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Comments
Generally though, I like the VUE better for our next vehicle.
I drove the Trib and the suspension feels like you are riding on boulders. The parts inside are VERY cheap. The inside door handle feels like it will break off in your hand if you pull it too hard! ANd check your gas mileage . . . The Vue owner will be passing you at the gas station alot. You also may want to check the specs side by side. I hate to tell you but Saturn Vue has the Trib beat in comfort, suspension, 0-60, cornering, gas mileage AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION!!
PLEASE!!! Take that Trib stuff back to the Mazda board. It won't fly here, my friend.
Anyone got any Vue news?
Steve
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As I have said before I work in a G.M shipping yard and have driven everything G.M has made or marketed for the last 18 years.
In the eighties G.M took the Cavalier ( a decent econo car) and dressed it up with all kinds of options, they called it the Cadillac Cimmaron. It was a joke. It cost twice the price of the Cavalier, and bottom line that was just what it was a Cavalier.
So when I see a econo ( that is not a derogatory word) car overloaded, to make it more Cadillacish, it always makes me laugh, and wonder why you just don't buy what you are trying to emulate in the first place.
P. S This old man is 38 have two kids, two dogs, and I like to be comfortable, when I want to be sporty, I take the family out in my 1967 Rally Sport Camaro, and afterwards when back to the day to day grind. I like my [non-permissible content removed] to be pampered , and my back to be comfy.
The Vue is a great econo SUV, but trying to make it into something it's not, well ....
Jeff ( i will shut up now )
Is there a reason for your posts?
What sold you on your Tribute? Was it the zoom zoom commercials?
My wife also suggested this, and I have no problem going and spending an extra $1000 or more for a pair of aftermarket comfy buckets to make the ride more enjoyable. I don't consider that 'overdressing' the vehicle into something its not, at all.
And, considering the $2650 savings that the Sport pkg is offering, you are still coming out ahead on it.
Secondly, to say that the Vue has a "bland interior" is vague and subjective. So I will just be specific and subjective. The interior on the Tribute is VERY cheap. Again don't pull that door handle too hard when you try to open the door. It might break off in your hand. Both the Tribute AND Vue are not spectacularly great interiors. But the little cubbies everywhere in the Vue and the front and rear cupholders as well as the folding front passenger seat for longer items gives the Vue the edge.
As to the seat comfort, I understand that some taller folks have had issue. But honestly, to the typical consumer, the seats in the Vue are extraordinarily comfortable. It was one of the main selling points to me. Now I should be cautious with the "seat critic" as he may have tried those in the 4 cylinder. They are not as comfortable as the 6 cylinder. There's a reason for that. They aren't the same seats! The 6 cylinder is the upgraded model and has better cushioning and velour which the 4 does not have.
I am wondering if our Vue critic, Jeff, is comparing the 4 cylinder Vue to what he bought. If he went in and tested the stripped 4, no wonder he finds it econo.
Jeff, honestly, every person who has ridden in my Vue (a six with some options) has said they see it as a mid to upscale small SUV. Now I don't think the Buick Rendezvous is a good comparison for the Vue and I don't think they are set up to appeal to the same folks. The Rendezvous is designed for older folks as most Buicks are. It is also designed for families as the "minivan look" to it screams out. I have yet to hear of a young single lad or lass buying a Rendezvous. However the Vues, Escapes and Tributes of the world were designed to be crossover vehicles and to appeal a more wide variety of folks. My personal opinion of the Rendezvous is that I find it repulsively "minvan-cookiecutter-like". I am so tired of seeing vehicles that are mini-vans or made to look like sporty mini-vans. (the rendezvous). But I guess there is a market for them. But when this buyer has a family, you won't see me in one of these "Mommy-mobiles". I rather prefer sportiness AND comfort. I get that from the Vue and I only need one vehicle!
I'm glad you are enjoying your rendezvous but I don't think you are going to sell many on the Vue board as most people are here to discuss their Vues or potential Vues. (thus the name of the board).
