Now I'm suspicious.Last night my wifes 01 Acura TL would not start after 3 tries.I let it sit for a while and it started up.Then I try to go to ALLDATA to look for any recalls or TSB related to this and HONDA has blocked the public from this information.What are they hiding?
timz58 : I have said numerous times I like the CR-V a lot. I like to look at each individual vehicle objectively (even though I have had bed experiences with Honda in the past). Unfortunately you can not do this which is too bad as you could have added something to the discussion.
maynardf1 : Good one. How are you liking your VUE?
For Dindak: One last comment - - - The only way I purchase anything is to shop it around and get the best product for a given amount of money. With autos, I depend heavily on personal impressions, owner reports and advice from independent mechanics. The cars most consistently recommended to me by them are 1. Toyota 2. Honda 3. Nissan and surprisingly #4 was Buick for quality build and low manintenance and repair costs. I am not entirely biased toward Honda and made the CRV choice after months of investigation, comparison shopping. Unfortunately, one visit to a Saturn dealer and personal observation of product was enough to turn me away from them. We will be due for another car in about two years and yes, Toyota/Honda will be at the top of the list but virtually every car in the same class as Accord or Camry will be included in the search. Once again, I believe in getting the best value for dollar spent and this time it came up Honda - CRV. The one thing I will say for Saturn is that a domestic manufacturer is at least attempting to compete on equal footing with the established imports. An unenviable task but I can't afford to make mistakes buying vehicles. Saturn is a better product than anything by Chrysler or Ford but I don't think they quite have it figured out yet. I will give them another look in a year or two.
Timz: Do a little more research on your first year issues comment. Every one of the imports on the market had first year issues! And I mean EVERY ONE.
As to repair costs on Hondas and Toyotas being LOW??? Who in the world gave you that information. They are the highest repair costs around. Granted, they need less repairs but when they do need one, the parts and labor are going to cost you an arm and a leg!!! I think you better redo your research.
Lastly, NO VEHICLE is exempt from problems. Just like you got your "Monday Morning" Saturn that had major problems, my brother got a "Monday morning" Accord with problems (Tranny and engine died during first 50K miles) But tthat does not mean that I didn't look at a CRV when I did my research. Like you, I looked at all small SUV's I did look at a couple of the "gas hogs" too, just to see if I wanted something bigger. Alas, I came up with a different result. As a prior Saturn owner, I decided that I could live with a first year model from Saturn because I knew, if it had issues, Saturn would take care of them.
Remember, any vehicle can have a problem and, if you look on the net, there are CRV owners that have had minor problems too.
It's all a matter of opinion and we are entitled to ours. I just wanted to straighten out the comments on repair costs and first-year issues.
Not trying to fan any fire here, but I think with Honda first year issues are often just that, whereas for other manufacturers (and I'm not saying it's Saturn), first year issues often end up being lifetime issues.
tomsr: I think Honda has always blocked TSB's from ALLDATA. Honda is just one secretive and paranoid company, for reasons best known only by them.
Here's a few pics of the bed. Not the best images, but you get the idea. With both the passenger and driver's side seats folded this way, it makes a passable bed.
With the first gen CR-V, only the EX and SE models had the bed feature. I was a bit disappointed with the '02 models. It requires the adjustable rear seat cushion you see in the first link. As can be seen in this pic, the new EX does not have the seat adjustment. It would still be great for drive-in movies, but not as comfortable for sleeping.
I looked at the VUE before I got my CRV.If they were the same price for the same content I may have given the VUE a second look but at $3000 more than CRV I could not see it.Some think a a 4 cylinder is a disadvantage but not me.With gas at $1.55 and rising I don't need more cylinders.If you tow or live in the mountains a V6 might be warranted.
Did you get your CRV used?? Cause many people are getting the VUE at $16,995, that's almost loaded too. It's called the Sport Plus Package. That would mean that you got your CRV at $13,995, please tell us where you paid that so I can go buy 10 and resell them on Ebay!!
