Saturn VUE.(Small SUVs - Road Test)(Evaluation)

The new-for-2002 VUE is basically well designed but not as refined or well rounded as the best in this class. It has plenty of power and a spacious interior, but we found the seats uncomfortable and interior materials flimsy. Like Saturn cars, the VUE uses flexible plastic body panels, which are designed to resist small parking-lot-type dents and dings. However, when the left front fender was struck by a rubber traffic cone during one of our tests, a piece of it cracked off.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The VUE rides well on good roads but jostles too much on uneven pavement. A full load smoothes it out marginally. The engine is too loud and coarse-sounding, the tires sing, and there's constant wind noise near the driver's window at highway speeds.

Handling is pretty good in normal driving, and the VUE held on well in the tight, fast corners of our track. It was predictable and secure in our avoidance maneuvers, tying the Freelander for the highest speed in this group. Still, the steering feels too light at low speeds and overly quick at high speeds.

The 3.0-liter V6 delivered lively if noisy performance but achieved only 18 mpg overall on regular fuel. The five-speed automatic shifted smoothly. The automatic AWD system was slow to engage: The front wheels would spin noticeably on snowy and sandy roads before the rear wheels engaged. On our off-road course, the VUE dragged its bottom and struggled for grip: a mediocre performance. Braking was excellent in all our tests.

INSIDE THE CABIN

The cabin feels roomy, most controls are conveniently placed, and it's easy to find a good view out. But the interior trim is flimsy and sometimes mismatched. Our drivers also disliked the intrusive contours of the low and unsupportive front seatback. The rear bench is too low and there is little fore-aft room. Access, at least, is very convenient.