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fyi - the best way to make your motor last is a full synthetic oil like Mobil1, and those can be pushed to 5,000 usually w/o problems.
DD
LL
Mrelac, I looked at my vue and noticed the tiniest of difference in how the doors and other parts line up. But to be frank, unless I was looking for it, I would not have noticed. I don't find it to be an issue. The difference is miniscule and not worth the worry time for me.
loopylav, there are numerous posts on here from people with real world experience in driving the 5 speed. You just have to go back and read through some prior posts. Another great place to check out experiences is on www.epinions.com They post reviews from people who already own the vehicles. You just go there and put in Saturn Vue. I think they have at least 5 reviews now on the Vue (including mine). Good Luck.
I also did my research, we just came to different conclusions.
The car is a DREAM to drive - I've never enjoyed a motor so much... VERY spacious cabin. MPG is coming in at about 26 combined; not as good as I'd like (oh, for a diesel VUE!!), but certainly not bad!
-LL
They couldn't fix it today because the part they need to fix it won't be there till tomorrow, so they've given me a loaner. As before, the dealership has been exemplary.
So, Brian, get your squeak checked!! They said that it's not actulaly a "dangerous" problem as such, but it could do damage to surrounding parts if left unfixed...
wmacblue, the auto dimming mirror can be turned off. Press the COMP button on the mirror and the green light will turn off. The mirror will not dim any more.
Fit/finish, my VUE is pretty good in that area. The problem spot on ALL of the VUEs is the left rear door. At the dealership, I noticed that every VUE on the lot had a problem with that particular door meeting the rocker panel edge properly. The model that was on the showroom floor looked terrible, but mine is barely noticeable.
Roof rack and accessories, I ordered the bike rack from Saturn. I wanted something that could hold the two bikes upright. It is expensive, but no more so than Thules. One option might be to get the roof rack from Saturn, and the various attachments from another source that can attach to existing rails. Just a suggestion. I really don't have the time to research.
Hope the information helps someone. It's interesting that for some people the squeak is a strut, rubber bushing, and for others a mere bumper misalignment. Oh well, so far I have no regrets.
---Eric
Also, what warning lights are on the dash? Does it show low washer fluid too?
What I mean was that a) there was about 1/2 degree of play on the wheels at low speeds and b) there was a total absense of any road feel from the wheel at any speed.
Also what warning lights are there?
How did people find the shoulder room?
The cargo area is rather narrow and deep. How is it to load grocery bags and such? Do you have to lean into the car?
I was under the impression that Saturn was already selling the V6 models with the VTI, until I read the article at the following link. Does anyone have that configuration?
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/dai/2002/march/20020313_dai_problems.xml
jafo : To be honest, I didn't notice it. I have driven many trucks in the past and I guess I wasn't really paying much attention either. I suspect after driving it for a while you won't notice it any more either.
On another matter, what is this I read about VUE special editions coming out?
W/the 4cyl manual I'm averaging about 26 which is acceptable, but given my mileage, more would be even better...
Thanks for the tip on the mirror - where'd you figure that out? For that matter, is there any supplemental information anywhere on setting the compass etc? It's not in the book... Actually, I've kind of got used to the mirror now (I thought I would) so I may just leave it. Nice to know I CAN change it though.
In the meantime, just waiting for my car. After the VUE the SL they've loaned me feels TINY, so I'll be very glad to get my car back! Unfortuantely, I can't get it today (they'll finish it, but I'm away ALL day until late) so it'll be tomorrow before I get it. Sigh.
Well, none have come on so far, so I'm not sure...
"How did people find the shoulder room?"
Just fine -- I know some people have commented that it's inadequate, but I am NOT a small person and have tons of room! I also drive waaayyy far back, but in this car I'm actually not using the full legroom (ie there's room to move back even further). It's a good tall-person's car.
"The cargo area is rather narrow and deep. How is it to load grocery bags and such? Do you have to lean into the car?"
