Saturn VUE

ufotlw1

I have almost 800 miles on my 4 cyl Vue. My VUE got to see alot of Interstate 95 in Virginia this weekend. The power is fine. The 5-speed trans is very smooth. I can't figure out what issue users have with the steering. I can't tell any difference between the VUE and my previous car. Seat was comfortable for the 5 hour trip. I notice the engine noise some,.. but it's not bad. I was able to talk with my passenger with no problem. Very pleased so far.

fyi: saw a VUE with leather seats. I might switch mine after I get some wear/tear out of the cloth. The Saturn dealer priced the seats at $1535. The after market supplier was charging $995.

dindak

Tested a base (no options) 4 cyl, model with a 5-speed. Shifter is very smooth as is the clutch. Engine noise was lower than I expected given some of the comments I have heard here. I thought it was more than acceptable. Power was also very good, again better than I hoped. Over all the 4 cyl model is a great truck and a super value.

Looking at the controls very closely they look fine to me for a truck of this price. No they aren't as good as they could be, but this is not suppose to be a luxury truck either. Everything functions and the dash is well laid out. Seats are fine and materials are also.

Anyway, I still want to test a VIBE and compare. Also want to re-test a 4-cyl Escape. VUE is looking good though and the Saturn sales people are great.

artdecho

Are you looking for a 5-speed? My wife will only drive an automatic, so wrt the Vue, that means I have to take a chance on the CVT (and, to be honest, I'm a liitle nervous about GM's track record with emerging technologies, especially in their first year or two), OR, shell out big bucks for the V6/auto. Guess we could always lease a 4/Vti combo, and if it breaks, it's their problem.
At least the Vibe 4 is available with a conventional auto. BTW, my wife found the seating position in the Vibe/Matrix a little too "up close & personal" for her....steering wheel seems awfully close to the dash....I guess the "tunnel-vision" gauges don't help.

stever

If you own a VUE, feel free go to the New Car page and find the Ratings graph, and write your own review.

(You should wind up on a page like this)

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

dindak

I was looking at the 5-speed but to keep the price down I have been pushing for the 5-speed. My wife is slowly warming to the idea. It's a really good 5-speed IMO and I was shocked how far 5-speeds have come in 10 years.

Not worried about the CVT at all. The company making them has lots of experience. The fact that Saturn is working slowly to make sure they are right the first time speaks volumes. The great thing is, even if there were a problem you know Saturn would take care of you, more so than any other dealer.

I thought the Matrix I drove was a little "up close" also, but I will try the Vibe and try and get a better feel as to whether this will bother me. I thought the steering should have been about 4 or 5 inches further from the dash. Still no Vibes here at the local dealer though.

brian_detroit

Dropped the Orange, AWD, V6 at the dealer for the Saturn doctors to diagnose. They are keeping the patient overnight and I should hear more tomorrow. The rep seemed familiar with the CD case latch annoyance - hope they can remedy. They did not see any mechanicl malfunctions in the onboard 'memory' module and the drove 32 miles without any 'missing'. I suspect that it was water in the tank and between filling it up and the dry gas, it is gone, but they will drive again tomorrow. I alsk asked them to look at the Auto Trans shift pattern - seemed to rev higher than expected. They stated that it was working properly.

The sales rep has been very communcative, and has gone out of his way to be sure my appt was scheduled, the loaner was ready to go and that my plate will be screewed on (vs the paper temporary in the window). I remain totally confident that I will remain a very satisfied customer! btw - they stated that you will get cold air thru the large vents, and that closing or diverting when not flowing warm air through them is the remedy there.

maynardf1

Have you tried a volvo S40 wagon in addition to the vibe and matrix? I realize they are not exactly comparable, but it offers a lot of the same storage features, has an auto trans. only, and is about the same size. Probably costs a little more, but I think volvo just dropped its lease rate in canada by 2 points.

dindak

Volvo would be great, but it's way out of my price range of C$20-25K.

maynardf1

Well dindak, what about the mazda protege5? It looks kind of matrix-esque and gets great reviews. Around $20,000 cdn.

dindak

Don't really like the looks of the Mazda much. It's ok, but not great. By the time you add all the options it about the same as Vibe anyway and I have $1200 GM dollars saved. Has to be at least that much less to likely be considered.

wmacblue

I've always liked the sedan (I carpool, and several members have one). The cabin space is the same as the sedan (ie, very comfortable) but the cargo area is tiny... smaller than the trunk of the sedan! For my needs, this was too small. I didn't like the 5spd manual, either - very clunky gearbox. The auto in that is nice, though.

