2007 Saturn Vue Green Line: First Drive

The Vue Green Line Hybrid is the first in a line of “affordable” hybrids coming from GM in the next few years. The company’s hybrid system allows for cost-efficient integration across a number of vehicle platforms, including larger SUVs. Starting next year, GM will put it in a car for the first time — the Saturn Aura.

The eco-friendly Vue gets 27/32 mpg city/highway, but the Ford Escape Hybrid bests it in the city with 36/31 mpg. Luckily for GM, the Vue costs $22,995, compared to the $26,240 sticker on the Escape. Unfortunately, due to some time constraints, I was the only staffer to get behind the wheel for an extended drive.

Saturn has really done it right with the Green Line. Sure, the Vue is an aging platform, but Saturn revised it recently, and the new version’s ride and handling is vastly improved. The hybrid works seamlessly with only two noticeable additions to the gauge cluster — a charge/assist meter and an “Eco” indicator light to tell you when the hybrid system is paying off. The combined 170 hp from the electric motor and gasoline engine is also a nice bonus compared to the base four-cylinder’s 143 hp. It doesn’t fly off the line, but the Vue Green Line is a very competent highway companion.

The ride is quiet at speed, and it even does the weird gasoline-engine shutoff when you come to a stop, like the Toyota Prius does. Buyers will really enjoy how the hybrid system doesn’t make the car feel like any less of a performer. There’s really nothing to detract a regular Vue shopper from opting for the Green Line.

Comments

[Gerald Shields]

I say 30/35! It's pretty lame that GM came out with SUV hybrid that can't beat either the Ford Escape or even the Toyota Highlander in fuel mileage.

[JP]

This is the most economic choice of hybrid SUV's. It is more than $3,000.00 less expensive than the base Escape hybrid and offers better highwat mileage than said Escape. What is not to like? There is not the huge hbrid premium associated with other hybrids because it is not a true two-mode like others. If that is what you are looking for, wait for the Tahoe hybrid to arrive soon. The Tahoe will be avaiable with the same system that GM has been using on Transit buses for a couple years now.

[Gary Duerr]

What is the best way to drive this hybrid for milege?
It seems that GM has engineered this car with a mind that Mom & Pop shops may repair it, not Ph. D's. at dealers (if there are any). I have the feeling that it shouldn't be driven like other Hybrids as it is different.
The tale of the tape will be told when these cars begin to have trouble, years in the future. Just look at some of the older Japaneese cars on the road. Do they look appreciably better than the avarage Ford or Chevy? I think that most people look at their cars as an outdoor appliance that takes them places routinely.
When the car breaks down they are surprized but they don't baby it either. What design will be closer to the way people drive and take care of their cars.

[Jeff LeGrand]

We recently purchased the Greenline, after nearly a year of test driving, renting, and comparing features on similarly sized and equipped SUV's.
Simply put, although we'd already decided to go with a Vue, and were actually at the dealer to sign on the dotted line, we took a last minute test drive in a Greenline that had just arrived, and were so impressed that we bought it instead.
It's been on several long trips, tons of around town Christmas shopping, and it's proven to be fun, economical, and exactly what we hoped for.

[John Sroka]

Bought my 07 Vue green line loaded on 12/30/07. Absolutely love it. I am averaging 29 mpg after the first tank and drove it with a lead foot so i am very happy. If i milk the peddle i'm sure i will get better gas milage.

The ride is very smooth and i love the inside much better than the outside with all the options.

I am affraid to find out how much it costs for maintenance like the brakes etc. Oh well i will worry about it a year from now.

Very happy so far.

[Cindy]

I would not buy one, it can not run on just electric like the Toyota and Ford hybrid's can. And it's not safe, it does not have electronic stability control on it like Toyota suv's do. All Toyota SUV's come standard with stability control

[harold]

Purchased a 2007 Greenline in April haven't put a lot of miles on it yet but am very happy so far. With the 4000 dollar rebate and the 650 dollar tax credit the out the door price was just under 19,000. Though not a true electric vehicle it certainly fulfills the definition of hybrid. The technology seems very simple and most certainly saves gas. If all the vehicles in New York City suddenly had their engines stop running at a stop light how much fuel would that save? An suv under 19000, 30 miles per gallon, reasonably equipped, good basic transportation what more could you ask for. Hopefully it will maintain reasonable resale value.

[Laurie Scotti]

I love my new 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid. I must admit it does not shut off as much as my husband's 2006 Escapre Hybrid but it is a stylish,inexpensive car and compared to my old Envoy it is great.
I only wish it had more accessories for the Vue hybrid and had it easier for a consumber to find one. It took us 2 monhts to locale one.