The Next Saturn Vue

Earlier this month, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak told a group of reporters that the American brand would share designs with GM’s European Opel line for many upcoming vehicles. The first product U.S. buyers will see born from this new strategy is the next generation Saturn Vue, based on the new Opel Antara.

While the new Vue won’t be unveiled for months, the Antara is making its public debut this week in Paris, and we bring you a number of photos of the sleek compact SUV. We expect very few design changes to be made to turn the Antara into a Vue. It could be as simple as replacing Opel’s lightning bolt emblem with Saturn’s rings.

Check out Opel’s version of the Saturn Sky below for an example of how similar the two companies are keeping things. 

Engines for the Antara include a 140-hp four-cylinder and a 227-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 that could also power the future Saturn Vue. Don’t expect the 150-hp European diesel engine to make it here, though. Keep checking in for more coverage of the Paris Motor Show as it gets under way later this week.

Comments

Does this spell the end of the Honda V6? I know two people who bought VUE's and both said the Honda engine was the main reason they did so. Both of them also complained endlessly about the poor build quality of the interior. If this turns out to be the new VUE it's certainly a step in the right direction. Now if they could just change the stupid name...

I just rented an 06 VUE AWD V6 this weekend and commend the vehicle. I previously owned a 2003 VUE and the 06 was more Lexus than Saturn. The Honda V6 was VERY strong, but a bit buzzy. for a V6. Just hope they build this in the States and not Mexico.

Mike,
I found the redesign a big step up as well, and this all new version should go even further in that direction in regards to build quality.
Don't expect the Honda V6 though.

I am amazed at the fine look of this new Saturn Vue. I can't help but notice it has a strong resemblence to the Honda CRV for 2007. That could be a good thing though, because it puts Saturn and GM in tune with what is successful and creates additional competition. If this vehicle is built with the type of quality that is inherent in most Honda's this Saturn could get a good chunk of the customers seeking this type of SUV which is now a popular segment. Good job GM...it is about time.

If one wants Honda quality, they buy Honda. As much as I would like to believe that GM can match Honda in quality, it just aint so. We used to be a GM family up until 1999, then while on vacation we got 'stuck' with a Toyota Camry as a rental. Talk about being light years ahead of Ford and GM! Since then we have purchased 1 Toyota truck and 3 Honda's. It's not worth talking about how superior both of them are to GM and Ford products. As far as I'm concerned, GM and Ford can stick to rebates as that's the only way to reflect the inherit quality (or lack of) of their cars and trucks.

I would be interested in a pre-owned Saturn Vue. How would one know when checking out the view if it has the Honda V6. Do all V6 Vues Have Honda engines so if it's V6 it's a Honda Engine?

Richard:

The 2004 through current year Saturn Vue V6 is powered by a Honda engine. Previous to 2004, there was a GM V-6 in the Vue, so if you want the Honda, get the 2004 or newer. But I've also heard that SOME 2004 Vues still had the GM engine, so ask before you buy.

-Nate