Available now: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid in California
AutoblogGreen reader Christopher Howell wrote in the other night to say he'd just picked up "the first Vue hybrid in Southern California". Perhaps he'd like to give a quick review of how it drives in the comments below. Until then, here are some earlier posts on Saturn's first hybrid offering and one on how quickly the higher cost of a Vue Green Line will likely pay off against savings at the pump (the estimate from late last month says it'll take about six years).
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[Source: ABG Reader Christopher Howell]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Christopher Howell 1:27PM (9/27/2006)
With just over 500 miles on the odometer the Hybrid Vue is a great compromise between as SUV and a fuel efficient hybrid. After the first fill up of mostly city driving the Vue averaged 27 miles per gallon (370 miles on 13.7 gallons).
The Vue hybrid is slightly lower than the standard Vue and handles more like a car than an SUV. Stops and starts are very smooth with plenty of power during acceleration.
The charge/assist meter and "eco" light should help drivers to get the best mileage out of their Vue. The charge system comes on as soon as you let off the gas and begin coasting. Very little breaking is needed if you let off the gas soon enough. With a little practice your stops will give maximum charge to the batteries and your breaks should last a very long time.
The gadgets in the Vue Hybrid are also impressive. The video/DVD system is very well integrated. The kids can watch a DVD in the back. While the front passengers listen to radio, ipod or XM… the CD player is used for the DVD. I have not had to use OnStar but it is nice to know it is there if I need it. And the heated seats are also very nice for the cold mornings.
So far the Vue hybrid is a great replacement for the Dodge Durango and Honda Civic it is replacing. The Vue is defiantly the best of both vehicles.
Now if Saturn would only make an Electric vehicle...
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