Again, how are people supposed to know about a Sport Package if it doesn't exist anywhere but at a dealer?
If the Vue was such the deal you keep spouting about why did only 3674 people spend their hard earned money on one in February vs.11608 who spent their money on a CR-V? Is the Vue a niche vehicle? With target sales of only 55K units, I guess it is. So be happy you have a vehicle you aren't going to see a ton of driving down the road, but stop telling people which vehicle is a better value. To you the Vue is a better value. To me the CR-V is a better value. Someone else may feel a CR-V at sticker is a better value than a Vue at cost. Just as the opposite may be true.
Regarding eBay, CR-Vs have actually been sold on there. Put a CR-V and a Vue up for bid and see which one draws the most attention.
And I as well would like to know how you got your name. How many vehicles did they buy back from you?
Karl is some guy who owns a CR-V. I haven't seen his name in a while, but I believe he still posts at HondaSUV.com.
Yes, relatively speaking, it is comfortable to sleep on. You'll note that the seats form a mostly flat surface, but it inclines toward the back. When I've slept on it, I parked the car with the front wheels up on a bank to level it out. Most trucks don't have a long enough cargo area for this. It also has the added advantage of being padded, rather than the hard cargo floor.
VUE isn't a niche vehicle, but production for the first year is low and 2 models are not even available yet further hindering sales (2WD and AWD CVT 4 cyl). I suspect sales numbers will be lower this year as the CVT issue has still not been resolved. Also keep in mind CR-V is a known product, most people have not heard of or seen a VUE yet. CR-V and Escape will no doubt remain the big sellers for a while yet.
Saleswise the VUE isn't doing too badly. They are selling more units than the Forester, GV, Sportage, and others. I suspect it will cap off somewhere around the same level as the Santa Fe. I don't think it will reach the same level as the CR-V, Escape, and Liberty.
Potato, Potato (they are being pronounced differently by me). I look at a vehicle with projected sales of 55K units (as stated by the manufacturer and discounting any production issues) as niche. I certainly don't think it can be considered a high volume vehicle. Just my opinion.
And your argument about known quantity versus unknown has been discussed. A very vocal supporter of the Vue here, constantly says that Saturn owners know about it. So is it only know by Saturn owners? I highly doubt it. Saturn has been around for quite a while so while some may not know about the Vue specifically they should know about Saturn's new SUV, especially if a small SUV is what they are shopping for. People know about Kia and Daewoo, I can't really accept that they don't know Saturn.
I'd consider a 10-20K production niche. 55K is not niche. What ever.
As for VUE being known, there just aren't very many available for sale or on the roads yet. Local dealer has 2 VUE's and one is the owners. Also, marketing just started in a big way about 3 weeks ago up here. It takes time.
I think Subaru considers their entire product line "niche vehicles". With sales goals for the Forester at the same level as the VUE, I think it's safe to say that output for the VUE is similar to that of a niche vehicle. However, I don't see anything about the design that suggests "niche-ness".
Are we trying to buy a vehicle that we will see everywhere we go, all over north america? Is the point to be like everyone else? Who cares how many cr-vs people buy? Or vues? Do you like the vehicle? OK then, drive it.
Please don't tell me sales volume = a better car. There are examples of good and lousy cars that sell in high volume, having to do with, oh, about 100 other factors. There are lots of great and lousy cars that sell in low volume too.
The VUE is only $1000 more than the CRV EX if you are talking equipped the same way.A V6 AWD VUE loaded is close to $26k.If you want a stripped VUE it is less than $17k.I am talking loaded.You know all the goodies.ABS,CD changer,moonroof,alloy wheels,auto trans.SO don't compare apples to oranges.$17000 does not get you all the stuff!
You know, frankly I think we have all grown tired of your whining about the price of the Vue Sport. And let me start by saying, I don't own one nor do I want to. Because frankly, I think driving a 4 cylinder SUV is like taking a poodle to a dogfight. BUT, that being said, I don't fault those who like the fours including those who chose the CRV. I chose the 6 cylinder myself and am quite happy with it, PRICE AND ALL.