A couple of things, I have driven no less than 50 Saturn Vues ( most for a mile or less)
and have felt no discernable difference in the seats in a 4 or 6 cylinder, at least in the Canadian models. As far as i can see, or my [non-permissible content removed] can feel, there is no difference in the seats.
Also as I type I have the Saturn literature in front of me, they make no mention, of upgraded seats in a 6, and they do mention it has a overhead light in the cabin, so I think if the seats were upgraded, they would be mentioning it.
All the best. Glad you guys like your Saturns, they help put dinner on my table
and gas in my Rendezvous ( sorry couldn't resist )
Jeff
Apparently, YOUR [non-permissible content removed] can't tell. But mine certainly could and others here have said the same.
Who is for real??
Get to the point.
Get past the look: VUE's exterior.
Look outside the interior. " The uncomfortable seats".
It is not what you drive but how you drive.
No one ever lost any money here.
There is a difference between the 4 and 6 seat. It is a minor difference.
The seats are the same. Its only the FABRIC covering the seats that are different. The 4 cyls have a cheaper thin cloth covering, and the 6cyl has a thicker cheap cloth. Both are uncomfortable on extended drives (compared to my LHS anyway).
lucky7 - I just don't see the justification of the extra $7000 for the 6cyl (16995 vs 23995), for just 38 more hp, an awd system that you really use maybe a few times a year, foglights, and different wheels (still 16" though). Otherwise they are both the same - same sunroof, same power W/D/L, same keyfob, same upgraded stereo, same cruise, same auto dimming mirror, same reclining rear seats, etc.
Also, I haven't checked the numbers, but I would bet that the 4cyl fwd stick would keep up, if not beat a awd auto 6cyl in 0-60.
Why do you seem to demean the fwd model like its a piece of crap ("stripped" as you say) when its basically the same vehicle?
Early contenders included the Escape and Liberty but Im not really a Ford guy and have always owned Chevys. The Liberty despite its cute looks and beautiful interior lacks many other things that are included in the VUE.
So now its down to the VUE and Vibe. Man the Vibe would definitely work for me. Its counterpart the Matrix is just ugly. However, Im starting to feel that maybe the Vibe was not meant for 31yo Generation Xers like me.
This is where the VUE shines. I love its styling, its conservative looks and everything else about it. But I must admit that I hate that Saturn is catering to the mini-van driving, soccer mom demographic when that market is full of competition.
Is any auto company gonna ever stand head to head with Jeep? You think theyd want to cater to the single guys and girls out there that still want a V6 engine with a manual transmission! But no, the demographic that they are targeting (which already has many options to choose from) is not interested in a manual transmission.
This is my most major gripe with what Saturn has made of the VUE. Its as if single folks mean nothing to auto makers.
Well, regardless of all of this, the VUE is at the top of my list. Do any other single guys are girls out there fell the way I do?
I don't need AWD where I live and prefer to drive stick - other than those two components (and don't forget the velour) my VUE is exactly the same as yours. In my situation, not being able to justify the additional $7000 for stuff I don't need doesn't qualify as ECONO or Stripped - it was simply a savings of $7000 that I didn't need to spend.
I do not know whether GM plans to use the new V6 that will find its way into the CTS later this year in the VUE as well. If it does, perhaps there will be a limited edition 6 Cyl. manual VUE.
My L has the 2.2 and the manual. I will second the others who say that the engine provides plenty of pep. The VUE is a few hundred pounds more than my L. But the 2.2 in the VUE has more hp. The Saturn rep let me open up the VUE a little when I test drove it. I think you might like it if you tried it.
This is far and away the best 4 banger GM has ever made and one of the best on the market IMO. No one should discount a VUE because it's a 4 cyl model. The Ecotec pulls it just fine.
