REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

At last

Better late than sorry, goes the old saying. So, after almost everyone else (except Volkswagen and Daewoo among majors), Saturn introduces a sport utility vehicle. It took Saturn some 20 years to join its competitors in this trend that began with the 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ, but this lack of history allows the brand to propose something new and innovative. After a wave of mid-size 4×4 ’ s in the mid 80 ’ s, (4-Runner, Pathfinder and Explorer), the 90 ’ s full-size offensive (Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban), the current trend is for compact models, closer in size to the family car, like the Escape, RAV-4, Highlander, or Santa Fe. Saturn is aiming directly at that segment; it ’ s a logical strategy since the mechanical parts, like the 4-cylinder 2.2 litre (138 hp) and 3.0-litre V-6 (181 hp) engines, are taken from the LS sedan. They rest on a new chassis, however, fully independent from the body, a popular design in by-gone days. The transversal drive train includes an additional transmission shaft for all-wheel drive models.Aware that not all VUE ’ s will be used for climbing Mount Logan, Saturn engineers equipped it with a four-wheel independent suspension built around McPherson struts and a multiple lever rear axle, a design exclusive to automobiles.

Another Saturn exclusive is the choice of three transmissions: 5-speed manual (only with the 4-cylinder front-wheel drive), a surprising optional CVT (with the 4-cylinder, front or all-wheel drive) and a conventional 5-speed automatic, the only one proposed on the V-6 engine.

For laypersons, the CVT (continuously-variable transmission) is an evolved version of the belt and pulley system found on snowmobiles and smaller ATV ’ s (four-wheel motorcycles). Instead of using gears of various sizes like a conventional automatic transmission, the CVT electronically changes the size (effective diameter) of the pulleys, thus providing an infinite number of drive ratios. This way, the engine can operate within optimal range at all times and in all driving conditions. The down side of this type of transmission is that it remains limited to modest engine power, which explains why it is not offered with the V-6.

By the way, Saturn is not the first brand to offer the CVT: DAF (a Dutch automaker), Subaru (Justy), Toyota (the current Prius) and Honda (Insight) already tested the market.

The VUE offers front-wheel disk and rear-wheel drum brakes with optional ABS. Steering is rack and pinion, a logical choice with the transversal drive train. The innovative power steering is electronic instead of hydraulic. Large 16-inch wheels with white-stripe tires are also standard. The VUE ’ s bulk weight ranges from 1,443 kg (4-cylinder, FWD, manual) to 1,578 kg (V-6, AWD, automatic).

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Good dependability

Introduced 10 years ago, the S Series began 2001 with a modified profile (sedan and wagon) and a revised dashboard. 2002 will be the last year for the small sedan, the wagon is already gone.One thing is sure, Saturn can’t boast that it has reinvented ergonomics. The signal light lever seems to be designed to develop finger muscles and is positioned too far from the steering wheel, as is the horn. But I do have to say that Saturn makes a special effort to come up with controls and buttons that look very original.

Front bucket seats are comfortable, but there is limited legroom and hip room for rear-seat passengers. Luckily, access is easy (on the coupe the passenger’s seat glides back into its original position once bench seat passengers are aboard). Cargo space is interesting, especially when the 60/40 seat is folded down.The two 1.9-liter four-cylinder engines are still available, one SOHC and one DOHC (100 or 124 horses). As the introduction states, once again Saturn has focused on the problem of engine noise. Regardless, when you start up a Saturn what you hear is the same kind of music a diesel makes. So there’s more work to do and plenty of room for improvement. Good marks go to the automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and quietly. But the same praise doesn’t go to the imprecise manual alternative.

The steering system is responsive and provides good feedback, except on the base version which is deprived of the power capabilities so valuable when parking manoeuvres are in order. The rigid chassis and well-calibrated suspension make for a very satisfactory ride and you can drive at fairly high speeds without worrying too much about corners. This being said, remember that brakes tend to fade fast. Cars whose originality borders on the eccentric, the S Series from Saturn has nothing much more to offer than good dependability and a network of devoted and competent dealers.

PROS
Smooth automatic transmission
Predictable handling
Resistant polymer body panels Comfort

CONS
Engines still noisy
Insufficient room at the rear

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * * *
Passenger: * *

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Good dependability

Introduced 10 years ago, the S Series began 2001 with a modified profile (sedan and wagon) and a revised dashboard. 2002 will be the last year for the small sedan, the wagon is already gone.One thing is sure, Saturn can’t boast that it has reinvented ergonomics. The signal light lever seems to be designed to develop finger muscles and is positioned too far from the steering wheel, as is the horn. But I do have to say that Saturn makes a special effort to come up with controls and buttons that look very original.

Front bucket seats are comfortable, but there is limited legroom and hip room for rear-seat passengers. Luckily, access is easy (on the coupe the passenger’s seat glides back into its original position once bench seat passengers are aboard). Cargo space is interesting, especially when the 60/40 seat is folded down.The two 1.9-liter four-cylinder engines are still available, one SOHC and one DOHC (100 or 124 horses). As the introduction states, once again Saturn has focused on the problem of engine noise. Regardless, when you start up a Saturn what you hear is the same kind of music a diesel makes. So there’s more work to do and plenty of room for improvement. Good marks go to the automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and quietly. But the same praise doesn’t go to the imprecise manual alternative.