You really need to get over your complex about the price of the Vue Sport. THEY ARE SELLING THEM FOR LESS WITH THE SAME OPTIONS AS A CRV! Just because you are too hardheaded (or lazy) to go down to the dealer and check out the price doesn't mean it doesn't exist, it means, you didn't go down there and check it out. Your loss.
I think your real problem is that you are bitter that you paid all that money for the CRV and you could have gotten a comparably equipped Vue for less. If that isn't your problem, then why does it bother you soooooooo much that the Vue Sport is priced cheaper?
Lastly, your argument that you have to go to the dealer to see a Sport edition is mighty weak. Last time I checked, most people go to the dealerships to test drive and buy vehicles. Obviously, you bought your CRV from your house and had it delivered to the door. Wouldn't want to leave home and comparison shop like the rest of the world? Good for you.
Gee and I left 'cause you guys called me names but thought I'd lurk a while to see if the Saturn Lovefest continued. Carguy or Hondaguy - -whatever, glad you made the intelligent choice and bought the CRV. Probably best to let the Saturnalia bunch alone as they seem get a little testy when you hit 'em with a difference of opinion or question the supposed open mindededness and objectivity of the group. Of course, you could always resort to name calling and the "pop psychology" of onelucky7 but then that just lowers the overall value of the forum. If you want and can afford a so-so first (maybe) year glitch laden unproven product buy Saturn. If you want assured quality and value for your buck, buy HondaToyotaNissanMazdaSubaru etc. Anything prior to a 2nd or 3rd year Saturn could be a very costly mistake. You have obviously relied on your personal objectivity, your experiences and weighed the risks of purchasing an entirely new model. My observation (caution old guy statement coming) in over 40 years of car buying is that it's lots better and less expensive to let those eager beaver folk jump out there with the "latest and greatest" and make your choice only after a product has proven itself.
onelucky : A V6 AWD VUE up here is a little less than a comparable AWD CR-V up here (about C$1500). I don't know if the price difference is that much bigger down there. I guess you do get a V6 though.
I beg to differ, Dindak; A CR-V EX Auto is $29700 + 850 PDI = $30,550.00 A Vue V6 AWD is $30,155 (includes PDI) but doesn't include anti-lock brakes ($750), side airbags ($515) AM-FM 6 disc CD/Cassette with 6 speakers ($650) and I don't even think you can get heated mirrors on the VUE. Thus, the comparable VUE price is $32,070.00 or $1520 MORE than the CR-V. (unless that's what you meant to say)
I really don't care what you think. You constantly tell people what a deal the Vue is, I provide the opposite view. That's the beauty of these forums. Deal with it. I have grown tired of your constantly telling people what a value the Vue is and so has everyone else.
Obviously you don't get my point about this Sport Package. If someone is doing research on a vehicle they check web sites, they get brochures and yes they visit the dealer. For the first two methods the person would not know anything about the Sport Package, true? That is my point. Saturn should do a better job promoting it.
Do you know how much I paid for my CR-V? I think I let it slip here at some point so maybe you do. Am I bitter that I paid too much? No way. People have paid quite a bit more than me, maybe you should ask them. I made the right choice for me---not you, not the person next door---me.
I have never denegraded the Vue. I don't stoop to those tactics. Let the people decide what they want. You on the other hand have shown your juvenile attitude with your latest post and now everyone knows it.
Actually, it was the 4 cyl AWD that is $1500 less. Sorry about that. the V6 is indeed more, but that makes sense as a 6 cyl. is always more than a 4 cyl.
Since someone keeps insisting that the Vue with the Sport Package is the best deal under the sun, let's take a look at it.
