2004 Saturn VUE in Cerritos

Based on the Theta architecture that has since begot the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, the plastic-paneled Saturn Vue had humble beginnings powered by either a tepid four-cylinder or a mild 3.0-liter V-6. Two years ago, Saturn gave its soft-roader a serious power infusion in the form of a Honda-sourced 3.5-liter/250-horse V-6 matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. So equipped, the Vue will walk all over every similar-sized SUV save the pricier, turbocharged Subaru Forester. Compared with other compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, the Vue is slightly bigger and, with the V-6, much more powerful. The Vue received several updates for 2005, such as a four-speed automatic transmission for the four-cylinder engine, but 2006 is true midlife freshening. For this year, the Vue is treated to a cosmetic update and a full round of detail changes that significantly increase its desirability.

For 2006 the Vue gets a new hood, grille, and headlights. Out are the gigantic old headlights that Saturn formerly embraced as a brand styling trait, replaced on V-6 models with cooler projector-style lamps. The overall look is clean and geometric, and the Vue manages to remain distinctive on roads glutted with SUVs and crossovers. The Vue uses plastic body pieces, a Saturn hallmark, but the large panel gaps necessitated by heat expansion of the plastic aren't as out of place here as they are on the Ion.... Read full article