2005 Saturn VUE Red Line Road Test

An SUV to be Reckoned With

After driving Saturn's 2002 VUE when it debuted in the fall of 2001, I was left with mixed emotions. While I liked the crossover sport utility's styling, packaging and

When upgraded with the Red Line performance package the Saturn VUE's already likeable exterior gets a beefy update. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

performance, I was put off by less than ideal interior quality, poor exterior panel fit and questionable paint finish.

Now, three years later, I still like the VUE's exterior design, especially when upgraded with the new Red Line performance package. The deep front fascia and aggressive lip spoiler looks racy, highlighted by what must be the largest air inlet in its class. The fenders are beefy too, melding into solid looking rocker extensions that give the little SUV a rooted-to-the-road visual presence.

Seven-spoke, 18-inch alloy rims on P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires round out the Red Line's sporty package. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The rear fascia has been modified to look like a diffuser, and incorporates a thick chrome exhaust tip on the driver's side. Saturn has painted the mirrors, plus door and liftgate handles to match the body, in my test vehicle's case a bright hue dubbed Electric Lime. If you're not quite so outgoing, Black Onyx or Silver Nickel might be preferable.

Adding to the sporty styling cues are 7-spoke, 18-inch alloy rims on P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires. They grip extremely well, aiding the upgraded sport-tuned suspension system. The body is lowered too, by 26 mm (just over an inch), while the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been tuned for more immediate response to input.