| The recent retro exterior design trends of | | | | is minimal.One unusual characteristic is the |
| several manufacturers don't | | | | placement of the power window |
| pertain to Saturn. It's only been around since mid | | | | switches on the center console. While some |
| 1990.But with the 2004 Vue, its compact sports | | | | drivers may find the option |
| utility vehicle, stylish retro | | | | inconvenient (if they're used to door-panel |
| interior accouterments help uniquely position the | | | | window switches), the more |
| model in the | | | | central location seems like a logical choice. It |
| increasingly crowded SUV category.My test drive | | | | allows a driver to monitor |
| was the 5-speed automatic AWD V6 Vue. Its | | | | windows while keeping his or her eyes on the |
| straight- | | | | road and hands closer to |
| forward exterior and interior and top-of-the-line | | | | the steering wheel and shift.Cruise control, |
| options and design are | | | | automatic day/night rearview mirror with |
| impressive.But every time I drove the vehicle, I | | | | compass and |
| couldn't help but stare at the | | | | interior/exterior temperature, front and rear |
| instrument panel. The white background is | | | | 12-volt outlets a 70/30 split |
| accentuated with gold- | | | | folding rear seat, and a spacious cargo area are |
| colored numbers in a retro font -- like the face | | | | among other strong |
| of a vintage wristwatch.Likewise, the frontseat | | | | features.The test drive vehicle also included a |
| map pockets are not plastic or rubber, rather | | | | nearly $3,000 option package: |
| tightly woven net, another cool retro design | | | | leather appointed seats, head curtain side airbags, |
| feature.Of course, there's a lot more important | | | | power sunroof AM/ |
| Saturn features to consider.The 3.5-liter, 250-HP | | | | FM 6 CD changer with MP3 capability and XM |
| engine packs plenty of power and the vehicle's | | | | satellite radio. It pushed |
| acceleration -- among the quickest in the SUV | | | | the price of the Vue to more than $27,000 - |
| market -- is | | | | near the top of the market |
| complemented by AWD, electronic power | | | | range. But the Vue provides a fine example of |
| steering and 17-inch all- | | | | getting what one pays for.2004 Saturn |
| season tires that grip the road well.Whether in | | | | VueSafety features -- Dual stage front airbags, |
| tight, city traffic or on open-road freeway miles, | | | | curtain side airbags, |
| the Vue | | | | daytime running and fog lights, rear window |
| performs well and is designed with ample leg and | | | | windshield washer/wiper.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- |
| head room.Several other interior features add to | | | | 19 mpg (city), 25 mpg (highway).Warranty -- 3 |
| the Vue's strong position against | | | | years/36,000 miles (bumper to bumper), 24-hour |
| competitors that include the Ford Escape, Honda | | | | roadside assistance, 30-day, 1,500-mile Saturn |
| CR-V and Mazda | | | | exchange program.Base price range -- |
| Tribute.Two children's seats, for example, can | | | | $16,775-$23,620.James Raia is a syndicated |
| remain in place while one | | | | journalist in Sacramento, California, who |
| seatback section folds flat. There aren't any | | | | writes about sports, fitness, travel and lifestyle |
| ceiling-mounted grab | | | | topics as well as the car |
| handles to assist entry and exit, but unlike other | | | | review colum, The Weekly Driver. |
| SUVs, the step-in height | | | | |