The steering system is responsive and provides good feedback, except on the base version which is deprived of the power capabilities so valuable when parking manoeuvres are in order. The rigid chassis and well-calibrated suspension make for a very satisfactory ride and you can drive at fairly high speeds without worrying too much about corners. This being said, remember that brakes tend to fade fast. Cars whose originality borders on the eccentric, the S Series from Saturn has nothing much more to offer than good dependability and a network of devoted and competent dealers.

PROS
Smooth automatic transmission
Predictable handling
Resistant polymer body panels Comfort

CONS
Engines still noisy
Insufficient room at the rear

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * * *
Passenger: * *

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Armageddon?

Saturn waited nine years before sending into orbit something other than its S-Series coupes, sedans and wagons. And the "other" is the range of L-Series sedans and wagons, which may not have reinvented the automobile (remember the corporation’s slogan?) but are entering the market with a trunkload of good ideas beamed down by GM’s other satellite operations.Before venturing inside, a few words on the L-Series’ esthetics. At first glance, it seems a shame that instead of trying for an original effect Saturn decided to copy a number of visual features found on the S-Series. Now take a second look. The hood line and the headlights that seem to wrap around the bumper look a lot like something you see on a Saab. The sedan’s taillights (without the large multicolored band that runs along the trunk) bear a definite resemblance to the Audi A6′s. What about the rear windshield? A bit like the Volvo (S80) or the Volkswagen (Passat), maybe? In any event, designers were under a decidedly European spell when they concocted these models’ forms and colors. And the impression extends to the interior. The tasteful presentation features quality materials that are good-looking and in most instances, good- feeling, as well. A shame that all that effort should be undermined by poor quality manufacturing.

The front doors open onto a bright interior, classically styled and inviting, with well-designed seats (but no side air bags). Seat adjustments are easy to use and ensure optimal passenger comfort. The surprisingly simple dashboard houses clear and easy-to-read instrumentation (only the automatic transmission speed indicator is missing) and within very easy reach the driver can find all of the controls that make life on the road a pleasant experience.

Rear seat passengers will find that doors open more than wide enough to make entry/exit a breeze, but they’ll be baffled at how long it takes to lower themselves onto the cushion. And whoever is assigned to the middle seat will have to cope with a lap belt and the lack of a third headrest. Too bad!

As for the trunk, unlike the cargo area found on competitive products, the sedan’s 495.2 litres can easily take on even jam-packed baggage. The wagon is just as accommodating, except that the new Legacy, to name only one model, lets little Johnny or Jane bring a few more toys to Grandma’s house (with 847 as opposed to 832 litres).

Before setting out, one small observation: the windshield wipers aren ’ t high enough and, more importantly, in the A- pillar area they hinder visibility to the point that driving in poor weather conditions is fairly hazardous.While the specifications for the LS and LW sedans are a partial photocopy of the Opel Vectra’s, Saturn swears that the components borrowed from its German cousin could almost fit into a thimble.

The in-line DOHC 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine has a 137-hp output, is smooth and responsive and promises to guzzle an average of only 10.2 litres of regular gasoline for every 100 km. All the better if its appetite for black gold is moderate, because this Saturn has a very small stomach: its tank holds only 49 litres at a time. Users should schedule more frequent stops when the alternative V6 engine is tucked under the hood.

Against all odds, the four-cylinder ( LS100 ) is very well suited not only to the model, but to the optional automatic transmission. Worried about cost? Saturn offers a standard manual transmission, courtesy of Saab. And Saturn engineers apparently managed to make a gear shift that ’ s much less rubbery and more precise.

Lighter from a number of standpoints, the four-cylinder version is more fun to drive and more agile than its counterpart, equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 (200 and 300). On the other hand, the V6 provides much better acceleration and pick-up and stays responsive regardless of how hard you choose to press down on the gas pedal. Even more astonishing, it runs quietly (startup and slowdown), a quality not found on previous models. (By the way, this is the same engine you ’ ll find under the hood of Saab 9-5.) With good road stability and a responsive and precise steering system (a bit too light for my taste), this Saturn has a front assembly that suffers absolutely no torque effect, even without a traction control system (an important option for drivers travelling in northern climes). When it comes to handling ease this Saturn does fairly well, but its turning radius (11.1 metres) can be a bit of a problem during parking maneuvers. The suspension is slightly stiff, although this doesn ’ t affect passenger comfort and is effective at preventing body roll. The standard disc/drum brake combination (the 200 and 300 have rear discs) is easy to gauge and sufficiently powerful. But with no anti-lock brake system (yet another option), the rear wheels on our Saturn test- drive models tended to lock during braking, throwing the car off balance.

Competitively-priced, fun to own and very safe-feeling, Saturn’s L-Series is definitely born under a lucky…planet!

PROS
Pleasing V-6
Handling ease
Comfortable front bucket seats

CONS
Ho-hum styling
Small gas tank
Insufficient brake power without ABS

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * *

Standard side head-curtain air bags
Standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with traction control
2003