By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
When making the decision to purchase, I was very concerned about the noise and power level of the 4 cyl. - took it out on the QEW in January with the air conditioning cranked just to make sure it was okay. The only thing I've found is that if I have the air on high and I am trying to merge onto the highway, it lacks a little pep. Other than that, I find it quite peppy. I drive the highways often and usually do 120-130 km/hr and find that the engine runs between 3000 and 3500 rpm's. I used to have a v6 manual sunbird and while the VUE is a little louder getting up to speed, while cruising it is no different than the bird was.
5679 - Where abouts in Canada are you? I think the dealers here don't get the info, etc. that the US dealers do. I learned more about what was happening with the VUE through this board than from the dealership and many times they were quite surprised by the news I was able to give them. I am sure they will probably be a couple months behind the US in getting the 2003's - I believe that is how it was with the 2002's too.
Customer - 06/27/2002 02:55 PM
Your reviewer missed some of the best features of the Saturn Vue. He
obviously walked around one at a showroom, took it for a quick drive
down the block and wrote his story. I've owned one for 2600 miles so
far. Let me tell you where it shines. This vehicle as listed in your
article has one absolutely fantastic feature that did not even get
mentioned in this hatchet job...er, review. AWD. That's All Wheel Drive Stevie boy. As in won't get stuck in the mud, as in no hydroplaning, as in the difference between making it home and spinning out in one of S. Florida's torrential downpours.
This car, despite it's somewhat pedestrian interior, tracks on the
highway like it's on rails. 55 or 105 MPH it feels the same, rock solid. Driving on the turnpike during the monsoon season is usually akin to water skiing. Poor drainage and lousy design conspire to provide ample opportunities for standing water 2-3 inches deep. Hit one of these at 65 MPH and away you go! Not in the VUE. At the slightest slippage of the front wheels, the rear wheels kick in and keep her on the straight and narrow.
Trust me, I test drove all the cars mentioned by comparison and then
some. I kept coming back to the Vue. Yes, leather would have been nice.
But the interior as is stands up better to my intended use anyway. Two
kids and the dog are tough on a car. I need a tough no nonsense interior.
Steve said: "In short, those with a crossover SUV budget in the $25,000
price range have better choices, including the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V
<http://www.forbes.com/2001/12/17/1217test.html> , Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4
<http://www.forbes.com/2001/07/02/0702test.html> ."
Every one of the above mentioned cars is smaller. Mr. Steve obviously
hasn't done his homework if he thinks these vehicles compare to the Vue
he allegedly test drove. The Santa Fe doesn't come with a sun roof or
ABS brakes and none of the cars he lists offer AWD except the Forester.
By the way, the Forester comparably equipped costs $25,535 per Subaru's
web site.
In regards to the comments about the rear hatch, I too wish it had a
split tailgate. That being said, I recently (last weekend) had the
misfortune to be caught in another torrential downpour. I was in the
process of loading my camping gear into the back at the time. Guess
what, the rear hatch makes a wonderful shelter from the rain. Water runs down strategically placed channels, not entering the car at all. I sat on the rear bumper and watched it rain till the sun came out, pretty cool. Oh yeah, I'm 5' 7" tall and have no trouble reaching the fully open tailgate, or the two handholds molded into it.
If you want people to take your reviews seriously, try spending a little more time actually using and driving the vehicle in question before committing your hatchet job to paper.
His response:
Dear Mr. Ward,
Thanks for your note concerning my writeup of the Saturn VUE.
I agree with you that all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive is a great feature--particularly in the bad weather that we ofen experience in the Northeast. But most SUVs now offer AWD or 4WD as either a standard or optional feature. In fact, consumers can now choose from AWD several station wagons. In short, AWD is no longer that unique. Although I only made an indirect mention of the VUE's AWD feature (in the discussion of engine options) this feaure was not enough to sell me on the VUE.
If cargo space was the only criterion for purchasing an SUV people wouldn't pay $40k to $50k for vehicles such as the Lexus RX300 or the BMW X5.
I can't please everyone with my vehicle reviews, but I try to be fair and honest.
I hope that you enjoy your VUE.
