Saturn Vue Hybrids: Sporty and Affordable (Saturn Sports Car)

Saturn Vue Hybrids answer the clamor of Americans for a sporty hybrid.

North America was held in a pickup truck and sports utility vehicle (SUV) mania in the 1990's. The craze propelled the manufacture of the light truck breed. Originally intended for outdoor individuals like farmers, the SUV became a family transportation.

Several years after the introduction of the SUVs in the market, several SUV drivers complained about the driving performance of the vehicle citing its truck-like driving. SUV drivers wanted a sports vehicle that has the feel and the performance of regular cars.

In response to the SUV owners' demands, car manufacturers came up with a new breed of SUVs. The crossover SUVs have the design and feel of regular cars. With its new design and more gas-saving capacity however, a crossover SUV is no longer suitable for towing and off-road driving.

What is an SUV?

Combined with the generous space-feature of minivans and the towing capability of a pickup truck, the sports utility vehicle (SUV) is designed as an off-road car.

Generally, SUVs have no specific trunk, equipped with mixed baggage and passenger compartments, and an engine compartment. A typical full-size and midsize SUV has three rows of seats along with a cargo section located at the back of the last row of seats in the vehicle.

Crossover SUVs Vs. Truck-based SUVs

Crossover SUV's like the Saturn Vue hybrid have three strong points over regular SUVs.

The abrupt and shifty moves of trucks are deemed as perilous truck-handling features. Truck-based SUVs have low tolerance to rollovers because of their tall high tire sidewalls, higher than usual center of gravity, and long-travel suspensions.

On the other hand, crossover SUVs have more road- fitting suspensions and they ride lower compared to truck-based SUVs. Since most crossovers are front-wheel drive, it gives drivers more ease and control when driving under a wet and slippery weather. Crossovers like the Saturn Vue hybrid are more receptive and secure since they have restricted off-road features.

Another advantage of crossover SUVs is that they are created with light components just like regular cars. Vehicles with lighter components are more affordable to manufacture, thus, they have cheaper prices when sold on the car market.

Lastly, crossovers like the Saturn Vue hybrid are more proficient and economical compared to the regular SUVs on the market. They have better tires and unibody assembly. Truck-based SUVs have aerodynamics that are basically less-efficient than to those of the crossovers.

Saturn Vue Hybrid

The Saturn Vue hybrid is the foremost General Motor (GM) automobile operated by a modern and cheap hybrid system. The GM hybrid system utilizes the belt alternator system technology.

GM developed this technology to help save at least twenty percent on fuel-efficiency weighed against the regular Vue. So far, the Saturn Vue hybrid is the most affordable hybrid sold on the market today.

Saturn Vue Hybrid System

The Saturn Vue hybrid system involves an electric motor-generator device that substitutes the regular starter and alternator. It has an auto-start torque of 115 lb-ft. This mild hybrid is equipped with a modern NiMH hybrid power pack. The battery pack that can deliver and pick up more than 10 kw of power.

The Saturn Vue hybrid system is set with modern Hybrid Supervisory software that supervises both the gas engine and the hybrid system. To electronically manage automatic four-speed transaxle, the Vue hybrid system in equipped with Hydra-Matic 4T45-E.

2007 Green Line Features

The 2007 Green Line Saturn Vue hybrid is five-door wagon, five-seater, front-wheel drive front engine. With four-speed automatic transmission, the Saturn Vue hybrid is set with DOHC 16-Valve 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain at 170 horsepower.

In 10.2 seconds, the Saturn Vue hybrid can run from zero to sixty mph. And in 35.1 seconds, it can go from zero to one hundred mph. On street start, it can run from five to sixty mph in 10.7 seconds.

The Green line Saturn Vue hybrid has a 106.6-inch of wheelbase. It is 181.3 inches in length, 71.6 inches in width, and stands at 65.3 inches in height.

In city driving, it has an EPA fuel economy score of 27mpg. Meanwhile in highway driving, it rates at 32mpg.

The GM hybrid system employed in the Saturn Vue hybrid allows the vehicle to boost fuel-savings with its automatic cut-off of gas when decelerating, and shut-off of engine when immobile. Its efficiency is also indebted to its hybrid system that features regenerative braking and electrical engine support during an increase in car speed.

Perfect for You

SUV crossovers like the Saturn Vue hybrids are great alternatives to the truck-based SUVs. If you want an SUV with the car-like feel and performance sold at an affordable price, Vue hybrids are perfect for you.

