The competition in the sport utility vehicle segment is loaded with choices, including a new entry from Saturn. But the view from Vue isn’t entirely rosy. During an extended test drive, the 4-cylinder engine equipped SUV performed as if it were ready to roll 200,000 odometer miles. With every initial forward start, the engine’s rpm needle climbed to 3500 before the vehicle even reached 25 mph. The obvious conclusion: a 138 horsepower engine just isn’t the right power choice. (Saturn Vue is sold with a 181 horsepower V6.) When mated to the weak engine, the Vue’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) didn’t make any must-have statements, either. And the Vue misses the mark with steering wheel response – too much ‘dead space’. On the plus side, the Vue’s ride isn’t shabby and the vehicle is fairly non-pulsed by potholes. The interior has some nice touches, including pull-down armrests for front seat occupants, deep scoop cupholders, and sparsely appointed door panels (only door lock and handle) as power window and power mirror adjust buttons are on the gearbox surround. Standard fare includes 16-inch wheels, all wheel drive, air conditioning, 70/30 split-fold rear seat, fold-flat front passenger seatback, and four wheel independent suspension. Per gallon mileage estimates are 21 city/26 highway. Vue is one of four new products coming from Saturn in the next four years, which is one reason Saturn’s Spring Hill, Tennessee assembly plant underwent a $1.5 billion tooling and equipment upgrade. Suggested retail price for the Vue (with 4-cylinder and variable automatic transmission) is $18,860.