Sincerely,
Steve Kichen
Assistant Managing Editor
Jay
----------
RE : "Engine noise". The Ecotec is certainly not noisy in my opinion. I have one in our Alero and it's a wonderful 4 banger. The 6 was a little noisier, but at cruising speed, it's fine. I suspect the L-series cars (which have the same 3.0L) have a better insulated cabin and hence less noise. Perhaps Saturn will address this in the 03. In the end though, I thought the V6 sound was more than acceptable and I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.
Going to try a little off roading this weekend for fun. Nothing serious, just very keen to see what our VUE can do.
Have a good weekend all.
-Below is a copy:- (heaven help me !)
Subject: re:-Steve Kichen's snide VUE ...
Dear Madam/Sir,
-Regarding Steve Kichen's toxic review of the 2002 Saturn VUE.
-I am trying to understand what would motivate someone to write an article that was so loaded with disdain, spite and insipid and flippant comments. Was this article a review of the VUE or simply a reflection that either Mr. Kichen has no regard for the mental calibre of the Forbes readers or is so in need of three months spent alone on a mountain top. If he was trying to be the "Frank Rich" of automotive reviews, he is doing a great job.
-Considering the 'big three' US auto makers have a very checkered history of poor quality, indifference to the needs and safety of their customers, I think the fact that there is even a Saturn brand is remarkable.
-As a designer, I've experienced what it feels like to slave over a product only to have some ill tempered 'crab apple' criticize your work with sweeping capriciousness and no regard for the time, consideration or research that went into the product.
-It is a pity that Mr. Kichen didn't spend a little more time on research and attention to the task at hand and less time trying to be clever. He may then have realized that the reason that the front passenger seat has a scratch resistant back and no storage pouch is not to infuriate the "child" with a "game boy" to "stash", but because it folds down flat and allows for storage of long items such as 2x4 planks or a 10 foot ladder.
-The article would have readers believe that the VUE rode like a wheel barrow and had the finish of a dime toy. "Can you say Plastic !" Has Mr. Kichen ridden in any other vehicles in this price range and seen not only expanses of plastic, but ill considered design & styling? Plastic is a modern, inexpensive component that is easy to mould, lasts forever and is safe. Get real ! This is not a BMW nor was it designed nor priced like one.
-Can Mr. Kichen say "pompous" ? The English have a simple way to consider persons of Mr. Kichen's calibre. Disregard their opinion and avoid their company.
His style may flatter his ego and impress half inebriated bar room flies, but it is unhelpful, uninformed and destructive to an American made vehicle that is terrific.
-Well done Saturn. I'm looking forward to driving my 2003 VUE next month.
-Thank you in advance,
I am currently looking for a new car to replace my old 1991 Honda Accord EX because the transmission just went out at 185,000 miles. I am currently looking at every automobile under the sun. I saw a 2002 Saturn VUE I4 5spd yesterday at a red light, and I fell in love with the darn SUV! I am wonder if there are any deals on any of these new SUVs. Does Saturn ever discount off MSRP? I am only interested in the I4 with manual transmission. Is the VUE a great deal? I graduate from High School next year, so I want a very dependable car. Current my family drives Hondas, so am I taking a risk with this new SUV? Other vehicles I am consider are:
Nissan Altima 2.5S, 2.5SL, 3.5SE
Nissan Maxima GXE, GLE, SE
Nissan Xterra SE S/C 2WD
Volkswagen Passat GLs, GLX
Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8t
Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8t, GLX
Honda Accord LX, EX (V6 models included.)
Toyota Camry LE, SE, XLE (V6 models included.)
Saturn L-Series (L200, L300)
Options I really really want are:
Sunroof
ABS
You have quite a range of vehicles there with a wide array of prices though so It's hard to say if this is what you want. If you like it, buy it. MSRP is the price, but trade values and some options are negotiable.
DD
I had the same problem and someone on here told me that if you use the one-touch open feature (which opens the roof about 80%) the noise will go away - it works!
On June 25 I had to have the left and right strutt bearings replaced. The transmission had started clunking and they had to fix that - some kind of computer problems - gear alignment/timing off.
Anyone with same problem? Can I expect more?
I have been a loyal Subaru owner for the last 30 years, but wanted a SUV didn't want the salesman hassel.
I guess I am being punished for desserting Subaru.
Sure would feel better if it wasn't only ME having problems.
