Each year, after driving most of the automobile industry's finest cars, I select the one that I liked the best. Two years ago, I chose the Nissan Murano, and last year it was the new Buick Enclave. The 2008 Saturn Vue might eclipse any car I have ever driven. My selection is not based on size, class, cost, engineering power, price, or any number of automotive accoutrements, but rather on what I personally like about the vehicle.
The Vue sits up proud, having all the amenities of a large SUV, but providing the mileage of a small sedan. It is easy to park, and allows you to change lanes with added security because the design allows great peripheral vision. The handsome styling and modern interior leather colors accentuate the bolder outside beauty.
The Vue is the kind of vehicle that one could have a romance with. It is beautiful, smart, functional, hard-working, giving, low maintenance, and works hard to enhance the relationship. It is a safe vehicle, providing stability control, antilock brakes (4-wheel disc) head curtain side airbags, dual front airbags with a passenger sensing system, traction control, theft deterrent system, and a whole host of other safety devices that will keep you secure and happy during your driving experience.
The engine is a robust 3.6 L V6 257 HP with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 5-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty helps to guarantee a long happy life together. And should there be problems, the free 24-hour roadside assistance can be used rather than one of you going home to the relatives.
Most vehicles manufactured today are of good quality. A few come with features that make life more amenable. Only a few companies like Saturn make cars like the Vue that add a great deal of wonderful comfort and convenience to the owner.
Now that I am no longer young, I expect items in a vehicle that may not be as important to other age groups. Being able to see inside a vehicle at night can be a problem for me. Cars that have a darkened interior with dimly lit instrument panels are a real source of frustration. Inserting the key into the ignition is often challenging, compounded by not being able to see where to insert it quickly because it is located on the steering column, and often hidden under numerous other things. I find myself fumbling in blackness to raise or lower the window because I can't locate the button that would accomplish the task. I can just forget about trying to find the hood release button or the gas cap opener when they are under the seat somewhere near the resting place of Jimmie Hoffa or the Loch Ness Monster.
In the Vue, the ignition is in clear view to the right of the steering column. Lighting in the cabin has a soft, rich, glow that provides good visibility. Not bright enough to get the attention of low-flying aircraft, but just as Goldilocks proclaimed about the bear's porridge, "Just right!"
The Saturn Vue is loaded with everything but an outdoor Jacuzzi and sells for less than $26,000 while getting 16 mpg in town and 22 mpg on the highway.
Durhl Caussey writes a weekly car column. He is a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association, and may be reached at this paper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .
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