I am in the market for a new car. Well, when I say "in the market" I mean that I accost strange people in parking lots when I see a vehicle I think would fit my family of five and immediately question them about how they feel when it comes to MPG, leg room, leather vs. cloth and of course, CD player sound quality. I have only had one woman run screaming from me. (At least, I think it was me. It could have been my Doberman in the car growling out the window.) So, when I was offered the chance to test drive a new Saturn VUE- Greenline, I jumped at it. In fact, I jumped so hard that I think I knocked over the nice people offering. I do love to test drive new vehicles. That new car smell. That clean car atmosphere. The radio stations that I get to preset myself. Let me at least give you a small disclaimer. I own a Saturn. I bought it when they boys were one and three years old. Tiny little people. People who had car seats and sippy cups. A time when my daughter was not only not yet born, but not even an idea. We knew for sure that a Saturn SL2 would work for us for years. And it has. For 10 years to be exact. But you see, the kids have decided to grow up (not to mention we added another!) and now, well, the nearly 6 foot tall teen is a bit crushed in the back seat of the car when all 5 of us go for a drive. If the car grew with the family, I would drive it forever. Honestly, I have never owned a car that has been as good to us and as dependable as our Saturn. Therefore, of course I was going to jump at the chance to test another version of a Saturn. The nice gentleman dropped off the car and was very cool when I squealed and jumped up and did my "new car in da house" dance when he passed over the keys. I raced to check out the VUE as soon as he left. It was love at first site. I loaded up the husband in the back seat. (Hey! The kids were in school and I had to check for leg room. HE FIT!) We drove around and did what all people do when they are in a new car. Played with the windows and honked the horn. So far it passed my personal tests. But, if I was going to actually consider buying one of these (or even giving my thumbs up for it), I was going to have to check out the important details that really do make a difference between having fun driving a car and really wanting to buy it. The Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid is the first GM vehicle powered by a new, more affordable hybrid system that delivers an estimated 20-percent improvement in fuel economy, depending on driving conditions. It delivers an EPA estimated 27 mgp in the city and the best highway mileage of any SUV at 32 mpg. The Vue's hybrid system costs under $2000. The full vehicle stats at less than $23,000. Meaning, economical, efficient and you don't have to sell a kidney to afford it. Driving the Green Line is, well, just like driving any other mid-size SUV. If I didn't know any better, I would only notice the difference when I came to a stop. In fact, I am pretty sure most drivers won't notice anything unusual until they've stopped at a red light or stop sign, too. In most situations, the engine completely stops…as in turns off. It is like an engine stall but without the horrible groan that precedes it or the panic that ensues when it is in fact a stall. Actually, it just smoothly shuts down. While stopped and in "eco"mode all the interior features remain operational, such as the climate control, radio, etc. As soon as you take your foot off of the brake and move, there is no hesitation or delay. Lifting off the brake engages the electric motor-generator and smoothly restarts the gasoline engine so you're under way again with no fuss. Unlike other current hybrids, however, the Green Line does not run any distance on pure electric power; the motor-generator is a hybrid "helper." The net result is that saving fuel has never been more painless. Finally, I can have a vehicle large enough to fit a teen, tween and diva grade schooler-- without watching them being forced to rest their heads on their knees as they fold themselves into a backseat. All without the guilt of knowing I am harming the environment. Actually, just the opposite. I could feel that I was actually doing something that would benefit both my family and the world around me. (Yes, I will totally hug this tree while loving the Vue!) At the end of the week, the nice men at GM came to get the Vue. (Door to door service rocks.) And, he didn't even call for help when I threw myself at his feet clinging on and begging him not to take it away. As he dragged me down the sidewalk, he told me he was glad that I enjoyed the week, but could I PLEASE let go and give up the keys? I did. Honestly, I really did love the Vue and the fact that Saturn and GM are moving closer towards being more economically friendly and help to protect rather than harm our environment. I hope more companies jump in and start realizing that larger families need options that are economically and environmentally friendly.
[Disclosure: I received nothing in return for test driving and reviewing the Saturn Vue. No financial compensation or free cars were offered. As I told the wonderful people at ParentBloggers, I have no problem talking about free test drives on my blog. I figure every now and then you can handle it. Oh, and by the way, I have the same policy with Matthew McConaughey, too. I will blog about that test drive, too, if I am ever offered. Just so you know.]
As a Mom to three kids of various ages, it takes everything for me to keep up with their schedules, my husband's schedule--not to mention my own. Oh sure, I am good at knowing that the teen has somewhere to be on a certain day and time, but many times I forget that it conflicts with the soccer practice of the tween which of course most likely coincides with something the little one has to do. 
For such a small book, this educational series is packed with practical and interesting material. I am sure that it will maintain it's prime spot in our car so that she can pull it out on car trips, playdates and even long trips to the store. One thing that kept her interest is the bright colors used. It seemed more like fun than a typical educational workbook. A bonus that we both loved was the reinforcements at the bottom of every page. Phrases such "You're smart!" and "How extraordinary!"