It's not particularly deep -- my station wagon was actually deeper... I load my car up heavily, and so far it's been great. Also, don't be fooled by the cargo holder -- it may "seem" flimsy (I think everybody who's seen it in the showroom has commented/thoght that - i know I did!) but it's GREAT. I use it regularly, much to my surprise.
There's a post about the mirror over on saturnfans.com, where I've seen you many times. The guy posted a pdf version of a service bulletin from saturn because the mirror/compass instructions were left out of the manual.
Short answer is you can turn off the auto dim feature by pressing the 'comp' button briefly. A light indicates when it is on or off.
'Temp' button toggles between celcius and fahrenheit.
Longer answer is if you hold the 'comp' button for six seconds, you can calibrate the compass. This is different if you have onstar, btw.
It's too long a process to explain here, but the saturnfans posting shows a little map of N.A., which you use to determine your zone and calibrate the compass.
I would say the dealer should be calibrating these suckers as part of p.d.i., but who knows?
Maybe the dealer will give you a copy of the service bulletin, no. 02-1-03, to put in your manual.
Room: I am 6'2, and have found the VUE to have plenty of room. I had a wider person (5'0, 250#) in the passenger seat and there was plenty of room as well. The VUE is a wide enough vehicle that driver and passenger will not bump against each other, especially with the center console dividing the seats. Cargo area is medium sized, currently I have a 30" upright pullman, backpack, two twelve packs of soda, and two pillows all underneath the cargo area.
Compass: thanks for the info on the TSB, my salesperson told me how to disable it when I was being walked through the car.
Warning lights: Low Fuel, Low Coolant, Change Oil Soon, Low Traction (4cyl, FWD, w/ABS), Reduced Power, Security, Low Oil Pressure, ABS, Airbag, Daytime Running Lamps, Brights, Charging System, and Check Engine. I am sure I missed one or two, but these are from memory. If anyone would like to add on to this feel free. I believe there is a dash with the lights displayed at Saturn's site (okay I looked and there is one under the L, but the pic is too small). I don't believe there is a low washer fluid light. There is information on the site for the Compass, Sunroof operation, and 6 disc in dash CD now.
Hope this is of help. --Eric
-Jon
Classic Soft does have leather seats for the VUE in a variety of styles and colors. I think they run between $900-$1200.
Hope it helps!
Tx
Is GM planning on making the Tracker a closer cousin to the Vue if the Vue is successful?
tidester
Host
SUvs
Thank You
The 5 speed manual is bullet proof.
The sports package is an unbelievable deal.
I am sure you will have at LEAST one issue with your VUE. After all it IS a first year model.
My suggestion would be to just enjoy it when you get it. They're really nice.
For 17K this is an untouchable deal
All in all it's a good wagon. Yes, every car has its shortcomings. For the Vue I would say it is shoulder room, quirky+nervous steering, wide turning circle, noisey engine during acceleration and transmission whistle.
The rest comes down to design preference. Do you like the high window sills, do you like the plasic door panels, do you need more cargo space, etc.
Rent one for a weekend and get a feel for it.
The seats are the most comfortable of any car I have every had; the cabin is spacious and my passengers are comfortable.
The gearbox is smooth and responsive. THe engine is a little growly on acceleration, but once it hits cruising speed it's quiet and unobtrusive. It's a pleasure to drive in all conditions. I've dealt with wind advisories, freezing rain, snow and torrential downpour in it and it's been surefooted in all conditions.
I have had one glitch (and only one) so far -- the strut noise (discuswsed above). From reports over on Saturnfans and elswhere it appears this strut problem MAY be a batch fault, but the fix is quick and easy. The problem is a spring which is slightly too long, and rubs against the rubber ring mount. They machine the end of the spring by about 1/2" and, in my case, they replaced the mounts themselves. This wasn't actually necessary (ie there had been no damage) but the mechanic wanted to "get it right the first time". Everything was handled promptly, helpfully and I really can't complain at all!
I really can't say enough nice things about the car or the dealership. I LOVE this car!!!