Hot Rod has a short article on the Eco-tech motor. They say that GM is VERY proud of the motor and that they are gunning to have it be the small-block chevy of 4cyl motors. The article indicates all the things they have done to make it easier to hop-up. The injectors fit into the head, not the manifold. They have places for nitrous oxide injectors (short power booster gas) already on the intake manifold. The accessories don't use brackets to bolt to the block. The way the crank and pistons are designed. The exhaust manifold gaskets seating areas are large for a good sealing surface. I can't remember all the stuff, but it was designed for hot rodding. They (GM) are getting 5hp per cubic inch out of a blown version, which if you're not familiar, is outrageous!
I would get the 4cyl/manual, and then do some slight modifications for a light, efficient vehicle.
DD
Here is my dream list for a 2003 Vue:
-V6 manual
-4 disc brakes
-leather interior
-lift gate
-skid controln (like the CR-V)
-blue color
I am waiting for the summer to make up my mind between the Vue and the CR-V. I regret to say that the CR-V has an edge over the Vue.
for all the useful information.
I've had the 4-cylinder, manual transmission, sports package vue for about a month
and have been very pleased with it. The ride is smooth, the engine has enough power for me, there's lots of space, and the gas mileage has been a nice surprise, running 27 to 29 mpg in gentle driving during the engine break-in (I commute around 25 miles each way on back roads in the DC area).
Problems I've had with the car have been pretty minor except for the steering squeak/groan during slow turns. The dealer fixed that problem by lubricating the front struts. Hopefully, that cured the problem but I guess I'll see if it comes back.
I did have trouble with the sun visors which would rotate and then stop in a vertical position that blocked my vue (sorry, I couldn't resist) of the road. Saturn revised the sun-visor clips sometime in early April and the dealer ordered and installed the new clips solving the problem. Anyone who has a Vue that was built before early April might want to check their sun-visors to make sure that this isn't a problem for them.
the 5 speed sports package. My wife & I really like it but when I put it in reverse I get this weird clunking noise in front on the passenger side. I've asked my dealer about it & he said he wasn't aware of any problems with it, & it could be a factory flaw. It is somewhat annoying. I wonder if it is the strut problem, & has anyone else had this problem?
I've found that when engaging reverse, I need to slip the clutch a little more than with my VW or else the engine/transmission starts to vibrate like I'm lugging the engine. I seem to remember another post that made a similar comment. I wonder if you might need to slip the clutch a little more when backing up?
obervue- My vue is pretty smooth up to 75mph so you should have your dealer take a look. My dealer here has been pretty helpful and responsive in taking care of my concerns.
The observation I have seen from each is that they are presold on every FWD 4 Sport package that comes in, meaning that they only have 1 each as a demo available to be looked at, and that one is usually on an extended test drive.
On the other hand, the same AWD 6's are sitting on the lot day after day and not moving at all (about 12 at each location). This is in the Minneapolis/St.Paul region. Are other areas experiencing the same situations?
First is the noise in the steering column but only when I turn left (?) at slow speeds. I also have noticed the slight noise, mentioned on other posts, in the left rear strut area.
Finally the paint quality was not what I should have expected. I found three fair size pieces of dirt in the paint. 1 on the lift gate, one on the left front fender by the drivers door and a fiber or mar in the paint by the fuel door. Anyway these don't really bother me as most people likely wouldn't notice them.
I have approx 3000 km (1900 miles) on the vehicle now, and have been averaging around 10 L/100 km (29 MPG) with the 4 cyl stick. I expect the efficiency to improve over time as the engine gets broken in and I stop driving it so fast (130 Canadian - 75 American) on the highway.
My wife and I love the amount of cargo space in it. It makes packing our small son and dog up for the weekend a much more enjoyable experience than previously.
Gigs
gigs_vue : Congrats on the VUE.
I have taken it back to the dealer to look at it.
My wife also says it's the way I back up, because It doesn't do it when she drives it & she grew up driving a stick. I guess, I may need a lesson or two.
This is to( gigs-vue) I have a 4 cylinder stick &
have just taken a trip to Texas and we only averaged about (24mpg), our average speed was between 75 to 80 mph. What octane of gas do you use? Our vue has about 5000 miles and going strong on it.
