GMAC financing allows buyers to include the XM subscription in their car payments.WHAT\'S NEW: Styling and interior tweaks, upgraded stereos, audio controls on steering hub, new colors.PLUSES: Value, versatility, comfort, standard features, fuel economy.MINUSES: Ride and handling, capacity.BOTTOM LINE: An attractive, reliable SUV with a better buying experience.(Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.)2006 Saturn VueTYPE: Front-drive, four-door, five-passenger, compact sport utility vehicle. With your satellite radio purchase, the first three months are free, but you will have to pay $12.99 a month after that. Satellite Radio provides more than 120 digital channels of commercial-free music in every imaginable category, from folk to rap, show tunes to new age, along with news from multiple sources including the BBC and C-SPAN, comedy, weather and sports. The system includes remote control and dual wireless headphones, so rear passengers can listen to CDs or watch a movie while front-seat passengers listen either to the DVD program or to the car\'s regular radio.Three optional audio systems include MP3 readability: CD with MP3, six-CD changer with MP3, and a CD/DVD with MP3, making it iPOD compatible.Also available is XM Satellite Radio (highly recommended for those of us feeling suffocated by the banality of broadcast radio). Back-seat passengers can view a movie on a fold-down, 7-inch liquid crystal display screen. In addition to upgraded AM/FM stereo with CD, options include an optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system. A five-speed stick is standard on the base versions of the Vue, but a four-speed automatic is sold as an option.Designed to appeal to younger buyers, the Vue comes with an abundance of entertainment options. To develop the power train, Saturn turned to Honda, one of the Japanese brands General Motors was targeting in launching Saturn in 1989.The base Ecotec 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine breathes through 16 valves controlled by an electronic throttle. A five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission comes with grade logic control that helps eliminate hunting between gears on steep roads. One of the criticisms of the Vue is its rather mushy steering feel, but I doubt that most drivers would complain.The V6 propels the Vue from 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. An appropriate dash of chrome added to the appearance.In terms of performance, the Vue is plenty powerful with the V6 engine, but ride and handling are not as crisp as that of the Jeep Liberty or Toyota RAV-4. The review car, a front-drive model with V6 engine, came in bright red paint, tan leather interior with light wood trim that gave it a very upscale ambience. The standard auto-dimming inside rearview mirror includes a compass and outside temperature display.Competing in an extremely attractive category, the Vue stands out for its deft styling, friendly appearance and warm interior. The front passenger seatback also folds flat to help transport long items.All 2006 models come with cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry and the Saturn Security System. The split second-row seat folds flat in a 70/30 ratio, boosting cargo area to nearly 64 cubic feet. Externally, the Red Line features a new grille, distinctive front fascia moldings, a body-color liftgate handle and a body-color license eyebrow.Standard features on all versions of the Vue include a rear cargo organizer that flips up to hold grocery bags, and side storage bins that can hold a gallon of milk, water bottles or other cargo. Powered by the 3.5L V6, the Red Line carries performance and handling upgrades for a sportier personality.Red Line interior distinctions include metallic foot pedals embroidered floor mats and ambient footwell lighting that can be personalized to either blue or amber. There are also new fabric choices in the V6 model and exterior colors.The Vue Red Line introduced in 2004, also gets interior and exterior refinements for 2006. With the introduction of the Vue in 2002, Saturn became a full-line car company that could sell you a small car, mid-size model or sport utility vehicle, albeit a small SUV.Three years later, the Vue appears well positioned for a market where fuel prices are again affecting buying decisions.Attractively designed, well equipped, reasonably priced and frugal at the fuel pump, the Vue deserves a spot on any shopping list that includes the Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe.Sold in a base price range of $17,990 to $23,650, the Vue is available in front-drive or all-wheel-drive powered by a base, 2.2-liter, 143-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine or the 3.5-liter, 250-horsepower V6.In addition to styling tweaks for 2006, Saturn makes OnStar standard on all models, upgrades the radios and places a second set of audio controls on the steering hub.
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