The Sport Package negatives (IMO):
1. Only available with FWD 2. Only available with M/T
Sport Package positives (IMO):
1. Sunroof
Now let's look at the CR-V. The LX in FWD only is available with A/T and has an invoice price of 17831.12 (includes the $20 increas in destination cost). A/T typically is an $800 option. Add that to the Vue and the CR-V is $36 more. Now the Vue gives you the Sunroof---a definite plus but the CR-V gives you 160 hp and 162 lb/ft of torque vs 143 and 152 respectively.
So is the Vue a better value? Most likely yes for someone who wants a FWD with M/T.
I'm not going to go through the numbers for the other models. I've done it already. And as for what the dealers are charging---I can't control that. I used invoice, the best way I could compare them.
Why would someone who calls himself a Carguy say a manual is a negative? Obviously, those who see cars as only an appliance view an a/t as a necessity. True enthusiasts view a manual as indispensible.
I also wonder where you get the 55k Vue units per year. When I checked autonews this a.m., I see that Saturn has already made 16.3 k VUEs this year. That is without the pick up in sales that will occur when the appliance people start buying the 4 cyl with the CVT.
This is near the end of the third month of the year. Even if Saturn continued VUE production at the current rate -- not likely even without the CVT, given that Saturn has been making more VUEs every succeeding month -- you are at 64k. Pop in another 15 to 20k 4Cyl. automatics for the appliance people and you are in the 80k range.
Will VUE production ever go beyond 100k? Not likely. Saturn does not have a huge dealer network, and the VUE platform will also base the forthcoming next generation Chevrolet Tracker and Suzuki Vitara. In all, this platform could easily base 200k vehicles per year, putting it right into Escape/Tribute territory.
Why would someone who calls himself a Carguy say a manual is a negative? Obviously, those who think of cars as an appliance view an a/t as a necessity. True enthusiasts view a manual as indispensible. IMO m/t is a big plus in what is, after all a truck. (Well, of course, only the VUE platform is designed for small trucks only. The CRV is on a modified Civic platform)
I also wonder where you get the 55k Vue units per year. When I checked Autonews.com this a.m., I see that Saturn has already made 16.3 k VUEs this year. That is without the pick up in sales that will occur when the appliance people start buying the 4 cyl with the CVT.
This is near the end of the third month of the year. Even if Saturn continued VUE production at the current rate -- not likely even without the CVT, given that Saturn has been making more VUEs every succeeding month -- you are at 64k. Pop in another 15 to 20k 4Cyl. automatics for the appliance people and you are in the 80k range.
Will VUE production ever go beyond 100k? Not likely. Saturn has a modest dealer network. The VUE platform will also base the forthcoming next generation Chevrolet Tracker and Suzuki Vitara. In all, this platform could easily base 200k vehicles per year, putting it right into Escape/Tribute territory.
The reason I view it as a negative is that ~90% of the US buying public prefers automatics. Therefore Saturn is limiting itself, at least in my opinion. I don't know how much of this you have followed but someone keeps saying how much of a value the Sport Package is, and I wanted to point out its limitation that it is only available in FWD with M/T. I wasn't talking about enthusiasts, etc. obviously you missed the point.
I'm not going to go into the merits of M/T vs. A/T, plenty of threads about that.
And where did I get 55K units? From Saturn itself when they were commenting on the CVT problem. Is that acceptable? And where did you get your figure of 16.3K? Check this link http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp. According to this Saturn has sold 6382 units through February '02. So unless they had a booming March or had sales in '01, one of our sources is incorrect. Forget about production capacities, they are going to have to modestly increase monthly sales just to reach the 55K.
I have to agree with carguy on this, we should be comparing normal VUE pricing with other vehicles. The sport package was never even available up here and may not be what most people are looking for as 90%+ want automatics.
The VUE pricing stands up well to the competition regardless and a AWD 4 cyl VUE is less than a comparable CR-V. Given you pay list for either, discounting is not an issue.
I didn't and many others didn't as well. At least with Honda there is that option. I always wondered what would happen if you offered actual invoice (or anything below MSRP) for a Saturn.
