New color schemes for 2006 include an uplevel design with nice wood-grain trim for an unexpectedly classy ambience. Chrome accents brighten the instrument panel and new white-faced gauges that are backlit at night give it a sporty look. The three-spoked steering wheel has elegant metallic cuffs around the cruise control and redundant audio buttons. Satin-nickel trim surrounds the shifter.
Getting inside the Vue is easy thanks to wide door openings and a low step-in height. Despite the high beltline, visibility is good, providing a panoramic view. Big mirrors afford good visibility rearward. The driver's visor has an extension to help block the sun. Handy pockets on either side of the center console are good for maps and other items.
The seats use a nice combination of vinyl and fabric. A Comfort Package combines heated front seats with six-way power and lumbar support for the driver. Leather trim for the seats and steering wheel is another worthwhile upgrade. Red Line models come with black leather upholstery with suede inserts, the power seat from the Comfort Package, metal pedals, embroidered floor mats and available ambient footwell lighting in amber or blue.
The switchgear is well designed and easy to operate, with center stack controls mounted flush with the rest of the dashboard and trim pieces. Heating and air conditioning controls are straightforward and easy to operate. They've been improved over those in earlier models and no longer look like they came from a compact car. Regrettably, the window switches are located on the center console, making them harder to find than if they were on the door.
The stereo is nicely designed and attractive. Volume is controlled with a prominent knob in the center of the panel. One particularly nice feature is the input jack for an iPod or MP3 player. Audio options include a six-CD changer and an MP3 player. XM Satellite Radio is available, a great option when traveling because the stations don't change as you drive across the country. Around town, XM Satellite Radio is nice to have for listening to the 24-hour news and sports broadcasts, or for staying tuned into your favorite types of music (classical, jazz, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s). You still get ads, but fewer and less obnoxious than what you hear on AM and FM.
The rear seats can be reclined slightly for better comfort by pulling on a latch behind the seat. There's lots of rear-seat headroom, though the seating position is low enough to make our knees ride a little high. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system allows back-seat passengers to view a movie on a fold-down, seven-inch LCD screen. The system includes remote control and dual wireless headphones, so rear passengers can listen to CDs or watch a movie while front-seat passengers can either listen to the DVD program or to the car's regular audio system.
Carrying cargo is made easier by the 70/30 split folding rear bench seat, which provides versatile stowage of longer items while carrying rear passengers. Even the front passenger seat folds flat, providing enough room for an eight-foot ladder. The nearly flat load floor in the rear is a result of the compact all-wheel-drive system. Of particular note are the configurable cargo spaces. A cargo organizer folds out of the floor to corral smaller objects; it's important to fully snap it closed when put away, however, or it will make a small rattle that disturbs the Vue's otherwise quiet cabin. There are hooks for grocery bags and two compartments sized specifically for gallon jugs, a welcome convenience on late-night food runs. Tie-downs provide for the safe transport of a wide variety of goods. Three power outlets provide opportunities to plug in toys or tools. The rear hatch is easy to open and close.
Accessories are available to customize Vue's storage space. A Pet Net ($202) keeps dogs (or whatever else) securely in the cargo bay. You can also buy an interior bike rack ($157), and/or specific roof rack accessories for carrying canoes ($60), kayaks ($120), surf boards ($75), sail boards ($75), bicycles ($95), and skis ($100).
GM's OnStar security and information service has been upgraded over time for easier and more intuitive hands-free operation. OnStar works well as a navigation system because there's nothing to program. Press the button and a human operator responds, to provide directions and other assistance. The operators vary in proficiency, but most are friendly and knowledgeable, and it's sometimes fun to engage them in conversation on long trips if only to keep you awake and alert. OnStar always knows the location of your vehicle; it can direct you to the nearest gas station or help find a good restaurant or motel. The OnStar staff will notify authorities of your location if your airbag goes off and you do not respond to their calls, or you can press the emergency button and they'll send out the troops. OnStar can also unlock your doors if you lock the keys inside. If your vehicle is stolen, they can pinpoint its location and direct the authorities to apprehend the bad guys and recover your vehicle.
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