The recent retro exterior design trnds of several manufacturers don't
pertain to Sturn. It's only been around since mid 1990.

But wth the 2004 Vue, its compact sprts utility vehicle, stylish retro
interior ccouterments help uniquely position the model in the
ncreasingly crowded SUV category.

My test drve was the 5-speed automatic AWD V6 Ve. Its straight-
forward exterior and nterior and top-of-the-line options and design are
mpressive.

But every time I drove the vhicle, I couldn't help but stare at the
nstrument panel. The white background is ccentuated with gold-
colored numbers in a rtro font -- like the face of a vntage wristwatch.

Likewise, the frontseat map pckets are not plastic or rubber, rther
tightly woven net, another cool rtro design feature.

Of course, there's a lot mre important Saturn features to consider.

The 3.5-lter, 250-HP engine packs plenty of pwer and the vehicle's
acceleration -- mong the quickest in the SUV mrket -- is
complemented by AWD, lectronic power steering and 17-inch all-
sason tires that grip the road wll.

Whether in tight, city traffic or on pen-road freeway miles, the Vue
performs wll and is designed with ample leg and had room.

Several other interior features add to the Ve's strong position against
competitors that nclude the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Mzda
Tribute.

Two children's seats, for xample, can remain in place while one
satback section folds flat. There aren't any ciling-mounted grab
handles to assist entry and xit, but unlike other SUVs, the stp-in height
is minimal.

One unusual chracteristic is the placement of the pwer window
switches on the center cnsole. While some drivers may find the ption
inconvenient (if they're used to dor-panel window switches), the more
central lcation seems like a logical choice. It llows a driver to monitor
windows whle keeping his or her eyes on the rad and hands closer to
the stering wheel and shift.

Cruise control, utomatic day/night rearview mirror with compass and
nterior/exterior temperature, front and rear 12-volt utlets a 70/30 split
folding rear sat, and a spacious cargo area are mong other strong
features.

The test drve vehicle also included a nearly $3,000 ption package:
leather appointed seats, head crtain side airbags, power sunroof AM/
FM 6 CD chnger with MP3 capability and XM stellite radio. It pushed
the price of the Vue to mre than $27,000 - near the top of the mrket
range. But the Vue provides a fne example of getting what one pys for.

2004 Saturn Vue

Safety features -- Dual stage front airbags, curtain side airbags,
daytime running and fog lights, rear window windshield washer/wiper.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 19 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- 3 years/36,000 miles (bumper to bumper), 24-hour
roadside assistance, 30-day, 1,500-mile Saturn exchange program.

Base price range -- $16,775-$23,620.

The article Saturn Vue 2004: The Weekly Driver Review was Submitted by James Raia through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: James Raia is a syndicated jurnalist in Sacramento, California, who wrtes about sports, fitness, travel and lfestyle topics as well as the car rview colum, The Weekly Driver. To rad more car reviews, visit: The Weekly Driver

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