And sorry but I disagree with your pricing statement. Maybe in Canada that is true, but in the US, looking at comparably equipped 4 cylinder AWD models, the CR-V actually costs less.
Comes from Autonews.com. Look to the right of the home page and there is a link to actual NA factory output break down. I do not know what criteria Autosite uses for sales.
Are the sales listed factory to dealer, or dealer to consumer? I could not see an explanation, but I did not look all that hard either. If they are dealer to consumer, there is no discrepency. Dealers like to have about a 16 day inventory of cars in this segment on their lots.
Saturn has only recently started to aggressively market the VUE. Sales for all vehicles tend to be soft in January and February. Couple that with the fact the VUE is new, and Saturn naturally would have wanted time to ramp up production, then the autonews and autosite figures appear complimentary.
Comments
TL would not start after 3 tries.I let it sit for a while and it started up.Then I try to go to ALLDATA to look for any recalls or TSB related to this and HONDA has blocked the public from this information.What are they hiding?
maynardf1 : Good one. How are you liking your VUE?
One last comment - - - The only way I purchase anything is to shop it around and get the best product for a given amount of money. With autos, I depend heavily on personal impressions, owner reports and advice from independent mechanics. The cars most consistently recommended to me by them are 1. Toyota 2. Honda 3. Nissan and surprisingly #4 was Buick for quality build and low manintenance and repair costs. I am not entirely biased toward Honda and made the CRV choice after months of investigation, comparison shopping. Unfortunately, one visit to a Saturn dealer and personal observation of product was enough to turn me away from them. We will be due for another car in about two years and yes, Toyota/Honda will be at the top of the list but virtually every car in the same class as Accord or Camry will be included in the search. Once again, I believe in getting the best value for dollar spent and this time it came up Honda - CRV. The one thing I will say for Saturn is that a domestic manufacturer is at least attempting to compete on equal footing with the established imports. An unenviable task but I can't afford to make mistakes buying vehicles. Saturn is a better product than anything by Chrysler or Ford but I don't think they quite have it figured out yet. I will give them another look in a year or two.
Dindak: I'll post my impressions on the vue board.
As to repair costs on Hondas and Toyotas being LOW??? Who in the world gave you that information. They are the highest repair costs around. Granted, they need less repairs but when they do need one, the parts and labor are going to cost you an arm and a leg!!! I think you better redo your research.
Lastly, NO VEHICLE is exempt from problems. Just like you got your "Monday Morning" Saturn that had major problems, my brother got a "Monday morning" Accord with problems (Tranny and engine died during first 50K miles) But tthat does not mean that I didn't look at a CRV when I did my research. Like you, I looked at all small SUV's I did look at a couple of the "gas hogs" too, just to see if I wanted something bigger. Alas, I came up with a different result. As a prior Saturn owner, I decided that I could live with a first year model from Saturn because I knew, if it had issues, Saturn would take care of them.
Remember, any vehicle can have a problem and, if you look on the net, there are CRV owners that have had minor problems too.
It's all a matter of opinion and we are entitled to ours. I just wanted to straighten out the comments on repair costs and first-year issues.
Take care all.
tomsr: I think Honda has always blocked TSB's from ALLDATA. Honda is just one secretive and paranoid company, for reasons best known only by them.
Is that legal in some states/provinces?
;-)
;-)
With the first gen CR-V, only the EX and SE models had the bed feature. I was a bit disappointed with the '02 models. It requires the adjustable rear seat cushion you see in the first link. As can be seen in this pic, the new EX does not have the seat adjustment. It would still be great for drive-in movies, but not as comfortable for sleeping.
It's too bad the VUE doesn't have some of the cool add ons the Aztek does. It's too bad the Aztek is kind of ugly.
a 4 cylinder is a disadvantage but not me.With
gas at $1.55 and rising I don't need more cylinders.If you tow or live in the mountains
a V6 might be warranted.
