Saturn Tweaks VUE to Pass Rollover Tests and Initiates Recall

While Upgraded VUE is Average, Chrysler Pacifica is Tops in Class According to NHTSA

Under scrutiny for poor rollover test results, a redesigned Saturn VUE has managed to pass federal rollover safety

After some tweaking, a redesigned Saturn VUE has managed to pass federal rollover safety regulations. (Photo: General Motors)

regulations. Now, the General Motors Corp. built compact SUV is no worse, or for that matter better than the majority of top-heavy SUVs when it comes to withstanding extreme lateral forces to tip over.

In response to two failed attempts at passing previous National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rollover tests, GM modified the rear suspension allowing it to score three stars out of a potential five. During the two previous tests, one of the VUE's rear wheels collapsed under the vehicle.

Now what are the chances of Saturn's SUV to topple over when pushed to the limit? It fairs slightly better in 4-wheel drive trim, where 20 percent of VUEs would flip upside down if the same test was performed on all of them. Front-wheel drive VUEs are actually said to flip easier, by a small margin. The test used includes a unusually abrupt turn at 45 mph, designed to emulate an avoidance maneuver.

If the Saturn VUE was average, which models performed the test best and which are the worst offenders? Pulling up the rear is Ford's

Ford's rather antiquated Explorer Sport Trac, earned only two stars and experienced a 34.8 percent chance of rollover. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

rather antiquated Explorer Sport Trac, earning only two stars and experiencing a 34.8 percent chance of lying prostrate on its backside during evasive maneuvers. Ford has responded to the test results, saying that it doesn't agree with the NHTSA's methodology in arriving at its results. The Ford is, however, based on the previous generation Explorer which incorporates old-tech pickup truck technology, not known for its dynamic handling characteristics, therefore it makes sense it wouldn't manage the government's rollover tests as well as a modern car-based crossover SUV like the brand's new Ford Freestyle.