Introduced midway through the 2002 model year, Saturn's first SUV was positioned against compact sport-utility vehicles such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Mazda Tribute. But Saturn's version was slightly larger, with the longest wheelbase in its class. Seating five, Vues came with front-drive or all-wheel drive. They also had Saturn's traditional dent-resistant plastic body panels. Engines came from Saturn's midsize L-Series cars. The four-cylinder came with front-drive only, offered with a five-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable automatic. Like other CVTs, Saturn's furnished variable drive ratios instead of conventional gear changes. All V6 Vues had all-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system lacked low-range gearing. Options included antilock braking, curtain side airbags, and General Motors' OnStar assistance system. Vue stored its spare tire under the rear load floor, and had a liftgate that lacked separate-opening glass. The split rear seat worked with a fold-down front passenger seatback, to accommodate long objects.