If the Vue was such the deal you keep spouting about why did only 3674 people spend their hard earned money on one in February vs.11608 who spent their money on a CR-V? Is the Vue a niche vehicle? With target sales of only 55K units, I guess it is. So be happy you have a vehicle you aren't going to see a ton of driving down the road, but stop telling people which vehicle is a better value. To you the Vue is a better value. To me the CR-V is a better value. Someone else may feel a CR-V at sticker is a better value than a Vue at cost. Just as the opposite may be true.
Regarding eBay, CR-Vs have actually been sold on there. Put a CR-V and a Vue up for bid and see which one draws the most attention.
And I as well would like to know how you got your name. How many vehicles did they buy back from you?
Yes, relatively speaking, it is comfortable to sleep on. You'll note that the seats form a mostly flat surface, but it inclines toward the back. When I've slept on it, I parked the car with the front wheels up on a bank to level it out. Most trucks don't have a long enough cargo area for this. It also has the added advantage of being padded, rather than the hard cargo floor.
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp
And your argument about known quantity versus unknown has been discussed. A very vocal supporter of the Vue here, constantly says that Saturn owners know about it. So is it only know by Saturn owners? I highly doubt it. Saturn has been around for quite a while so while some may not know about the Vue specifically they should know about Saturn's new SUV, especially if a small SUV is what they are shopping for. People know about Kia and Daewoo, I can't really accept that they don't know Saturn.
As for VUE being known, there just aren't very many available for sale or on the roads yet. Local dealer has 2 VUE's and one is the owners. Also, marketing just started in a big way about 3 weeks ago up here. It takes time.
Is the point to be like everyone else?
Who cares how many cr-vs people buy? Or vues?
Do you like the vehicle? OK then, drive it.
Please don't tell me sales volume = a better car. There are examples of good and lousy cars that sell in high volume, having to do with, oh, about 100 other factors.
There are lots of great and lousy cars that sell in low volume too.
It's not important.
You really need to get over your complex about the price of the Vue Sport. THEY ARE SELLING THEM FOR LESS WITH THE SAME OPTIONS AS A CRV! Just because you are too hardheaded (or lazy) to go down to the dealer and check out the price doesn't mean it doesn't exist, it means, you didn't go down there and check it out. Your loss.
I think your real problem is that you are bitter that you paid all that money for the CRV and you could have gotten a comparably equipped Vue for less. If that isn't your problem, then why does it bother you soooooooo much that the Vue Sport is priced cheaper?
Lastly, your argument that you have to go to the dealer to see a Sport edition is mighty weak. Last time I checked, most people go to the dealerships to test drive and buy vehicles. Obviously, you bought your CRV from your house and had it delivered to the door. Wouldn't want to leave home and comparison shop like the rest of the world? Good for you.
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SUVs
onelucky : A V6 AWD VUE up here is a little less than a comparable AWD CR-V up here (about C$1500). I don't know if the price difference is that much bigger down there. I guess you do get a V6 though.
A CR-V EX Auto is $29700 + 850 PDI = $30,550.00
A Vue V6 AWD is $30,155 (includes PDI) but doesn't include anti-lock brakes ($750), side airbags ($515) AM-FM 6 disc CD/Cassette with 6 speakers ($650) and I don't even think you can get heated mirrors on the VUE. Thus, the comparable VUE price is $32,070.00 or $1520 MORE than the CR-V.
(unless that's what you meant to say)
Obviously you don't get my point about this Sport Package. If someone is doing research on a vehicle they check web sites, they get brochures and yes they visit the dealer. For the first two methods the person would not know anything about the Sport Package, true? That is my point. Saturn should do a better job promoting it.
Do you know how much I paid for my CR-V? I think I let it slip here at some point so maybe you do. Am I bitter that I paid too much? No way. People have paid quite a bit more than me, maybe you should ask them. I made the right choice for me---not you, not the person next door---me.
