Entered CNET Catalog: 06/16/2006
SKU: 100715963
Manufacturer: Saturn
Product summary
The good: The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line makes imaginative use of a stripped-down hybrid system to deliver increased fuel economy and performance. For a sub-$25K SUV, it boasts a comfortable cabin and impressive tech options.
The bad: The Green Line's regenerative deceleration translates into a disconcerting drag effect. Our observed fuel economy was nowhere near EPA estimates.
The bottom line: GM deserves kudos for its first hybrid SUV. It won't break any performance records, and its hybrid system could use some refinement, but the Saturn Vue Green Line is a decent combination of form and function for the price.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/07/2006
2007 Saturn Vue Green Line
Performance is not the Vue's strong suit, although it does provide a comfortable ride around town with enough pep for most urban situations. The hybrid system's electric motor does what it can to help out on the freeway, but this is one car that won't spend much time in the left-hand lane. Our principal concern with the Vue Green Line is its fuel-economy shortcomings: our observed mileage was a long way off the EPA's estimates.
On the outside, the Vue Green Line adopts some of the upscale accents found on the V-6 gasoline Vue models, including a rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and color-coded door handles and bumper fascias. From the cockpit, drivers are greeted with a good view of the road and an even better view of the Vue's large steering wheel, which boasts controls for the stereo and cruise control, as well as a voice-command button linked to the car's standard OnStar telematics system.
Autostop and go green
The Vue Green Line's instrument cluster contains four clear and bright dials, two of which give clues to its hybrid identity. Instead of beginning at 0rpm, the tachometer has a setting called Autostop (found on a number of other parallel hybrids such as Honda's Accord hybrids) which shuts off the engine when the car is stationary. Autostop on the Green Line works only when the car is in Drive with the brake pedal depressed and the air conditioning set to either economy mode or off. Releasing the brake or turning the A/C on when in Autostop causes the engine to restart with a quiet shudder. The Vue's other hybrid-centric gauge is its charge/assist meter, which lets the driver know when the car's hybrid system is being either charged (by regenerative braking or deceleration), or discharged in response to increased engine load-demand. (For more on how this works in theory and in practice, see below.)
An upgraded 6-disc, in-dash stereo is available for an extra $650, and XM satellite radio prewiring is available as part of the Vue's Comfortably Safe package, which also includes a 6-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and head-curtain side airbags--all for an extra $1,225. Also on the options sheet is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, which comes at the expense of the (optional) power sunroof and adds $1,140 to the sticker price. Hands-free calling is available in the Green Line as part of the subscription-based OnStar program, and requires an active OnStar service contract and either a prepaid-minute package or enrollment in OnStar Shared Minutes Plan. According to GM, however, OnStar-based turn-by-turn navigation is not available on the 2007 Vue Green Line.
Our test car came with the leather-appointed seat and leather-wrapped steering wheel option ($755), which lent the interior some style, although, even with the leather upgrade, our photographer was less than impressed with the level of comfort in the rear seats. The Vue Green Line comes with over 30 cubic feet of storage space, and includes a "rear-cargo organizer"--a unique, plastic fold-out crate in the cargo area that can be snapped into place to prevent grocery bags from spilling over when driving out of the mall parking lot. Seat comfort notwithstanding, there is plenty of legroom in the rear seats for adults, and the front passenger and rear seats fold flat to maximize interior space.
Hybrid-lite
Unlike "full hybrids" that can run entirely in electric mode, GM's first hybrid SUV features a simpler hybrid technology known as Belt Alternator Starter (BAS), which is a low-cost approach to getting a coveted "hybrid" badge on its model line. The BAS concept works by replacing the belt-driven alternator and starter motor with an electric motor that serves as a generator and a motor.
In the Vue Green Line, the BAS system integrates a 36-volt NiMH battery--mounted beneath the rear cargo area at the expense of a spare tire--with GM's 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, variable-valve-timed Ecotec engine. The result is a dual-propulsion system that enables the battery-powered electric motor to assist the gasoline engine when accelerating from standing or when load demand is suddenly increased (for passing or merging, for example). The BAS system also features regenerative braking that turns the electric motor into a generator to capture kinetic energy (from braking and deceleration) and convert it into electricity to recharge the battery.
When the motor was used for assistance (indicated by the charge/assist needle swinging to the right), we did notice a positive effect in the Vue Green Line's performance. The entry-level, gasoline-only Saturn Vue comes with a 143-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine, which doesn't have the luxury of electric assistance, and we can see why Saturn chose to upgrade its powerplant (albeit marginally) to the 170-horsepower Ecotec. Even so, the 4-cylinder, variable-valve-timed plant needs all the help it can get, and the electric motor's 14.5kW of extra power is a welcome addition when the throttle is wide open. Around town, the Vue delivers a comfortable ride, autostopping and restarting smoothly, and delivering surefooted handling thanks to its front and rear independent suspension. Its electric-power assisted, rack-and-pinion steering was far too light, however, for our driving tastes.