I also hated the black on white dials - yuk! Guess I'm just not "youthful" or "sporty" enough to appreciate it's style qualities rofl

Nope, the VUE beat the Jetta wagon, Subaru wagon and Protege 5 hands down for me. And I only went to Saturn to look at an L series!!! Once I drove the VUE, I was hooked... just liked it (plus it was actually CHEAPER tahn an L wagon... even more so once the SE came out).

onelucky7

WMAC . . . Remember me, I have the same model as you, V6 AWD Orange purchased 1/5/02. Interestingly enough, I have the same concerns about the center console not opening readily and the auto tranny shift pattern "which seems to rev higher than expected". I knew that others didn't like the pop-up design of the center console but I thought it was just me on the tranny thing.

I can't exactly put my finger on what the problem could be but to explain, when you need to merge into traffic, and you are speeding up, it doesn't seem that the tranny shifts soon enough. This causes the engine to roar as you are speeding up (unless you back off which is not advisable when merging into traffic on the interstate). I think it is a bit annoying. Let me know what they tell you. I am interested to know if other auto tranny VUE owners are experiencing the same. Are we expecting more than it is capable of or is there a problem?

By the way, there is a corporate number assigned to a problem that is widespread that I have already had diagnosed a couple of days after delivery. I noticed a slight high pitched squeal from the engine on acceleration so I took it back and they said that Saturn corporate has apparently heard this from a lot of owners and they have diagnosed it as a characteristic of the engine that is NORMAL and should not be "fixed".

The only other problem I had is that the steering column shell was a little loose initially and the visor was loose. They were both easily fixed though I think they may have tightened the steering column too much as now I can hear a rubbing noise when I turn the steering wheel. I will get that checked out on the next visit.

Any thoughts from new Vue owners of the V6 Auto??

wmacblue

Actually, I think it's Brian Detroit you're thinking of since I have a gold 4cyl manual SE.... Brian, any further thoughts/comments?

brian_detroit

Well - I picked it up tonite and spoke to the service mgr. They lubed the switch on the CD compartment and it seems at least a bit better but as wmacblue (I think) stated, you have to hit it in the middle. They stated that the other VUEs they have also have something of a 'weak' spring. Seems better though.

They found nothing wrong with respect to engine 'miss'. Did an evening and morning test drive with no problem. It does seem to be running fine now. I believe it was water in the fuel, and the dry gas has solved. Will keep an eye on it.

The tranny is performaing normally in their view. I noticed that the SL1 I was loaned also shifted pretty high. May be a 'feature'? Will post again if issues develop. I am hopeful they are solved. The dealership continues to be responsive which I am pleased about.

BTW - there was a rather uncomplimentary article in today's Detroit News - I don't agree with much of it, but we have to post the good, bad and the ugly right? Do you all agree that most of the statements are baseless? I plan to reply with my comments.

http://detnews.com/2002/autosconsumer/0203/06/g01-433604.htm

carseeker4

The VUE was one of our 3 finalists (the others being the Trib and Santa Fe). The SF and VUE have about equal power output and "zip" (or lack thereof if you like the Tribscape's power). The VUE lost on its PRICE and its INTERIOR. I could have gotten the more powerful Trib for less money or the better looking SF for even less. Eventually we chose the Santa Fe (you can see why over on the Santa Fe board!). The Santa Fe interior is "plastic-y", but FAR better laid out than the VUE. I wish the SF had the VUEs head and leg room, but I felt it was the best compromise and we are enjoying the SF. I did see my FIRST VUE on the ROAD today....

dindak

I have read articles from these 2 before and I'm generally in disagreement with them. I do agree that the 6 cyl models are not a great value. They aren't "grossly over priced", but at around C$30K they are getting into some heavy competition. Interior should be upgraded for the V6 models also IMO. The 4 cyl models are very well priced though and that is what I would be buying.

wmacblue

... I mean, nobody would mistake the VUE for a luxury car... but it's attractive (enough), comfortable (very), fun (very) and well-priced (very-to-moderately, depending on which model you get .

