Saturn Tweaks VUE to Pass Rollover Tests and Initiates Recall

The Freestyle, a 2005 model and not yet available to consumers, should fare well when it is tested next year, being that it is at

Chrysler's Pacifica scored top marks in the test, four points and a mere thirteen percent chance of experiencing a rollover. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

least as nimble in the corners as Chrysler's top-scoring Pacifica. The Pacifica brought four points and a mere thirteen percent chance of experiencing a rollover home to Auburn Hills, a best-in-class example that for most peoples' needs crossovers are a good compromise between car-like driving dynamics and SUV road presence.

While only six VUE owners claimed that the defective suspension parts caused injury sustaining accidents, GM has recalled 246,433 2002-04 model year VUEs for parts

To fix the rollover problem, GM has recalled 246,433 2002-04 model year VUEs for parts replacement at no cost to customers. (Photo: General Motors)

replacement at no cost to customers, other than inconvenience. VUEs produced after July 30 already incorporated the suspension fix.

GM should be commended for reacting to this problem quickly, something GM spokesman Jim Schell stressed when addressing the media as reported by Associated Press. No mention was made of the cost of implementing the modification, which involved the redesign of components as well as servicing individual clients, but due to the complexity of the problem the price was without doubt quite high. Unfortunately for GM, expensive recalls have become almost commonplace this year, with this year's total surpassing the three million mark already.