One of the more ostentatious of the Vue Green Line's features is its "Eco" light, a green, back-lit icon on the instrument panel that lights up when the car's instant gas mileage is meeting or exceeding the EPA estimates. Unfortunately, this did not light up enough during our one-week trial of the car: over 200 miles of mixed city and highway driving, we observed an overall gas mileage of 17.8mpg--well below the EPA's estimate of a combined city/highway figure of 29mpg.
Safe and sound
With maximum 5-star safety ratings for front and side impact, the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line is among the safest vehicles in its class. There are dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags with occupancy sensors for the front seats. Head-curtain side airbags are also available. Standard on all 2007 Saturn Vues, the Green Line's rollover sensing system responds to extreme forward and lateral movements by activating the front seatbelt pretensioners and deploying the car's head-curtain side airbags (where fitted). GM's OnStar telematics service comes as standard on all new Vues, with owners receiving a free 1-year subscription to OnStar's Safe and Sound plan.
The Saturn Vue Green Line is entering a market that has been so far been dominated by the Mercury Marnier hybrid SUVs. With its competitive price and high (estimated) gas mileage, it is likely to hold its own by attracting customers who want a practical SUV with a hybrid badge, but without a hybrid sticker.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3out of 3 user reviews
"The worst car ever made!"
Pros: Good deal for the features
Cons: I started having problems 4 mos after buying it. Numereous battery problems, tons of elec. problems, horn stopped working, CD player broke, check engine light was always on, and catalytic converters needed to be replaced, 07only had 36Kmiles!
out of 3 user reviews
This is the most unreliable, problematic, vehicle I have ever owned (and I've owned at least 15 cars
Pros: Nothing you can't find in another vehicle.
Cons: The hybrid has never worked, I get 22 mpg, and the car is in and out of service. In one breakdown the car began lunging before completely dying, resulting in being towed to service.
out of 3 user reviews
2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid is Abysmal
Pros: Great Headroom and Cargo Space
Cons: Abysmal Electrical Problems
purchase it 3 month ago and have made more than 4 trips to the Service Dept to the point that I know the Saturn Service Consultant, Manager and Techs by name.
The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid is Abysmal the software, Codes and electrical problems are one after another and it breaks down about one to twice a month if not every week. I truthfully do not suggest you purchase this Vehicle but, it is up to you at the end if you like to spend your time in Smelly Rentals and putting your Gas money in a vehicle that you do not own. When your own new vehicle is constantly sitting in the shop being repair while you make payments for nothing. Your choice and Good luck.
I have all my Repair Order available to you as soon as June cames along. I will gather all the Repair Order PDF and Post them in the Internet for Factual Information. This way you can review for your self what i go through every week or month with my supposed New 2007 Strn Vue Grn Line Hybrid.
Perhap this will help you NOT TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE.!
I just got my 07 Saturn Green Line Vue Hybrid
about June 10th that is why I have been able to update on the repair order because I been running around getting the Saturn 2007 Hybrid fix for the battery harness which is NOT a recall. Please beware if you have this vehicle need one of this parts. I am currently facing two more problems which is holding me back from the repair order as they are pilling up. The issues are paint and tires. The paint is spotting and the tires are getting a funny indentations? perhaps those are the new features that I got and was not aware of this freebies specially for those consumers that purchase GM 2007 Saturn Green line Vue Hybrids. Perhaps we should rethink to keep buying abysmall Gm Vehicles and see how much money will be actually saving? Humm! that is something to definatelly Re-Think about??
The Abysmal 2007 Saturn Hybrid Green line Vue is back in the Service department as of 26th of July 2007. This Saturn Hybrid that is only 5 MONTHS OLD is broken down again for more electrical problems that the own Service Tech do not even know how to troubleshoot the problem. They came to me for answers as if I was the electrician. I am so tired of this lemon and Gm as well as the General Manager at Saturn of Capitol Expressway do not care to take back their lemon. They are keeping all this repairs under the table so, the Consumer may never know the truth about their supposed new RE_Think New 2007 Saturn Grn Line Vue Hybrid that is ABYSMAL. You the consumer may never be allowed to know the truth of this product and that is why I update so, you know what I am going through. After 150 miles that I drive from stockton to the Bayarea, rely on this vehicle to transport my mother who is sick with cancer and take the chances with my two little ones everything I drive this car as I do not know where it will leave me stranded, In the Altamapass or in the Bay ?? so, again, please DO NOT BUY SATURNS!!!!
