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Freshened inside and out, the revitalized Vue is more appealing than ever.

One vehicle I had a hard time imagining getting any more enticing was the Saturn VUE Red Line.

There's a hidden gem out their in GM's small SUV offerings.

Increasing numbers of consumers each year have been buying Saturn's only sport-utility vehicle, the Vue. It's a compactly sized, nice-looking, affordable SUV whose best perk is its Honda-engineered and -built V6. Next, the Vue gets a hybrid power system.

AutoWeek magazine recently had some very nice things to say about the 2006 Saturn VUE Red Line.

The Saturn Vue stands out among the compact SUVs with its unique styling and innovative plastic body panels, which resist dents and eliminate corrosion. Inside, it's roomy and practical. Similar in size to the Honda CR-V, the Vue seats five. Back-seat riders are made more comfortable with seatbacks that recline slightly for comfort. The seats, including the front passenger seat, fold flat, providing enough space to haul an eight-foot ladder.

There's been a bit of a revolution going on at Saturn, the GM brand first known for its excellent customer service and no-dicker stickers. Saturn is paying more attention to interiors and amenities, as well as developing sexier vehicles. With the renewed customer enthusiasm for the brand, we were eager to hop into the 2006 Saturn Vue, a small SUV that competes with the likes of the redesigned 2006 Toyota RAV4. We found a lot to like about the new Vue.

The black Saturn Vue I drove recently resembles any of dozen other mild-mannered, small sport-utility vehicles on the market. But its $2,495 Red Line package sets it apart. Here is a from-the-factory, prepackaged tuner car. Its cosmetic and (slight) performance enhancements make it unique, a key selling point in a world where customized cars are king.

The name of this popular vehicle class suggests vehicles that are fun to drive while providing more space and capability for carrying passengers, toting cargo, and hauling stuff. Unfortunately, most SUVs manage to excel only on the utility part of the equation, and those that do perform well on pavement usually carry a luxury badge on the grille, putting them out of reach of most Americans. But Saturn wants to change that with the Saturn Vue Red Line.

The black Saturn Vue I drove last week resembles any of dozen other mild-mannered small sport-utility vehicles on the market. But its $2,495 Red Line package sets it apart. Here is a from-the-factory, pre-packaged tuner car. Its cosmetic and (slight) performance enhancements make it unique, a key selling point in a world where customized cars are king.