2006 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Vue

We’ll have a full report on the all-new Vue shortly over on the main L.A. Auto Show page, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring you a ton of photos now and explain a few basic facts.

The new Vue is based on a European GM SUV and is new from the ground up compared to the current Vue. While we’re sure the ride, handling and engine choices will be far superior as well, we’re most looking forward to a better interior — and the outside’s not too shabby, either.

Does it wow you? If so, you’ll only have to wait until the spring of 2007 to get one. A hybrid version called the Vue Green Line will go on sale later in the year. 

Comments

Except for the front grill: yawn.

Much better looking than the current Vue.

Head and shoulder above the existing one, hopefully they kept the suspension unchangened from the Opel.

I like it, but they're being a little dishonest when they say it's based on a European SUV.

I'm stationed in Korea, and these things have been rolling around for a year already over here with Daewoo badges. The only difference is the headlights.

It's like saying the Chevy Aveo is based on a European car simply because there's a version of it being sold in Europe.

Scale down Saturn Outlook, is it really based on Opel, or did Opel borrowed from someone else? Can't GM simply make their vehicle for themselves now? GTO from Holden, Aura from Opel, "Future" Ion from Opel (again?!).
Rebadging does not work, and Oldsmobile was dead.
Just learn from history, GM!

Badge engineering doesn't matter if they don't sell both versions in both markets. This is actually the ideal way to do it. Plus the interior in person was far superior to the Aura sedan and even a slight step up from the Outlook. This will be a winner.
I don't believe there's a Korean model of this. The new Vue is based on the Opel, now they might rebadge that and sell it in Asia but it woul dbe based on the European version.

"It's like saying the Chevy Aveo is based on a European car simply because there's a version of it being sold in Europe."

Not quite. You do have a point, but there is also a Opel verison of this (which means higher quality than Daewoo or European 'Chevrolets'). Is there an Opel Aveo? Nope.

As for this, it looks much better than the current Vue. Ford Escape you are in deep trouble......no redesign, ugly styling changes....

"Can't GM simply make their vehicle for themselves now? GTO from Holden, Aura from Opel, "Future" Ion from Opel (again?!)."

Designing completely different vehicles within the same company is redundent and very expensive i.e. the previous Malibu and Grand Am/Alero and L-Series were all different platforms. Why? How much do you think this cost GM?

GM has excellent platforms in Europe. If done right Americans will never know (or care) one is being used. How many people know that SAAB 9-3 and the G6 are both based on the Opel Vectra?

If I were GM I would have canned the lackluster Saturn S-series/Ion a long time ago and replaced it with the competent Astra. Why not bring the intesting Corsa sub-compact too while you're at it. As for Ford...the Fiesta sells everywhere yet Ford will be years late to the sub-compact fray. Why?

Rebadging cars does not always work. Think: L-series or Ford Contour. However, the L-series failed due to extremely bland styling and substantial overlap with other GM-products. The Contour was somewhat small for American tastes.....the G6/Vectra rebadging is done better.

"Rebadging does not work, and Oldsmobile was dead. Just learn from history, GM!"

Very simplistic view. GM has way too many brands and still does, but Oldsmobile failed not because of rebadging, but because rebadging was done terribly....

DOESNT IT REMIND YOU OF A HONDA CRV?

Hmmmm....

Copycat here.

What is original in this incarnation of the VUE?

I assure you that this is a copy of the Daewoo that has been gracing the streets of South Korea for a year now. The interior is identicle and the only exterior difference is the headlights and Saturn emblem on the grill. Daewoo is part of GM. This vehicle was engineered by the Koreans. Do a search for the Chevrolet SX3 Concept SUV, or just go to this link: http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/paris_2004/0411_sx3/

Pretty similar huh? Being engineered and developed by the Koreans doesn't make it a bad car, but it doesn't make it European.

How about this link. Check out the identicle hood lines. Hmm, again it says it based on GM Daewoo design. Did Daewoo move to Europe?
http://www.newcarnet.co.uk/Chevrolet_news.html?id=3990&highlightws=GM%20Daewoo

I wonder if it will come with a Honda V6 or did GM finally learn how to make one themselves?

My family owned one Saturn and that was one nightmare that a UPS truck thankfully took care of while parked. It was like winning the lottery. My wife loves our new CR-V.

For God's sake, please give some credit to GM. This CUV (exterior + interior) looks much better than the SHIT that Toyota produces. People give too much credit to Toyota.

The simple reason why GM shares vehicles across its brands is because of Cost savings. This is a simple truth for all car companies, whether Toyota, Mercedes, but the key is to disguise vehicles such that consumers don't discern it's the same.

In economics terms, to develop a car, a car company needs lots of $$$, which means HIGH FIXED COSTS. To recoup the high fixed costs, the company needs to sell as many as it can so that the CONTRIBUTION MARGIN from the sale of each vehicles goes towards paying for the HIGH FIXED COSTS.

So, if you rebadge the vehicle, it helps pay for the development costs of the chassis, suspension etc. Of late, GM has been doing a better job of rebadging. Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave don't look identical.

Those who don't intend to buy a domestic brand, search the web for a blog that features imports and put your thoughts there.

And those who don't know squat about cars or design, you would do everyone a great service by not ridiculing domestics.

Thanks.

Arun