Saturn VUE

zapcat

Where did you get this info? Can you post a link?

dindak

Wow, that's pretty decent mileage out of such a big motor. I guess the VUE being so light is yielding better mileage than the MDX/Pilot.

vuefor2

19/25 is not much worse than the 21/26 we get now, but I still think the 3.0L is a better match for the Vue. 250 hp just seems like way too much power for a small SUV.

When are the 2004's coming out? Any other changes?

tcams76

From: kari.nattrass@gm.com
Date: 2003/06/17 Tue PM 02:45:19 EDT
To: <tcams76>
Subject: VUE Red Line
 
                        (Choose Folder) MailGuard SentMail

Thank you for your message.

It will use regular unleaded gasoline and deliver EPA estimated fuel
economy figures as follows:

FWD - 20 city/28 highway
AWD- 19 city/25 highway

Although prices have not been release yet (and won't be until closer to
production in December) if "bang for the buck" is part of your
consideration set, I think you'll find the VUE Red Line extremely
attractive.

I have a call into one of the engineers to get an official read on dual
exhaust. I'll drop you a line when I receive word.

Kind regards,

tcams76

http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/Future/vueredline.shtml

phillymom

We are considering the Vue still but want to be sure it will work well for 2 adults and 2 children - we have a 2 year old now but are planning for #2 in the upcoming year.

We both work full time so most use will be on the weekends with shopping. Now we drive a 2001 Ford Taurus

waffler62

I have a 2002 Vue 4-cyl M5 that we take our 3 kids in to Grandma's, church, etc - ages 17, 13 and 8. They don't complain too much as long as the 8-yr-old doesn't fall asleep and start falling over... but I think the older kids prefer the Venture van we used to have. We have plenty of room for 4 adults. My friend has two car seats in the back of his Vue for his newborn and toddler, and he loves his, too.

lfike

you said:
Actually, it looks to me like whatever size SUV you're talking about, the VUE has the best crash tests, at least according to this table on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration page.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2003SUVs.html

looks like there are a lot of vehicles that rated higher than the Vue. Didn't the CRV rate higher? I agree with everyone here....all car companies need to implement side air/curtain bags.
My best friend just purchased a new Vue....really likes it. She has had a few problems like .cracked front window ....says that the Vue has much more noise than her previous Malibu.
I really think it looks nice, great size etc. Had it been my choice I would have taken the CRV...just something about those Hondas. this is just my opinion though.
PS....I would take Saturns Service dept though. Again, with the Honda I shouldn't need the Service Dept ;>)

dindak

Noise levels should be better in the 04 as some noise dampening improvements are being made as well as a new 3.5L V6. CR-V is a good choice also, but with the 0% financing on VUE, it's clearly a better value right now IMO.

mmspeal

Is anyone else having problems keeping the Saturn hood deflector on their VUE. Mine has been replaced 3 times since the original, each lasting less than 2 months. This last one (4th) has been on for about 6 months so I figured they finally must have gotten sick of me and used crazy glue but now it is coming off too.

I know some of the aftermarket ones are bolted on underneath the hood. Has anyone recently gotten a saturn one - is it still stuck on with that double sided foam tape?

phillymom

I know some of the aftermarket ones are bolted on underneath the hood. Has anyone recently gotten a saturn one - is it still stuck on with that double sided foam tape?

What is aftermarket???

lfike

After market is not orginal equipment from the factory. I can buy a hood deflector from Saturn that is orginal equipment. Should I decide to try and save a few bucks and go to Kmart and buy a "off brand"....well that's called "after market".
In most (but not all) cases you are better with the factory stuff (warranty wise etc).

zapcat

Well I've had my silver FWD V6 vue for 3 months now so I should not be surprised that it is time for it's 3rd (unscheduled) visit to the service department.

   Now the front passenger door won't open!

I can pull it open 1-2 inches and can see that the latch/lock is clear, but it hangs up along the bottom of the door jam. I realize this is nothing compared to the VTi problems, however, we have family flying in tomorrow and now we have to cram 5 people and luggage into the subcompact, thanks Saturn.

dindak

I've seen a few other people have door issues. Kind of strange thing to happen? That said, my mom's Alero back door did the same thing a few years ago.

markopolo

The first thing is the rumbling in reverse. My Saturn dealer told me they have a new motor mount that solves the problem. I tend to believe that this is not the problem. My four cylinder Vue tends not to rumble all the time. It does appear most prominent when I am backing up a hill. I personally think it is the transmission. Can anyone say class action. I prefer not to go this route because Saturn service has been fantastic. But backing out into a main roadway with a rumbling transmission is definitely a safety issue. As far as the bug guard goes I am having the same problem. This past week was the third time they put double sided tape on it. Oh and one other thing one of my axle seals going into the transmission is leaking. My guess is it is associated with the rumbling in reverse. My vehicle is a 2002 sport edition with 14,000 miles on it. Other than the unscheduled trips to the dealer I still enjoy my Vue and am very satisfied with the service department. I would like the transmission fixed. Class Action will probably be the only way to resolve the problem?