This is to (joelis) We have had the same problem here in Kansas with a Kansas City dealership. I
Wanted to drive the 4 cylinder stick before we bought one and we felt like we were getting the
run-a-round for 2 months, then I called a few more dealerships and they said they were only allotted so many. We found a dealer in the Wichita area that actually said he would order us one and arrange for a test drive. We ended up with the 4 FWD 4 cylinder sport package.
WOW. Good deal!
That last part, with Officer Notso didn't really happen, but this baby TRACKS. ABS brakes work well too. I could not break this beast loose from her death grip on the road. And she feels so much more substantial than the Ford. Now if there was just a little more storage space in the console and if i could squeeze another 20 HP out of the engine she'd be perfect.
She's a keeper. I'm happy. Will that throttle body upgrade work on my engine?
(a) Roadside assistance menu system takes too much time - operators very nice though.
(b) If the alternator is going bad there should be some warning light or guage to indicate this.
(c) I am concerned with an electrical problem happening on this car with my son or any new young driver - they could panic if the steering assist failed while driving.
(d) Assuming this failure trend doesn't continue, this should be a good safe car.
My car is a 2002 Bravada (AWD). I recall a previous post mentioning handling similar between the two. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bravada is a much firmer better controller ride, significantly quieter, more acceleration, more comfortable seats, etc. However all this comes at a price - gas mileage worse, and cost higher (2 VUE's for the price of 1 Bravada).
To the 30 something single person, I definitely think that Saturn has marketed to the 30-something singles as well as families. Around here I see a lot of both in the Vue. I am personally in that same 30 something single class and I love my Vue WHEN IT'S WORKING!
Well this seems to be the final straw for me. I am now seeking a replacement under the lemon law. It has been in the shop 17 times since I got it in January. I have no doubt that it is because it was one of the first off the assembly line because everyone after me seems to have relatively few if any problems. They have me in a rental (Suzuki Grand Vitari) right now. They are taking good care of me while they decide whether to give me a replacement. Hopefully, they will decide the replacement is the way to go or we "WILL have a problem, Houston!!"
I'll keep y'all abreast. By the way, strangely enough, I still love the Vue. I just don't love this particular one so much any more!
Other than that, I am completely happy with my VUE. We took it to the drive-in this weekend and found that it was just great for this purpose - parked backwards, put the seats down, tailgate up and bundled with blankets in the back to watch the movies. I started it after each movie to ensure the battery was okay from running the radio and heat - it started like a charm. There were several vehicles around us scrambling for jumper cables so I really liked my VUE at that moment!
The gas pedal position sensor and the broken CV joint/axle
I would get them to repair that because both of the above problems left me stranded.
I had a broken CV joint which was attributed to a tech mis-seating it after fixing the strut thing... but your report makes me wonder... In my case, they replaced the entire front axle assembly and all 4 CV joings. Please post back with the results when they diagnose yours...
BTW, SEVENTEEN VISITS?!? And I thought my 5 was bad! What were the problems other than the AC leak and the sensor? Just for information...
Keep us posted -- and good luck!
Speaking of returns, has anyone actually successfully USED the 30 day 1000 mile return policy on one of these yet? Or is that just some sales hype bs that you can't actually get accomplished anyway.
Did someone say they can change this?
Thanks
So far, we love the truck. It gets a lot of compliments and it's our first "American" brand ever. We traded in our 1994 Civic which was getting small, especially since we are planning a family for next year.
Just got 29.5 mpg on my last tank (357 miles of commuting). The Vue is running great although it's developed a slight rattle in the rear passenger door. Also, I brought the Vue out into the sun after having it in our garage and heard some clicking noises that sounded like the plastic panels rubbing against their supports as they expanded from the sun's heat. Does anyone know if this is something that all Saturns do?
I listed the other problems in an earlier post.
By the way, they told me no guys. They told me it does not meet lemon law guidelines! They offered me a bumper-to-bumper 60,000 mile/5 year warranty. Otherwise Virginia Lemon Laws require three repairs to the same item or more than 30 days in the shop in the first eighteen months. Each repair has been individual and it has been in the shop 22 days now!