2006 Saturn VUE RED LINE review from North America

Nothing has gone wrong with this car so far.

I've really been enjoying this vehicle! Here are the things I like about the car:

1. Power! I recently took my VUE Red-Line on a trip to Florida, and it easily blew by those guys on I-95 who like to speed up when someone attempts to pass them.

2. Looks - The exterior looks great when polished up, and I've had several people compliment me on the classy-looking black leather trimmed interior. The blue/amber foot-well lighting is probably the silliest feature ever put into a vehicle - but it's good for a laugh anyway.

3. The sport-tuned suspension and steering make the car a lot of fun to drive, and I feel safer knowing it can perform emergency moves when required.

4. Electronics - I've really come to use the XM radio and On-Star (especially the hands-free cell phone) quite a lot - even if they are rather pricey subscriptions. The built in electronic compass and thermometer are nice features. I am finding the on-line diagnostics On-Star sends to me monthly help to off-set the cost of the service, as On-Star keeps track of my oil usage. If their diagnostics are to be believed, I've been changing my oil almost twice as often as required.

5. Practical - it's still a SUV - all wheel drive, lots of storage (can even squirrel away some things in the spare wheel well), and the storage options in the passenger area have improved as well.

6. Safety - Unfortunately I totalled my last VUE in an accident. On the other hand - neither I nor my passenger received so much as a scratch or a bruise.

There are a few things I wish were different:

1. One cannot install a trailer hitch on the Red-Line (Saturn does not recommend it, at least). I am a cyclist, and not being able to use my hitch-mounted bike rack is disappointing.

2. I replaced the cheap car speakers right away. I wish Saturn offered a premium sound package that included top of the line name-brand speakers.

3. The sound system is underpowered.

4. I wish it were iPod compatible. The Saturn does come with an auxiliary input that will allow inputs from iPods or other MP3 players, but one has to run a cable to the car radio front panel, and it looks a bit jerry-rigged that way.

5. I found the car seat to be just a bit uncomfortable on very long rides. Lumbar support would be good.

Overall, I am very glad I bought this vehicle!