What materials would the interior be made of if NOT plastic? I find it entirely acceptable. The only things which I think feel cheap are the glove box hinges/catch and the console catch.

If you don't have a leather interior, what else is it going to be made of other than plastic? Guess I'm just not a real car-maven.... I'd HATE to see the VUE use the upholstery material ont he doors (yuk!) EVen the 6cyl's velour would be kind of icky as wallpaper...

I do prefer velour (wish it had been an option for the 2wd), but what they've used is doing quite nicely - we can usually trash fabric seats in SECONDS... and even after nearly two weeks (and 1400 miles!) they're still looking brand new.

I guess I prefer "function" over "form".

maynardf1

The seat fabric in the 4-cyl looked considerably cheaper than the 6. It certainly should look new after two weeks. Hope it's still OK after two years.
Has anyone sat on the neoprene covers saturn offers for the vue? I'm imagining they're kind of sticky when you're trying to slide into the seat.

wmacblue

Trust me - the way we "live" in our car, looking new after two weeks is a miracle

Joking aside (am I joking?!), I do want to get some covers - the beige is attractive, but I'm sure it WILL show the wear and tear. Velour is generally easier to clean, and I think even scotchguarded that these light seats may show evidence of the hard use we give them. So I'm hunting for some slipcovers... I do wish they'd offered leather -- it certainly would be easier to keep clean!

WM (w/1 4 year old, 1 hairy dog, and a LOT of eating in the car between appointments!)

maynardf1

We're just waiting for the aftermarket leather seat install before getting our vue. With a 6-yr-old daughter, we have been very thankful to have leather in our current car.
It usually cleans up very well. Only exception was when she spilled a milk carton in the backseat, without us realizing. After a few days, the smell in the car was ripe. Took me a couple more days to find the problem. When I lifted up the back seat -- which folds forward to allow the upright part to fold flat -- hello, sour milk. Took a while and lots of baking soda, but I got it cleaned up.
Without leather, the seat itself might still smell noxious.

brian_detroit

Wondering how you VUE owners are doing on gas. My first fill-up showed about 17mpg. There was shopt time idling and such, so hope to do better next tank -mostly around town driving too.

No problems since the weekend with the 'missing'. Hopefully I have seen the last of it! Am still a grinnin' VUE owner...

wes19

My four cyl manual is consistently getting 22.5 mpg(with 2800 miles) in town and fast start ups. I just returned from a 300 mile trip and got 25+ mpg driving at 75 mph

Love the comfort and the zip...

oarlox

We have a 6 cyl Automatic AWD and our MPG is exactly the same as the above posting. None of our driving has been freeway driving though, just 45-60mph on two lane roads. I'm not sure that we have ever even passed another car. We just took it to the Dealership in Anchorage this morning for the 3000 mile service. I will report back about my wifes "Saturn Experience". She tends to not get along too well with Car Dealerships. Ha Ha!

markopolo

If anyone has over 2,000 miles on the four cylinder could you let me know how it runs. I have a deposit on the four cylinder sport package. Is traction contral available on the sport package. For the money it seems like a good vehicle. Everyone I have been talking to seems to really like their Saturn. There are not that many Vue vehicles and I would appreciate any feedback anyone has.

Thank You

mreloc

I ordered the sport package too- and I was able to add the ABS(which comes with traction control) for about $575. You're right- for the money- I think the Vue at this price point with the equipment that comes in the package is great. I've driven the 4 cyl and was happy enough with the power and the manual transmission was smooth. I've been sorta bummed by the less than rave reviews the vehicle has been getting, but then again, for the tested $24K V6 models, the question of being a good value is a bit more tricky.

dindak

I would say reviews have been mixed to positive. Most criticized areas are the interior (dash and seat materials), lack of a CVT yet and high price of the V6.