Written by Ernest Jarquio
Visit Green-Hybrid-Cars.com for useful information and resources about Saturn Vue hybrid, Ford hybrids and 2003 Honda Civic hybrid.
-Saturn Sports Car

Saturn sports car: 2008 Saturn SKY Red Line

2008 Saturn SKY Summary

The 2008 Saturn SKY is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in two trims, the Roadster and the Red Line.

Upon introduction, the Saturn SKY Roadster is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 173-horsepower engine. The Saturn SKY Red Line is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 260-horsepower, turbo engine. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2008 Saturn SKY is a carryover from 2007.

Key Standard Features of 2008 Saturn SKY:

• AM/FM Radio With Speed Sensitive Volume and 6 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; XM(R) Satellite Radio
• 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
• Driver Airbag

Key Technical Specs of 2008 Saturn SKY:

Standard Engine

2.0L I4

Standard Transmission

5 Speed Manual

Cylinders

4

Horsepower @ RPM

260@5300

Torque @ RPM

260@2500 (foot-lbs)

I got this information at http://autos.yahoo.com
Please visit http://autos.yahoo.com/saturn_sky_red_line-specs for more details.

-Saturn Sports car

New!! 2008 Saturn Sky - Review

Overall Review

The 2008 Saturn Sky is a rear-wheel-drive roadster that shares its platform with Pontiac Soltice. Distinguishing features of the design include a peaked fender and a chrome bar emblazoned with the Saturn badge. As well, it has 18-inch wheels and its convertible top has a rear compartment into which it is completely stowed. This year, the second year the Saturn Sky has been in production, the standard equipment list has been explanded to include a noise-reducing torque beam on all manual transmission models, as well as electronic stability control, a powered height adjuster for the driver's seat, tire-pressure monitoring technology, and (with the 48 contiguous U.S. states) XM satellite radio to go along with the AM/FM radio / CD player / MP3 playback audio system.

Under the hood of the Saturn Sky, there's a standard 2.4 liter, 172 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine that provides 167 pounds/feet of torque, mated to an Aisin five-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter, with an optional five-speed automatic transmission available. The Red Line version of the Sky has a 2 liter, 260 horsepower turbocharged Ecotec engine providing 260 pounds/feet of torque.

Inside the 2008 Saturn Sky, aside from the features named above, you'll find seating for two, with buyer-chosen interior and exterior color combinations. Leather wrapping is standard on the steering wheel, but optional on the gear shift knob on the base model (standard on the Red Line), while leather upholstery is an optional upgrade on both versions of the car. GM's OnStar is a standard feature, and it's also got a limited-slip differential system, and anti-lock brakes, with front airbags rounding out the safety features.

Estimated fuel efficiency for the 2008 Saturn Sky ranges from 20-22 mpg in the city and 26-31 on the highway. The base model starts at $24,975, while the starting MSRP for the Red Line is $29,175.

I got this article at http://www.carseek.com

-Saturn sports car

Saturn Sky review- Part 3

Saturn Sky Lineup

The 2007 Saturn Sky ($23,115) comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic will be available ($850), though not initially.

Options include the Monsoon sound system with CD and MP3 ($590), a Monsoon sound system with six-CD changer ($890), XM Satellite Radio ($325). A Premium Trim Package ($750) includes leather seating surfaces, steering wheel audio controls and other leather and metal trim. A decklid spoiler ($275), a limited-slip rear differential ($195), polished alloy wheels ($545), chromed alloy wheels ($795), and special paint colors ($195) are available.

The Red Line performance model features the turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, and other upgrades.

Safety features that come standard on all models include front and side air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and OnStar emergency communications. The Sky does not offer electronic stability control.

I got this useful review from www.usedcarschannel.com

Saturn Sky Reviews- part 2

Saturn Sky Road Test

The Sky borrows parts and pieces from GM products around the world, including a set of bucket seats from a Mexican Chevrolet model, driveshaft and differential from the Cadillac CTS, a manual transmission from the Chevrolet Colorado, door panels from the Pontiac Solstice, and a glovebox door from the Chevy Cobalt, none of which should be of consequence to a prospective buyer because the designers and engineers have done such a good job of turning all those parts, with appropriate tweaks, into a Saturn Sky.

