The Vue's wide door openings and low step-in height simplify access. From the inside, the high belt-line doesn't seem to impair the panoramic view, although it might limit visibility for kids riding in the back seat. Large, outside rear-view mirrors make it easy to negotiate supermarket parking lots. There's plenty of pockets and cubbyholes throughout the interior to stash maps and other items.
The standard seats nicely combine fabric and vinyl. The optional Comfort package includes heated front seats and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Optional leather seat upholstery includes trim for the steering wheel and shift lever as well as the seats. The Red Line package includes seats that combine black leather upholstery with suede-like inserts, power-adjustable driver's seat, metal overlays for the control pedals, embroidered floor mats and even footwell lighting in amber or blue.
The switchgear is large and easy to operate, even while wearing winter gloves. Switches for the power windows are located on the center console, a requirement in the European markets where the Vue was designed to be sold.
The volume for the audio system is controlled with a large, central knob. Options include a six-disk CD and MP3 player. An input jack for a hand-held iPod comes standard. XM satellite radio is a worthwhile option for those who live in rural areas or who plan to travel cross-country.
Access to the rear seats is surprisingly good, although the bottom cushion of the split, folding-back 70/30 seat is thin and positioned a little low, a measure to deliver a truly flat cargo floor when the seat back is folded forward. One useful feature is the adjustable seatback, which allows you to recline for added comfort. The Vue has less rear-seat legroom than the Honda CR-V, but more than the Ford Escape.
The Vue's optional, rear-seat DVD entertainment system is a remarkable luxury in this price class, and it features a seven-inch LCD screen that folds down from the ceiling plus dual, wireless headphones. There are also two power outlets for portable electric devices.
The Vue is configured largely to enhance passenger space, as its 113 cubic feet of passenger volume indicates, yet there's still some 30.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second seat. Once you recline the back of the second seat, the space expands to 63.8 cubic feet, and the one-piece liftgate and low rear bumper simplify cargo loading. Even the front passenger seat folds flat, making it possible to transport an eight-foot ladder.
The Vue also gets high marks for the way in which its interior space can be easily configured to transport all kinds of objects. A cargo organizer in the rear is usually stowed flat on the cargo floor, but it pops up to afford a selection of discrete compartments for small objects. Special hooks make it possible to secure plastic grocery bags, and there are two compartments designed specifically for one-gallon jugs. There's also a power outlet in the cargo area.
Saturn's accessory catalog features some interesting items for the Vue. In addition, once the roof rack crossbars are installed ($238), there are special attachments to carry a canoe ($60), kayak ($120), sailboard ($75), bicycles ($90), or skis ($100).