I think the dash is fine but the heat/air controls are a little flimsy. I also think the center console is a bit on the cheap side. Seat materials are ok to me and I am only looking at the 4 cyl models. It seems that some people are comparing the VUE to midsize SUVs. I think compared to the CR-V and Escape it's just fine.

Comparing price also, a loaded up CR-V will run about the same as a similar V6 VUE with lots more power. That said, you always pay a "Honda premium" for a CR-V.

Ok, enough babble from me.

carguy62

The MSRP of the CR-V EX in the US is $22740 including destination. When I optioned (just love those GM options) the V6 Vue to be similarly equipped, the MSRP was $24995. Yep you get a V6, but it only puts out 181 horses and requires premium fuel.

The 4 cyl Vue equipped like the CR-V EX was pretty close in price. I posted those numbers earlier.

maynardf1

I don't know enough about the cr-v to compare features vs. price, but none of the vue engine choices requires premium fuel. 87 octane through and through.

brian_detroit

Just started getting a nasty sound when turning the steering wheel like something is binding. Have seen other posts stating similar problem. Should be an easy one to fix. Other than that, all is well...

loopylav

Hi all,

I am planning on purchasing a VUE with the sport package, which I think makes this SUV one of the best values out there right now (as long as you don't plan to go off-roading too often). I've test driven the same vehicle twice and on the second run I noticed that there was a noticable squeak coming from the rear passenger wheel. This noise would occur whenever I went over bumps (especially speed bumps). I believe it was probably just a coil that required lubing, but am not sure. Have any current owners noticed any odd/bad noises like the one described above or otherwise from there expereinces with the VUE?

brian_detroit

Can't say I have heard any squeaks in my first 400 miles. Only the steering wheel item from from my prior post...

oarlox

We took our VUE into the dealership (Anchorage) yesterday for our first service. Oil change and a wash job ran us $40. They fixed our rattlie steering wheel hood. We have not had any problems to complain about. Our VUE was the first one that they have had in for service so far so they were asking a few questions. My wife was happy with the way that Saturn treated her, so I would call it a good Experience at the dealership.

dindak

The 3.0 V6 runs on regular. Price difference between the two up here is about C$1000 and since Honda is not discounting you pay list at both places.

wmacblue

Weird. I read your post and presto! 24hrs later, I hear something behind my steering wheel... It started this morning: it only does it when turning the wheel hard, is more pronounced at lower speeds, and only starts after the car has warmed up and then only sometimes. It's a fairly quiet "scriitttcchh" that sounds like plastic rubbing rather than something mechanical grabbing; nothing feels different, and you can't hear it outside the car. It's actually not that big a deal - in anything other than a brand new car I probably wouldn't even think twice about it!

But given that it IS new... I'd be very interested to hear what's the diagnosis on yours. I have to put mine in on Wednesday for the cargo cover install, and am planning on leaving a checkup until then... but if yours turned out to be something significant, I may try to take it in on Monday!!

Tx

brian_detroit

Will do. Today it was less pronounced. I am confident it is not anything major - just a rub as you stated. the wired thing is the intermittent nature. Wonder if temperature has something to do with it? I was driving a lower speeds when it started, and have not been on the hiway since. Will check it out...

wmacblue

... and it was worse! Weird. It'll probably be gone in the morning ;0

It's sort of behind the dash housing... I'm hoping it's nothing more serious than rubbing plastic, because I have to commute to work tomorrow which is around 100 miles rt and I don't want to suddenly lose my steering! I think I'll be taking it in Monday morning unless it's noticeably improved tomorrow...

Let me know if you have any more discoveries!