We have been trying to like the GM Ecotec engines for years, with few positive results. The 2.4 version is undersquare (a bigger stroke than bore), with a very high power peak of 6600 rpm, and that means you have to wind it up through the gears to have any fun with the car, and that winding produces loud, thrashy noises under the hood which we find not much fun to listen to shift after shift. The noise problem extends to a low, somewhat blatty exhaust note as well. If you stay out of the throttle all the time, we think you'll still have difficulty reaching EPA's estimated highway mileage of 28 mpg. In short, it's not a free-revving engine such as the one found in the Mazda Miata.

The engine, mounted longitudinally in the chassis and leaned over at a 10-degree angle, has electronic throttle control, variable valve timing and most of the other modern conveniences, but it just doesn't make enough power or torque down low where you need it. The clutch actuation was fine, and the fat little short-throw shifters in our test cars were smooth and slick with a little bit of notchiness here and there.

The handling capability of the Sky is very, very good, with an eight-foot wheelbase and a five-foot track width, 53/47 front/rear weight balance, and four meaty 245/45-18 tires supporting its nearly 3000 pounds of weight. We thrashed the Sky heavily on some California wine country mountain twisties, and it was wonderful fun to toss around, far better than we expected. Saturn says the Sky will pull 0.9g on the skidpad, which is world-class for a car in this price class. The steering is pretty accurate and nicely weighted. The ride quality is what you would expect from a short-wheelbase car with big, fat heavy tires and wheels, smooth and pleasant on good pavement, but a bit harsh on railroad tracks and bad pavement.

One of the attributes we like best about the Sky is its powerful, progressive braking, with very little slop at the top of the pedal before deceleration starts. These are big discs brakes for such a small car, and they work very well and very consistently.

I got this useful review from www.usedcarschannel.com

Saturn Sky Reviews - Part 1

Saturn Sky Interior Review

The interior of the Sky is its Achilles heel. While the dashboard and deeply tunneled instrumentation are done well, set in hard-finished plastic with dramatic Piano Black shiny trim not made of ebony or any other natural material. The controls are all reachable and easy to use, but there is a lot of flash and reflection from the chrome rims on every knob and dial and the shiny black piece.

Storage inside the cabin is limited. The glovebox is small, and there are no door pockets. The storage bin between the seats has an awkward push/twist lock instead of a simple pushbutton, and that bin doesn't hold much either. There are storage pockets on the back side of the seat backs and storage nets on the rear wall, but the seatback latch is buried in the darkness and it's hard to use. In a new twist on cupholders, they are mounted between the seatbacks below the storage bin, which forces you to use your outside hand to park or retrieve your drink, reaching across your body. Weird, but it works.

The bucket seats are comfortable enough for short runs, and offer good lateral support but little thigh support for the long haul, and they don't have enough built-in adjustability for tall folks, limited by the short length of the cockpit. The seatback rake adjuster is a wheel, not a lever, and it is in a very tight space between the side of the seat and the door, nearly impossible to use with the doors closed.

The cargo room in the Sky is barely adequate for a single person's weekend getaway, let alone a fun couple's. There's only 5 cubic feet of space under the decklid with the top up, only 2 cubic feet with the top stowed, and the shape of the space is interrupted by a huge domed area in the center to accommodate the rear axle assembly, so the space isn't conducive to anything but soft, pliable luggage that can be squished around to fit. Maybe it's time for decklid-mounted luggage racks to make a comeback.

I got this useful review at www.usedcarschannel.com

2008 Saturn VUE review - Part 3

Saturn VUE Lineup

The 2008 Saturn Vue comes in a choice of XE and XR trim. Three powertrains are available, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine, the 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a high-feature 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing. The four-cylinder engine comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, and the two V6 engines are mated to GM's new six-speed automatic. Both XE and XR versions are available in front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Later in the year, an sportier Vue Red Line or RL version will be added to the lineup, featuring larger tires and wheels, the 3.6-liter engine, and other sporty interior and exterior touches and decors. In the last quarter of 2007, Saturn will offer the Vue Green Line hybrid, or GL version, using the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and GM's compact, inexpensive hybrid power unit.

