Saturn's first crossover, the Vue, is unveiled to the media on Oct. 5, 2000, in Miami, one day before the vehicle's official introduction to the public at the Miami auto show.
The General Motors brand, created to challenge Asian imports in the car market, was a late entry to the budding crossover segment.
The Vue was equipped with technology — dent-resistant, rust-free plastic body panels and a continuously variable transmission — that few rivals offered for the price.
The Vue, a competitor to the Honda CR-V and Mazda Tribute, was manufactured at General Motors' Spring Hill, Tenn., plant. It went on sale in the fall of 2001.
It was available in front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Two engines were available: a 143-hp Ecotec inline 4-cylinder or a 181-hp V-6.
It was larger than some of its competitors: 15 inches longer than the Toyota RAV4, about 8 inches longer than a Ford Escape and 3 inches longer than the CR-V.
The Vue became Saturn's top seller and was re-engineered and redesigned in 2007 for the 2008 model year as a rebadged Opel Antara. But it was phased out when GM disclosed plans on Sept. 30, 2009, to discontinue Saturn after failing to secure a buyer for the brand as part of its bankruptcy restructuring.
