM14 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
It looks kind of cheap in the blue color as it doesn't match with the black window modling. On the other hand the silver color looks a lot better. They did a nicer job on the interior.
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Patriotic Dissent 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I thought the Vue was already decent looking, but the interior was generic Rubbermaid. This looks like a big step in the right direction. The light color plastiwood looks out of place in the photo, but I'm sure some will like it. At least silver metal-look trim is also available.
Getting rid of black bumpers was another great move. They made it look cheap.
Can't believe I'm saying this, but good job GM!
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Nick 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Did they spend any of that money on putting rear discs on the Vue? I was shocked when I saw a Red Line the other day with rear drums.
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Robert 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
...and good job Honda for supplying the V6 and 5-speed automatic. I always knew a Honda powertrain was superior to what GM could build in-house...apparently GM agrees too.
I'm all for better vehicles...but why is it that GM...the world's largest automaker, still can't make a modern V6 and 5-speed automaic? Can anyone out there in La-La land explain this to me? Why do they have to secretly turn to a competitor to acquire a modern powerplant/drivetrain?
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ultraF1 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
why can't GM make a modern V6?
I don't think it's a matter of GM can't. it's just that their competition is way ahead of the game and it will take them centuries to catch up, provided their competition (ie honda) stay put and don't advance any further.
honda has a rich racing heritage - they have been successful on anything they ever participated in. and i'm not talking low-tech NASCAR, i'm talking racing where technological innovation is paramount - from F1 to CART to IRL to MotoGP, etc.
these experiences usually translate into pretty decent engine technology.
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Peter Eipers 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I've had an '04 VUE which now has about 14,000 miles. Absolutely no problems with it so far. Had the rear suspension recall redone, though I always felt it was much ado about nothing. Saturn service has always been impressive, if you ask me. (Better than what we got from the Mercedes dealership in Ann Arbor, MI years ago.)
The new look is incramentally better. Body colored bumpers are a nice improvement. (Same thing DC did with the lemon ML320 we had for a short time.) I'm not sure I'm crazy about the wood on the center stack. But borrowing the Cadillac steering wheel was a great idea. Can't wait for the SKY to come out!!
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iQuack 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Body color bumpers might look better when new, but I think they're stupid because they look awful when the paint is chipped or scraped off.
If the plastic material were made of the color so surface damage didn't show, body color bumpers would make sense. But painting a surface that's designed to be bumped is moronic IMO.
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Geoff 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Actually Peter, that looks like the steering wheel from the Saab 9-3.
I have to admit that I am impressed with the interior. If GM can do this kind of thing with the rest of their line up, they'd be in much better shape.
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Chas. E 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
The '06 Red Line looks like an improved package. I recently drove an '05 Red Line and was impressed. The treatment received at the two dealerships in the Syracuse area was refreshing. Concerning the engine and transmission, I would really rather have the 3.6L from the Cadillac CTS, but the 3.5L will do just fine.
I hope to have my Red Line by October.
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Steve 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I am not a fan of SUVs or Saturns for that matter, but the Vue update looks like a big improvement. The interior is tasteful - an adjective that rarely applies to the Saturn line.
Maybe there is hope for GM... maybe.
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David 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Actually the deal with Honda was to trade Honda engines for diesel ones made by Isuzu (also owned by GM). It wasnt that GM couldnt make an engine like this, it just made sense from R&D, cost, time, and supply and demand standpoint. Besides I thought I heard about them bringing out a 6 speed automatic anyway. Also the I think the VUE wears its new look very well.
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G. Snyder 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
Can't make a modern V6...c'mon guys, none of you know what you are even talking about. GM has proved they can make a modern V6 - the 3.6 unit that is used in the Caddy CTS. They just need to start putting it in more cars (for example, the G6).
That steering wheel looks nothing like the SAAB wheel ...it is the steering wheel used by the Solstice and the Sky.
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sam staples 10:32PM (12/18/2005)
I am a current Saturn Vue owner and have a 2003 vue with a 3.0 V6 and this model came with a 5 speed automatic transmission not made by honda and it is great. No problems with it at all. The 3.0 V6 is also not made by honda and is great. So I think that the general makes very fine engines and transmissions. I am very impressed with the new design and interior in the 2006 and will probably trade in my 03 for the new one.
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