Option packages for the Vue include a Preferred package with eight-way power driver's seat, leather wheel, heater power mirrors, lighted visor vanity mirrors, and automatic temperature control ($740); a Convenience package with rain-sensing wipers, heated washer fluid, remote starting and a universal remote for gates, garage doors and home lighting ($505); a Premium package with leather seating, leather shift knob, heated front seats ($1075). Options include a DVD navigation and CD/MP3 player system ($2145) and a high-end stereo system ($325). Also available is a tap-shift feature on the automatic transmission ($170), a trailer towing package ($350), power sunroof ($800), fog lamps ($115), cargo cover ($50), cargo divider, chrome trim package, and a stereo/6CD upgrade ($295).

All-wheel drive is available for the XE ($3120), XR ($2000), and RL ($2000).

Safety features include OnStar Safe and Sound emergency communications, ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. This version of StabiliTrak includes a trailer-stabilizing system that automatically applies the brakes when it detects the trailer swaying behind the vehicle.

I got this useful review at http://www.usedcarschannel.com

2008 Saturn VUE review- Part 2

Saturn VUE Road Test

Compared with other five-seat crossover utility vehicles from the Japanese, Korean, European and domestic competition, the Saturn Vue behaves more like a European vehicle. That makes sense, given its German Opel roots.

The power steering is not overboosted or mushy, and has good but not great road feel. The ride is taut without being jarring, and body roll control is right up there with the best of the other Europeans, including BMW and Land Rover, so the Vue invites spirited driving, especially through long sweeping curves. Isolation from the world outside is very good.

We were very impressed with the acceleration performance from the available 3.6-liter V6. Paired with the new six-speed transmission, this engine makes the Vue smooth, quiet, and authoritative without a lot of noisy cabin intrusion. The 257-hp V6 engine is near the top of the class in terms of power and torque. It'll accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds flat. In sixth gear, the engine sound all but disappears, providing a relaxed, easy cruising mode.

We like brakes that start braking right at the top of the pedal travel, and the Saturn Vue's brakes delivered on that, with lots of braking power at the initial stab of the pedal and even more with more pedal travel, very linear and effective.

I got this useful review at www.usedcarschannel.com

2008 Saturn VUE review- Part 1

Saturn VUE Interior Review

Our first impression inside the 2008 Saturn Vue was extremely positive. Where the outgoing vehicle had cheesy imitation wood and plastic, the new European look is clean, modern and classy in terms of design, appearance, materials and function. There's a good balance of brightwork to panels from the left door across the instrument panel and dashboard to the right door, and the heating/air conditioning vents are big, round and nicely done.

The driver's bucket seat is comfy, containing but not restrictive. The seating position at front left is commanding and comfortable, and everything is within easy reach. Arranged ahead of the driver is lovely array of multi-colored instruments surrounded by brushed-metal rings. The instrument panel is pleasant to look at, easy to read and use, night or day. Saturn has chosen brushed metal over shiny chrome, which avoids problems with fingerprints and sun reflections, and for that we give them high marks. The steering wheel is a work of art, with radio and cruise control buttons built in, a thick rim with lovely stitching and a nice set of metallic accents in the lower half. The steering wheel offers tilt adjustability, but does not telescope.

The touch-screen for the AM/FM/XM radio and the navigation system is big and bright and high enough in the center of the dash to be read quickly and safely, and low enough to stay out of the glaring sunlight most of the time. It's one of the easiest systems to use of all the competitors in this segment, with big markings and good contrast. This is a mid-market Opel design, so there's no wood in here at all, but the plastics, metals and fabrics are all very touchable and good-looking. Down below, the shifter is a single-gate model, surrounded again by brushed metal.\

There's 56 cubic feet of cargo room just inside the easy-lift tailgate with the 60/40 second-row seats flopped down. There's a huge glovebox, an under-seat box under the front passenger seat, more storage in the second-row console, and, hiding under the cargo floor is a whole network of nooks, crannies and cubbies built into the spare tire carrier assembly, and some almost-hidden storage way up front in the compartment.

In the cargo compartment floor are two sets of rails into which fit a set of six sliding chocks to help secure cargoes of all shapes and sizes, with more tie-downs in the floor and in the seatbacks. Fold the front passenger seat down, and you can easily carry a one-man kayak inside the Vue with room left over for wetsuit, paddles and a whole lot more gear. The 2007 Vue carried a rating of 63.8 cubic feet of cargo with the second seat down, some 13 percent larger using EPA measuring methods, but less useable overall than the open and hidden space in the new truck.

I got this useful review at www.usedcarschannel.com

Coming Soon.........