WM

mreloc

Wondering if anyone else has noticed this... my dealer has about 8 Vues on the lot. I've noticed that about half of them have a problem with the way the driver door fits at the bottom rear edge (corner)of the door. When closed, the lower corner protrudes about .25" and isn't flush with the front edge of the back door. (I'm not talking expansion gaps here- I understand why they're so wide). I've got one on order, and I'm dreading being one of the unlucky one's with this problem. If any of you have noticed this on yours, was your dealer able to adjust for a flush fit? I'm wondering since the door is molded polymer. I know this isn't the intended design for the door, since I have seen several that are fitted well.
I've also noticed on several vehicles that the top of the rear quarter panels (where they meet the darkened glass) are fitted differently on the driver's side and the passenger side. On the driver side, they generally fit flush and tight as they merge into the tail light. On the passenger side, if you press in with your fingers, they generally have alot of play in them and some of them squeak. I wonder if this can be corrected? You must think I am very anal- I'm really not (all that much!). I just think these are pretty obvious sloppy construction/design mistakes and seem to be pretty prevalent from what I've seen.
Any feedback or other observations I have missed would be appreciated.

brian_detroit

Wow - let me know what they say when you go in. You may get there before me - have not heard the sound much lately, but have been somewhat home-bound. Let's keep each other posted - hopefully it is not safety concern!

wmacblue

Brian: As predicted... it didn't make a SOUND today!!!!!!!!!

It was much cooler here today... that's the only difference I can account for! So, assuming it stays ok in the morning, I'll wait till my scheduled appt on Weds. Return to position A!! This DOES reassure me that it is, as it seems, some kind of plastic problem (expansion in warmth, perhaps?) and not a big deal steering issue. And it was, as always, a pleasure to take a long trip in it-- I just ENJOY being in it so much (and this is NOT my usual style... have never had a car that I found more than a device for getting me from point A to point B!)

Mreloc: As for fit and finish - mine is good. I'll check the "trouble" points you mention, but to date I've noticed nothing about mine that disturbs me at all ('cept for the mystery squeak, but it seems that's not a big deal)

wildandscenic

I have a VUE with about 300 miles, and have also noticed a squeaking noise from the driver's side rear shock/strut. It occurs when travelling slow over bumps etc. You can push up and down on the rear bumper and replicate the noise. Is this something typical that will go away once it is broken in, or do I need to have the dealer take a look at it?

ufotlw1

I experienced the squeak on my new VUE,.... The dealer adjusted the rear coil and I no longer have a squeak. Didn't understand that the rear coil could be adjusted.

logic1

I had thought the problem was going to be with the drive belts. Appears the machine shop os the problem. The good thing is this is all happening pre-production. Consumers sure would not have wanted to be the testers for the problem.

tidester

We don't want to get in trouble re: copyrights so let's avoid posting full articles and rely on excerpts and links instead!

Thanks!

tidester
Host
SUVs

dindak

Saturn has done the right thing here in waiting. Better get it right the first time.

I'm sure the CVT models will be way less than 50% of 02 models. Probably closer to 25% at this point assuming all goes well next month.

brian_detroit

wmacblue - Like you, no squeak today, so I am not planning a return to the dealer - doen't want to be inconvenienced so the VUE can receive the venerable "Sun Treatment" to repair its ills )

Look forward to your post following Wednesday dealer check.

erunic

Okay, I have to agree that it was worth the wait. On Saturday, March 9th I took possession of my new VUE. It is comfortable; however, it did not inspire confidence during the high wind storms we had Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, I was a little better adjusted to being high off the ground again. I have about 190 miles on the vehicle now (by the way break in is listed as 500 miles). For those of you considering the AM/FM Cassette, 6 Disc Changer radio, I must say it was worth the additional price. Each station can be set to use a different tonal preset even if it is not in one of the numbered preset slots. One thing I learned from use, set the custom tone first so that it will be the default for any station found on seek. Then use the A.Tone for special stations: news, classical, things of that sort. I have also found that fading a bit to the back helps some types of music, but takes away the vocals/other important areas in others.