I have never denegraded the Vue. I don't stoop to those tactics. Let the people decide what they want. You on the other hand have shown your juvenile attitude with your latest post and now everyone knows it.
The Sport Package negatives (IMO):
1. Only available with FWD
2. Only available with M/T
Sport Package positives (IMO):
1. Sunroof
Now let's look at the CR-V. The LX in FWD only is available with A/T and has an invoice price of 17831.12 (includes the $20 increas in destination cost). A/T typically is an $800 option. Add that to the Vue and the CR-V is $36 more. Now the Vue gives you the Sunroof---a definite plus but the CR-V gives you 160 hp and 162 lb/ft of torque vs 143 and 152 respectively.
So is the Vue a better value? Most likely yes for someone who wants a FWD with M/T.
I'm not going to go through the numbers for the other models. I've done it already. And as for what the dealers are charging---I can't control that. I used invoice, the best way I could compare them.
I also wonder where you get the 55k Vue units per year. When I checked autonews this a.m., I see that Saturn has already made 16.3 k VUEs this year. That is without the pick up in sales that will occur when the appliance people start buying the 4 cyl with the CVT.
This is near the end of the third month of the year. Even if Saturn continued VUE production at the current rate -- not likely even without the CVT, given that Saturn has been making more VUEs every succeeding month -- you are at 64k. Pop in another 15 to 20k 4Cyl. automatics for the appliance people and you are in the 80k range.
Will VUE production ever go beyond 100k? Not likely. Saturn does not have a huge dealer network, and the VUE platform will also base the forthcoming next generation Chevrolet Tracker and Suzuki Vitara. In all, this platform could easily base 200k vehicles per year, putting it right into Escape/Tribute territory.
I also wonder where you get the 55k Vue units per year. When I checked Autonews.com this a.m., I see that Saturn has already made 16.3 k VUEs this year. That is without the pick up in sales that will occur when the appliance people start buying the 4 cyl with the CVT.
This is near the end of the third month of the year. Even if Saturn continued VUE production at the current rate -- not likely even without the CVT, given that Saturn has been making more VUEs every succeeding month -- you are at 64k. Pop in another 15 to 20k 4Cyl. automatics for the appliance people and you are in the 80k range.
Will VUE production ever go beyond 100k? Not likely. Saturn has a modest dealer network. The VUE platform will also base the forthcoming next generation Chevrolet Tracker and Suzuki Vitara. In all, this platform could easily base 200k vehicles per year, putting it right into Escape/Tribute territory.
I don't know how much of this you have followed but someone keeps saying how much of a value the Sport Package is, and I wanted to point out its limitation that it is only available in FWD with M/T. I wasn't talking about enthusiasts, etc. obviously you missed the point.
I'm not going to go into the merits of M/T vs. A/T, plenty of threads about that.
And where did I get 55K units? From Saturn itself when they were commenting on the CVT problem. Is that acceptable? And where did you get your figure of 16.3K? Check this link http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp. According to this Saturn has sold 6382 units through February '02. So unless they had a booming March or had sales in '01, one of our sources is incorrect. Forget about production capacities, they are going to have to modestly increase monthly sales just to reach the 55K.
The VUE pricing stands up well to the competition regardless and a AWD 4 cyl VUE is less than a comparable CR-V. Given you pay list for either, discounting is not an issue.
And sorry but I disagree with your pricing statement. Maybe in Canada that is true, but in the US, looking at comparably equipped 4 cylinder AWD models, the CR-V actually costs less.
Are the sales listed factory to dealer, or dealer to consumer? I could not see an explanation, but I did not look all that hard either. If they are dealer to consumer, there is no discrepency. Dealers like to have about a 16 day inventory of cars in this segment on their lots.
Saturn has only recently started to aggressively market the VUE. Sales for all vehicles tend to be soft in January and February. Couple that with the fact the VUE is new, and Saturn naturally would have wanted time to ramp up production, then the autonews and autosite figures appear complimentary.