2005 Saturn Vue Red Line | Review | Buying Guide
The Red Line version of the Saturn Vue debuted last year to a stunned audience. Never before had Saturn embarked on such boldness. Joined by an Ion Red Line, the duo quickly re-positioned Saturn’s place in the automotive landscape.
The Red Line has one attribute above many that sets it apart from the pack: style. Inspired by ‘tuner’ cars of Southern California, the Vue Red Line is a supped-up compact sport utility vehicle with plenty of brashness and a healthy dose of power under its hood.
However, even though it’s cool, the Vue Red Line is also safe. For 2005, the available OnStar safety and security system has been upgraded. OnStar-equipped Vues feature new sixth-generation hardware with digital and analog coverage. OnStar’s Gen 6 hardware also includes upgraded hands-free voice recognition capabilities including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy.
Under the Hood
Like the regular Vue (covered in a separate review), the Red Line can be had with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. The choice is yours.
Under the hood of the Vue Red Line is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 250 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control, which helps eliminate hunting between gears.
The Vue Red Line's stiffened suspension is lowered more than one inch and the vehicle rides on aggressively styled 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R18 Bridgestone Turanza performance touring tires. The electric power steering is calibrated for a decided sporty feel.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Vue Red Line is a limited-edition model, so if its power and style have caught your eye, you’d better act sooner rather than later. Time may be running out on your dreams of owning one.
Vue Red Line's custom look includes unique rockers, rear fascia, front fascia with black air intakes and a chrome exhaust tip. Door and liftgate handles, along with mirror housings, are painted body color to finish off the monochromatic theme.
The Vue Red Line offers many safety features. It has a structure that is designed to help absorb the energy of a crash while protecting the integrity of the passenger compartment. The Red Line also has pretensioners in the front safety belt system that engage at the same time as the frontal airbags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing.
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