The Abysmal 2007 Saturn Hybrid Green line Vue is back in the Service department as of 26th of July 2007. This Saturn Hybrid that is only 5 MONTHS OLD is broken down again for more electrical problems that the own Service Tech do not even know how to troubleshoot the problem. They came to me for answers as if I was the electrician. I am so tired of this lemon and Gm as well as the General Manager at Saturn of Capitol Expressway do not care to take back their lemon. They are keeping all this repairs under the table so, the Consumer may never know the truth about their supposed new RE_Think New 2007 Saturn Grn Line Vue Hybrid that is ABYSMAL. You the consumer may never be allowed to know the truth of this product and that is why I update so, you know what I am going through. After 150 miles that I drive from stockton to the Bayarea, rely on this vehicle to transport my mother who is sick with cancer and take the chances with my two little ones everything I drive this car as I do not know where it will leave me stranded, In the Altamapass or in the Bay ?? so, again, please DO NOT BUY SATURNS!!!!
My 5 month old Brand New Saturn Green Line Vue Hybrid is back for the 3rd to may be 4th time in the shop of the Capitol Expressway Automall in San Jose CA. The problem you ask? Electrical, and the funny part is that the service advisors turn to me for answers as if I was the expert. Oh! they also blame and point the finger trying to turn the electrical problems were caused by the driver? They do not know how to fix this car and perhaps are looking more into the mechanical as they are the experts in that field not Electrical. I am just waitting to get it back and it should be another week without my supposed brand new Green line vue Hybrid. Hopefully you DO NOT OWN a Saturn Green line Vue Abysmall Hybrid.
The last break downs are so many that I could not update this log.
Let’s see, the Abysmal Saturn Vue now 71/2 month old had a few more electrical problems in the month of Sept 2007. I am worned out. In case you like to know they were all electrical and another new Battery. I also had a Bonus! Paint defects!
You own one of this vehicles and your car will shine with defective paint!!
This is a bonus from GM manufacture of Saturn. I will keep you posted if it breaks down any time soon this Oct 2007 or winter. I guess I am lucky so, far is running but, we are not done with the month? Good luck to you if you decide to purchase the Saturn Abysmal Vue remember to always keep extra stuff in the trunk as it will leave you stranded.
The last break downs are so many that I could not update this log.
Let’s see, the Abysmal Saturn Vue now 71/2 month old had a few more electrical problems in the month of Sept 2007. I am worned out. In case you like to know they were all electrical and another new Battery. I also had a Bonus! Paint defects!
You own one of this vehicles and your car will shine with defective paint!!
This is a bonus from GM manufacture of Saturn. I will keep you posted if it breaks down any time soon this Oct 2007 or winter. I guess I am lucky so, far is running but, we are not done with the month? Good luck to you if you decide to purchase the Saturn Abysmal Vue remember to always keep extra stuff in the trunk as it will leave you stranded.
The last break downs are so many that I could not update this log.
Let’s see, the Abysmal Saturn Vue now 71/2 month old had a few more electrical problems in the month of Sept 2007. I am worned out. In case you like to know they were all electrical and another new Battery. I also had a Bonus! Paint defects!
You own one of this vehicles and your car will shine with defective paint!!
This is a bonus from GM manufacture of Saturn. I will keep you posted if it breaks down any time soon this Oct 2007 or winter. I guess I am lucky so, far is running but, we are not done with the month? Good luck to you if you decide to purchase the Saturn Abysmal Vue remember to always keep extra stuff in the trunk as it will leave you stranded.
This past September the Abysmal Sat Vue had Electrical problems, Battery problems and Paint defects. The dealership fixed and replace all the above under their secret warranty. All the defects of my vehicle are considered not to be RECALLS so, you as the consumer of this product may never know about the faults of this new line of Hybrids for Saturn. By GM does not stand behind their product as they do not want to buy back my vehicle. My abysmal Saturn falls under the lemon lawn has historical data for a period of 60 plus of the same and related problems. So, it is your choice consumer do you want to be lied to? Then purchase this vehicle but, if you are smart do not purchase the 07 Saturn Hybrid Vue.
This past September the Abysmal Sat Vue had Electrical problems, Battery problems and Paint defects. The dealership fixed and replace all the above under their secret warranty. All the defects of my vehicle are considered not to be RECALLS so, you as the consumer of this product may never know about the faults of this new line of Hybrids for Saturn. By GM does not stand behind their product as they do not want to buy back my vehicle. My abysmal Saturn falls under the lemon lawn has historical data for a period of 60 plus of the same and related problems. So, it is your choice consumer do you want to be lied to? Then purchase this vehicle but, if you are smart do not purchase the 07 Saturn Hybrid Vue.
This past September the Abysmal Sat Vue had Electrical problems, Battery problems and Paint defects. The dealership fixed and replace all the above under their secret warranty. All the defects of my vehicle are considered not to be RECALLS so, you as the consumer of this product may never know about the faults of this new line of Hybrids for Saturn. By GM does not stand behind their product as they do not want to buy back my vehicle. My abysmal Saturn falls under the lemon lawn has historical data for a period of 60 plus of the same and related problems. So, it is your choice consumer do you want to be lied to? Then purchase this vehicle but, if you are smart do not purchase the 07 Saturn Hybrid Vue.
This past September the Abysmal Sat Vue had Electrical problems, Battery problems and Paint defects. The dealership fixed and replace all the above under their secret warranty.
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