That's not exactly true, while the VUE at that price is a decent deal several competitors with rebates and incentives will beat or meet that criteria. Chevy Tracker, Pontiac Aztek, Ford Escape, and I believe the Subaru Forrester. I'm not tying to rain on the VUE's parade, but if you are going to cross shop you should look at all those choices. I personally think that GM is shooting itself in the foot, offering the 2002 Aztek with a V6, power everything, cruise, keyless entry, CD player with 6 speakers, automatic, and standard alloy wheels for $17,500. At that price point Aztek's may seriously be taking VUE sales. I mean afterall if you compare the 2, even though the VUE looks better, for the most part the Aztek beats it in just about every area including price.
Buick Skylark
AMC Gremlin
K-car
If Saturn offered the "sport package" up here it would have a sale with me. Unfortunately I can't order one so I sit and wait.
RE : Aztek - I like the vehicle a lot BUT the looks are too hard to swallow. The 02 is much better but GM has more work to do. The Rendezvous looks much better but it's out of our price range.
The Vibe is essentially a Corolla with a wagon tail. The 4wd is sadled with an anemic 124 hp engine.
The Vue is more of a mid-sized wagon with larger engine and cargo space.
However - to make a short defense of my statement.
Looks - Winner VUE/Escape *Totally Subjective I admit*
Equipment - Winner VUE *Hello Moonroof*
Powertrain - Winner Aztec *V6 + Auto*
Safety - Winner VUE *I'll bet you on this one*
Price - Winner VUE *Better check your math*
Overall best deal for the money - Winner VUE
Equipment - Winner: Aztek by far, sorry man but HUD, Moonroof, Onstar, heated leather seats, dual zone climate control. I could mention some more but I think I made my point.
Powertrain - Winner: obvious Aztek V6 Auto
Safety - Well I wanna see you prove that bet, at least the Aztek comes with standard ABS, side airbags, 4 star rollover rating.
Price - this time I will do the math, Edmunds TMV states that a VUE 2.2 with a 5 speed and ABS and head curtain airbags and nothing else, will run you $17,825. I admit that ABS and side airbags are options on the VUE, but they are standard safety items on the Aztek. Also don't forget that power windows, mirrors, and locks are standard on the Aztek and I won't include those options on the VUE cause that would raise the price $1360. So now you are comparing a base with almost no options 4 cyllinder, manual, SUV with one with power options, an auto, and a V6. Ok now we'll do TMV on a base model 2002 Aztek, the price comes to $19,226 now factor in the $1500 in rebates your final price is you final price is $17,726.
Ok so you figure out the best deal...
As for safety you might want to look here for the Aztec.
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0114.htm
Again - I'm talking about the 4 cyl manual SPORT PACKAGE VUE. This includes the 1400 dollar power package - the 700 dollar moonroof - the 290 cd player - and the 400 dollar alloy wheels.
Price of a VUE so equipped - $16,995
Yes you can GET more equipment on the Aztec but all I am saying is that the Sport Package VUE is an unbeatable deal.
About that one safety test, IIHS, I will never hold that valid. Dateline was present at the test, and since it's been proven that they have purposely sabotaged crash test with GM vehicles in the past, I cannot hold that test valid. All it would take is one test without Dateline present, and if the air bag mis-fired again then I'd respect that.
To state that the VUE is safer without any test confirming it is bold. Remember that in the same test the Aztek's structure held very well. Also it's quite a bit heavier than the Saturn, which automatically gives you an advantage on the road.
Like I said though, I still think GM is shooting itself in the foot. Many GM loyals like myself are going to have trouble making this decision. I think quite a few already have....
As far as the looks of the Aztek being "abominable" I don't really think so, maybe you are thinking of the 2001 model. Maybe you should get with the program.
Then again looks are in the eye of the beholder, and if you think that the Saturn looks that much better than more power to you. Not to me, but hey I'm not planning on purchasing either one. I do think that the Saturn and the Aztek look way better than the new CRV, and the Forrester, also I think they look better than a Trooper too. Oh well no more ranting, it could just be my GM loyalty syndrome.
This offer ran to 4000 vehicles - due to the popularity, however, they may be extending it to further "packages" in the future.