Model year changes

In 2003:

• The FWD V6 configuration was offered part-way through the model year. This included the L81 V6 mated to the Aisin AF33 5 speed automatic transmission.

In 2004:

• The Vue Red Line was released
• V6 models received Honda's J35S1 engine and Honda transmission. This 3.5 liter engine and 5 speed transmission boosted performance over the prior V-6. It was an important selling point at the time. This V-6 engine was used in the Saturn Vue 2004 to 2007 model years.

In 2005:

• For the FWD 4 configuration, the GM 4-speed automatic transmission arrived in 2005, and the CVT was dropped. The AWD 4 configuration with the CVT was sold for the 2005 model year until existing stock was depleted, and was then discontinued.
• Exterior color Storm Grey, Pacific Blue & Dragonfly green added. Electric Blue, Electric Lime & Rainforest green are discontinued.^[1]

In 2006:

• Facelift with redesigned interior including a new center console, center stack & upgraded interior trim. New radio was well received with features like aux in & satellite radio. New front & rear fascias.^[2]
• Fusion Orange exterior color added

In 2007:

• Green Line model added
• Fusion Orange exterior color dropped; "Deep Blue" exterior color replaces "Pacific Blue".

Red Line

Saturn introduced a special high-performance line of vehicles in 2004 under the name, "Red Line". The Vue Red Line includes the same 250 hp (186 kW) Honda J35A3 V6 as the regular model, but with sportier suspension tuning, lowered 1 inch, and unique power steering calibration for performance, 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front and rear bumpers, unique rocker panel trim, chrome exhaust tip, special black leather and suede seats (optional for 2005, standard for 2006 and 2007), footwell lighting (included with leather and suede seats package, not available with optional full-leather (heated front) seats), and a special gauge cluster complete the visual updates. It also includes some special interior features as well, such as a higher quality audio system.^[3]

Green Line

The high-performance Vue Red Line was joined for 2007 by an environmentally oriented Green Line model. The Vue is a mild hybrid, or "assist hybrid", using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter" BAS Hybrid system.^[4] A large electric motor is connected to the crankshaft via a special accessory drive belt, with a modified automatic transmission fitted.

It automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and instantly restarts it when the vehicle must move again. Not to be confused as just a "start-stop" system, the electric motor also assists somewhat during initial launch, providing torque smoothing and when under heavy acceleration. A 36-volt nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack, located under the load floor, powers the motor/generator unit and also stores regenerative braking energy. The regenerative charging and electric motor assist functions are shown to the driver via an analog gauge on the dash board, and real-time fuel-economy feedback is accomplished via an "eco" light that glows when the instantaneous fuel economy is exceeding the window sticker fuel economy values.

The fuel savings are 20 percent up from the base vehicle's 22 mpg_‑US (11 L/100 km)/27 mpg_‑US (8.7 L/100 km) city/highway EPA sticker to 27 mpg_‑US (8.7 L/100 km)/32 mpg_‑US (7.4 L/100 km), the highest highway fuel economy of any 2007 model SUV sold in the US market.^[5] In Canada, according to Saturn, the Vue gets an estimated 8.8 L/100 km (32 mpg_‑imp; 27 mpg_‑US) city and 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg_‑imp; 35 mpg_‑US) highway.^[6]

The Green Line has a 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC-phaser engine which replaces the standard 144-horsepower (107 kW) 2.2-liter inline-four engine, resulting in the improvement of 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time by 1.0 second. Pricing for the hybrid is about US$2,000 more than a similarly equipped Vue, and debuted in production form on January 8, 2006, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Green Line went on sale in the third quarter of 2006.

Engines

Transmissions (First Generation)

Safety

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests the Vue receives a Good overall rating in the frontal offset crash test. In 2008 models came equipped with standard front and rear head side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags. These models were given an acceptable overall rating in side impacts. Models without side airbags were given an overall poor rating.^[7]