I added some of the dealer accessories:
-->Front cover (deal at $85) especially based on the condition of the front of my other car due to all the highway driving.
-->Cargo cover, though it will be interesting to see how long it holds up--if I had seen one in person and the fact that they have to drill to install, I may have opted to just use a blanket or a colored storage tote.
-->Roof rails and bike carriers (not installed and on order). Dealer is not aware of the SATURN metal?) roof rack shield that is shown on the website.
-->Bumper scratch pad. It was cheap and I think it will help to keep the resale up as it can be removed and replaced (~$35). NOTE: It must be installed on a warm vehicle (ie. stored overnight in a temp > 70F with low humidity)

Here are some of my thoughts/observations:
1. It is possible to lock the door with your keys in the ignition. The dealer explained that Saturns do not activate the key is in the ignition chime UNTIL the key is turned to ACC or some other position. If the vehicle is running or was running and turned to lock, the car will not allow you to lock the keys in the car.
2. Squeak from the left, rear part of the VUE over bumps or even pulling away from a stop. Very annoying, had it fixed today. Initially, the problem was thought to be a bushing in need of silicone (as it takes some miles for everything to get well lubricated); however, in my case the right rear fascia (read bumper shell) was rubbing against the absorber material due to a misalignment. The bumper was realigned and lubricated.
3. Squeak from dash over instrumental panel when driving over a bump or pushing lightly on the area. Instrument panel was found to be loose, it was removed, shim with panel tape (my guess is tape with felt) and tightened.

That's all for now, I will keep track of the fuel economy when I fill up before I head to Algonquin (four hours north of Toronto). I am only driving the 260 miles to Ancaster and then we are taking an Xterra the rest of the way... wouldn't want to rack too many miles on the vehicle in the first week :-)

Well, sorry for the long posts, I think I have addressed all of the information/concerns posted thus far. Saturn seems to be pushing oil changes at 3k/3months, even though the owner's "handbook" states some owner's can go 7.5k/6months or when the change oil light comes on. Any thoughts?

oh and btw, they did wash my VUE today even though it was not dirty. Everyone that has ridden in the VUE (three different people now) really enjoy the ride and stereo. -- Eric

afk_x

Could you elaborate on this..

"...however, it did not inspire confidence during the high wind storms we had Saturday and Sunday..."

I'm not sure exactly what you mean here -

You're in a SUV that weighs 3300 pounds -

I'm a little confused. I am glad to hear you have a good dealer that can take care of all your initial defect issues quickly and on the first try.

erunic

It is not that the VUE does not have good handling, it was just unnerving to have a vehicle (any vehicle) being blown by high winds. My brother reported the same observation about his car (a 1998 Prizm Lsi) on the drive home from the dealership, so it was more a factor of the high winds than the vehicle. Nevertheless, when one is driving a new car and still trying to get comfortable with it, the last thing one needs is high winds (many people in the Greater Cleveland area lost their power). Later that day, I had the pleasure of driving it in some ice, but nothing to report. I now have over 200 miles and don't really have any handling problems to report, other than to remember to slow down in high winds while crossing a bridge :-)

Now if only I could get comfortable with the size of the vehicle so that I can attempt to parallel park. I still am a bit nervous backing up my drive and into the garage. A plus, the mirrors are large enough for my blindspot to not be any larger than in my prior 1994 Geo Prizm.

Hope this helps answer the question. --Eric

mreloc

I posted this earlier-but didn't get any response- anyone?

Wondering if anyone else has noticed this... my dealer has about 8 Vues on the lot. I've noticed that about half of them have a problem with the way the driver door fits at the bottom rear edge (corner)of the door. When closed, the lower corner protrudes about .25" and isn't flush with the front edge of the back door. (I'm not talking expansion gaps here- I understand why they're so wide). I've got one on order, and I'm dreading being one of the unlucky one's with this problem. If any of you have noticed this on yours, was your dealer able to adjust for a flush fit? I'm wondering since the door is molded polymer. I know this isn't the intended design for the door, since I have seen several that are fitted well.
I've also noticed on several vehicles that the top of the rear quarter panels (where they meet the darkened glass) are fitted differently on the driver's side and the passenger side. On the driver side, they generally fit flush and tight as they merge into the tail light. On the passenger side, if you press in with your fingers, they generally have alot of play in them and some of them squeak. I wonder if this can be corrected? You must think I am very anal- I'm really not (all that much!). I just think these are pretty obvious sloppy construction/design mistakes and seem to be pretty prevalent from what I've seen.
Any feedback or other observations I have missed would be appreciated

wmacblue

.. you must have missed post #945