The 2006 Saturn Vue Red Line marked a significant redesign, blending performance with a sleek new aesthetic. This compact SUV boasted a powerful engine, sporty handling, and impressive fuel economy, all at a competitive price point. Let’s delve into the features that made the 2006 Vue Red Line stand out.
Exterior Design Inspired by Saturn’s New Direction
The 2006 Vue Red Line’s exterior took cues from the Saturn Sky roadster and Aura sedan concept. A unique front grille with a prominent chrome bar and integrated Saturn badge signaled the brand’s evolving design language. Body-color 360-degree ground effects and redesigned fascias contributed to a lower, more streamlined profile. Aggressive 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/50R18 performance tires further enhanced the sporty appearance. The lowered suspension, more than an inch lower than the standard Vue, completed the “slammed” look.
Interior Appointments: A Blend of Comfort and Sport
Inside, the 2006 Saturn Vue Red Line featured ebony leather-appointed seats with suede inserts, complemented by ebony carpet and safety belts. A six-way power driver seat adjuster allowed for customized comfort. Unique touches included a distinctive instrument cluster faceplate and metallic foot pedals. Ambient lower lighting, switchable between “Cool Blue” and “Warm Amber,” added a touch of personalization. The Red Line also benefited from updates applied across the entire Vue lineup, including a redesigned center stack, new center console, a steering wheel with integrated audio controls, and upgraded radio options.
Powerful Performance and Surprising Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2006 Vue Red Line housed a robust 3.5L V-6 engine, delivering a potent 250 horsepower. This powertrain, paired with the front-wheel-drive configuration, achieved a class-leading 28 miles per gallon on the highway, a remarkable feat for an SUV of its time. Furthermore, the Vue Red Line earned an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) rating. The performance-tuned suspension and sport-calibrated electric power steering provided agile handling and a responsive driving experience. All-wheel drive was also available for enhanced traction.
A Competitive Price Point
The 2006 Saturn Vue Red Line entered the market with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $24,485, making it a compelling option in the compact SUV segment. This price represented a significant decrease compared to the similarly equipped 2005 model.
The Vue Red Line: A Sign of Saturn’s Evolution
The redesigned 2006 Saturn Vue Red Line showcased the brand’s commitment to performance, style, and value. It offered a compelling blend of sporty handling, a powerful engine, and surprising fuel efficiency, all wrapped in a sleek and modern design. The Vue Red Line signaled Saturn’s ambition to compete in a growing market of performance-oriented SUVs.