It was disappointing to see the VUE didn't fair as well as I expected. Even if one compares the VUE with other vehicles in the Saturn lineup, it is a disappointment. Here is the link for Edmunds.com:
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/crashtestdata/43764/article.html
I worry about the damage amounts as I find the VUE difficult to parallel park. Now having seen the repair costs of a slight bump, I will set up a safe area to practice in a parking lot. So far the VUE is doing well with over 8,000 miles. I think I need to send a letter of disappointment to Saturn nonetheless on their bumper results. I realize the crash results for the vehicle were quite well. --Eric
I'm still having withdrawal from my Vue. I have tested the CR-V, Pathfinder, new Altima, XTerra, Tribute, Trailblazer, Jetta diesel, GTI, Audi A4, Passat sedan and wagon, Vibe, Suzuki VL-7, and Liberty, and for comfort, value (in base form), and just sheer fun the Vue was by far my favorite. I liked it so much, and have been pleased enough in my dealings with Saturn, that I chose to ignore the possibility of first year teething problems; after all, my SL1 was a charter year , and it has been the best car, foreign or domestic, that I've ever owned (although my wife prefers her 2000 Maxima).
Now, with one eye on bulletin boards like these, I plan this winter or next spring to order a 2003 Vue almost identical to my 2002, and keep it for 10+ years.
I am looking for a vehicle, other than a mini-van, to accomodate a growing family.
I have looked at many including the Tribute,CRV,Liberty and Santa Fe.
It's now down to the Vue 4cyl/5spd and the Outback Wagon.
In the Toronto area the VUE with ABS and power package is leasing for about the same amount as the Outback. I recognize that the Outback does have substantially larger by-back.
I would appreciate your comments on the Vue vs. Outback.
Also,I do have some concerns about the HP on the 4cyl Vue. I did compare it with other vehicles and it appears good when you compare weight, HP and Torque.Does the 4 cyl Vue have enough power for city and highway driving?
Many thanks.
I've driven the 4 cyl. Vue. I was satisfied with the 5 spd. I'd like to try it with 5 passengers and some cargo to see how it manages.
I have a 5spd SL1 (1995) so that is my only Saturn comparison. It is adequate for my needs but, over a long distance, the seats are brutal.
On the hwy, once up to 100-110 km it seemed fine. I must admit I didn't get the chance to test it passing (just one of those days). The Outback at 165 Hp still leaves me wondering whether the V4 Vue is underpowered.
Never had a Saturn before, thanks for the note on the seats.
What was your experience passing on the hwy?
I was alone so passing was just fine.
Incidentally, the local salesman here in E. Ontario said 4 weeks for the arrival of the 2003s. He also said he didn't know if the remaining 2002s would be discounted (cash back) or get a preferred financing rate.
Now just when I too had made up my mind that the 4 cyl. 5 spd. Vue was the way to go, my mind has again started thinking about my recent test drive in the 5 spd. Vibe which was actaully more fun than the Vue but not as roomy.
It also has one problem that I have not read here yet - The steering wheel is OFF CENTER when driving straight ahead. It doesn't seem to be an alignment problem, as it holds the straight line ok, but the wheel centering itself has moved to the left to where the top of the wheel is at about 11 oclock now. It wasn't like that when she first got it. Is this a new feature of the Electric Steering???
My first issue was the fact that Saturn does not offer the V6 VUE with a standard transmission. Needless to say I got over that because I very much wanted to have one.
I just took a look at the Saturn website and have found that they have scratched the color choice of Gold. What they heck are they thinking? I don't like many of the colors offered. The only other color I would even consider would be Silver. And that new Green is hideous. Maybe I'm too picky, I don't know. But this sure kills my interest in the VUE, which is kinda sad because I wanted to remain loyal to GM.
Is it just me or does anyone else think that Saturn is makeing some mistakes?
The first 1000 miles have gone great other than the *&$%# who keyed my car at work.
Thank goodness for the plastic. I actually was able rub 80% of it out with compound. (I cried all the while>
The trip from Denver to California in 2 weeks. Cannot wait to let my baby fly. OHHHHH, New Plates today. We are 2 months old. Times flies.
Happy Vueing !
Tess
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
So far I'm very pleased with our little rig. Did a little off roading this weekend on some near by trails. It was fun, but the truck got pretty dirty. Think I will stick with the roads as it took a while to clean up.
