Saturn VUE Gas-Electric Hybrid

The word hybrid used to mean something along the lines of mutant. A hybrid rose was something that, well, just shouldn't be. But is. Today the word hybrid is, of course, the premiere buzzword in the auto industry. In fact, hybrid is such a buzz word that it is actually become a generic term that encompasses a wide variety of realities. In fact, there is no such thing as a generic "hybrid" vehicle. Nearly every hybrid automaker manufactures their vehicle at least slightly differently the rest. Despite this, you can't be scared of jumping into the world of hybrid vehicles; this is no time to be wary. Before too much longer, the hybrid vehicle will be almost as omnipresent as the SUV. Your time for cashing in on the cool cache of driving a hybrid is quickly running out; 2006 may be the year you can still get any trend points out of it. Always on top of trends, Saturn is ready to go with it Vue Green Line.

Saturn is rocketing into the hybrid galaxy with the gas-electric 2007 VUE, the first vehicle to make use of GM's belt alternator start systems. Despite the main selling point of hybrids being the savings you get because of the improved mileage, the Vue is actually estimated to get only slightly better gas mileage than its non-hybrid counterparts. For instance, Saturn estimates the Vue will come down around 27/32 mpg whereas the 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid posts 36/31 mpg figures. As you might imagine, Saturn has found a way to make bricks out of this mud and straw: the company is trumpeting the VUE Green Line's affordability over similar hybrid vehicles. The VUE Green Line should carry a premium price that is only $1500 above the price of comparable non-hybrid models.