Also, I think the new Malibu is a bigger car, isn't it? Isn't it the same platform that the new Saab 9-3 is based on? I read the new Saturn would be a 5 door hatch design--I'm picturing something along the lines of the Malibu Maxx. We'll find out in about a year, I guess.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I also read the Edmund review of the Vue and I disagree with parts of it. We came from a Honda and compared the Vue very closely with the new CRV. We both though the Vue was better. I agree, the interior could use some better materials but I disagree that the Vue only appeals to "Saturn loyalists". Oh well, it's one man's opinion I guess.
We love our little red Vue!!
She remarked the lack of map storage compare to other vehicles (even less than our old SW1.
I must admit that it is pathetic. The small nets in the driver and front passenger doors - very limited. The small "holes" in the back pax - unusable. The only map holder is behing the driver, but, hard to reach when driving.
I would like the feed back from owners- is my assessment correct? what about the middle storage, isn't it a little small? any after-market options?
Thanks
I see today Saturn is number 1 in customer service again. Good crash tests and customer service makes me feel good about our purchase.
http://www.auto.com/industry/iwirg11_20020711.htm
I went to take a look at it yesterday, it looks really nice. I had to go with the red / grey interior because red has been my lifelong favourite colour even though this is my first red vehicle.
I ordered wheel locks, liftgate deflector, hood deflector, cargo mat, rubber floor mats, wheel splash guards, and the Rear bumper protection pad.
They are waiting for a couple of the accesories to come in so I will not pick it up until next Wednesday. I want everything on there when they deliver it to me.
My serial number tells me it was the 55th one built for the 2003 model, I hope they got all the TSB's.
Will keep the forum informed about my experiences whether they are good or bad.
Cheers.
My salesman, fortunately, is going to try to sell my roof rack to another customer, so I may yet see some money. But the company policy is really sucky. Either you give a full refund or you don't.
shoppin :: Sorry the Vue didn't work out. Which model did you have? Maybe try an Escape, we liked that one also.
We are going camping this weekend so I'm looking forward to packing up the Vue this afternoon. Anyone ever sleep in a Vue? Haha.
Enjoy your camping trip, let us know how the VUE holds up.
-Sorry ! But I had to have a good laugh at you and your GOLD issue. You sound like me a few weeks ago. I kept the salesperson on hold for over a week after signing for the VUE because I was so p _ _ _ _ _ that they had messed with the 2003 colors. Finally, I'm getting the Bright Blue like my 94 Tracker and I am fine with that. I really wanted the Orange, but not with that TAN interior. (Sure no body in my 'hood going to have anything that looks like it !)
-I saw a Black-Silver last weekend and it really "blended" in ! Looked ordinary. I was surprised. No one would have noticed it except an auto fan or a Saturn fan.
-I think Saturn runs a 'tight ship' so they are very 'narrow' about color choice and trim.
-At the end of the day ... I don't think you would be this mad if you didn't like the car a WHOLE LOT. And we don't always get what you want. (Sadly).
-So. Kick the cat ... (not literally of course) ... get mad as hell, calm down, choose another color ... and enjoy the VUE.
(tess)
-If "keyed" means some 'yobbo' ran a key down the side of your new VUE ... then ... I am just 'heart sick' for you. I thought only the English did that to 'rollers'. (Rolls Royes)
(duke)
-Hey. I thought you were skipping July ?
-When it comes down to getting real picky about 'where you hang your hat' in the VUE ... me thinks you are getting near to deciding on a VUE (?!)
-I did a quick visual 'recky' on my ...what was it ... 100th test drive ... and I am not sure where I am stashing my CD's. You know what ? I'll find a spot ... and keep truckin'.
re:-Vivienne VUE
-So it's VIVIENNE VUE. The new name for the new 'auto' that doesn't exist yet. Got to get prioities right.
"VIV VUE" to her friends, "Miss Vivienne" to others ... like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.
-I took a 'iMac Screen Shot' of the Bright Blue VUE from the Saturn sight and made a card for my salesperson as a gentle reminder. "VIV-VUE-VIN-?" It didn't help. Still don't have a VIN # or delivery date.
-I bet it will be here suddenly when I stop looking.
-Still intend to go to TN to tour the factory.
Later ...