stevo6

Buy the Honda. I've had my V6 AWD Vue for a year now. After at least a dozen visits to the shop (occasionally via flatbed) for significant repairs, I can attest to the questionable quality of this vehicle. But perhaps my biggest complaint is with the Saturn service dept. The Service Managers at my local dealership apparently lack listening skills, and also regularly give me the impression that they know better than the customer. I've had my Vue back for the same front end clunk three times. They haven't listened once. There's a TSB that describes the problem to a tee. The service writer wasn't even interested in hearing about it. I'm going to try another dealership, unfortunately another 15 miles away. If that doesn't work, the Vue goes.

arcticvman

Well, call me crazy but we have just bought our third Saturn in 6 years. It started in 98 with an SL then 01 with a L200 and yesterday with a Bright Blue AWD VUE. This is pretty much our last try with Saturn. Our first Saturn was a great little car, had it three years without a problem, our second one was quite the opposite. The L200 we had was nothing but problems from the day we took it home. It spent more time in the shop than it seemed to spend on the road, which is not a very good thing considering that we live 110 miles from our closest dealer. Anyway, after much discussion we decided to give Saturn another shot and bought the VUE. With 128 miles on it now (all from driving home, it had 2 miles on it when we left the lot) we are feeling pretty good about it. The color is GREAT and the interior feels bigger than our old L200, although I am not sure that it is much bigger. Anyway, here is hoping that Saturn built this one better than our last one. I will keep ya'll updated if anything goes wrong. Getting the windows tinted tomorrow.

dindak

L200 is not built in Springhill and many of them (especially early models) had many quality issues. You VUE should be a much better experience. Even Consumer Reports recommends it.

zapcat

good stuff on the 04 VUE at....

http://www.media.gm.com

click on 2004 product info....

dindak

Interior looks much improved! Sounds like only the V6 models get upgraded.

vuefor2

Arcticvman :::: We have had our Vue for over a year and it's been trouble free. It's a great little SUV, don't think you will be disappointed.

Stevo6 ::: Sorry to hear about the trouble. What was your build date?

Phillymom :::: We have a baby on the way so we will be using it as a family hauler. We don't use the back seat for much other than for shopping so it will be quite a change for us!!

ketch

Dindak, how the hell are ya? Looking to get a 2003 Vue with the v6 to replace our old minvan. What's your opinion with the Saturn. Since our van is on it's last legs, we cannot wait for the honda v6 and upgrades for the 04 model unfortunately, but most of what have read is postive on the current Vue.- ketch(2000 Intrigue GL "R")

dindak

I've tested a VUE twice and I like it. The 04 will get some upgrades both in engine and the interior but if you can't wait the 03s have some decent incentives and I like the 3.0L just fine. We may get one next year when our Intrigue is paid off.

Are you sick of mini vans?

markopolo

The first thing is the rumbling in reverse. My Saturn dealer told me they have a new motor mount that solves the problem. I tend to believe that this is not the problem. My four cylinder Vue tends not to rumble all the time. It does appear most prominent when I am backing up a hill. I personally think it is the transmission. Can anyone say class action. I prefer not to go this route because Saturn service has been fantastic. But backing out into a main roadway with a rumbling transmission is definitely a safety issue. As far as the bug guard goes I am having the same problem. This past week was the third time they put double sided tape on it. Oh and one other thing one of my axle seals going into the transmission is leaking. My guess is it is associated with the rumbling in reverse. My vehicle is a 2002 sport edition with 14,000 miles on it. Other than the unscheduled trips to the dealer I still enjoy my Vue and am very satisfied with the service department. I would like the transmission fixed. Class Action will probably be the only way to resolve the problem? My bug shield blew off this weeekend. I still love my view, but the rumbling in reverse is bad. Is it true the four cylinder standards for 2003 do not rumble? If you have the 2003 and have no problem could you please post.

mmspeal

I'm glad yours flew off too - they keep making me feel like I am the only one having problems when I take it in to them. They always ask what was I doing when it came off - like duhhh, hello I was driving - what do they think ???

I am also very interested in this whole rumbling thing too - they tell me it is normal but I can't imagine that it can be. My VUE is also a 2002 and has 30 000 km on it now. I have this feeling the rumble will be normal until my warranty is up and then look out !!!

tqm

I have a V6 AWD 2003. 17K mileage. I noticed that when the car leans to the left (driver side), a loud clunking/creaking noise can be heard. Its worse when backing down a hill (body leans back) and can be best heard at low speeds. Its prevalent when making right turns (body leans left), but not really when car leans right or making left turns or body leans forward (down hill). Also, my passenger door handle just stopped working.

Anybody having similar issues?

Going to dealership on Thursday. Didn't see any recalls or TSBs listed.

I'm thinking a spring or the sway bar may have come loose. It sounds like its on the right front side, but cannot be sure.

Help?????????!!!!!!!

carguy1234

Wow, sounds like you sure got the lemon of the bunch. I recall previous posts from you talking about shaking at highway speeds, then a squealing fan, and now clunking at low speeds, and a door that won't work. So your VUE has problems at low and high speeds? Ouch.

Did the dealership take care of you with your earlier problems? Were you satisfied with the treatment they gave?

We must be lucky - our V6/AWD VUE is still flawless going on a year old (yes, I was knocking on wood while I typed that).

Good luck!

ketch

Ya, we got sick of a minivan, and plus a venture with the same options is 10k more under the GMS plan! We eneded up with a loaded 2003 Vue, AWD v6 with an added DVD system for about 25k (list at 29k). The Venture Warner Bro. edition with AWD would be near 35k under GMS. Plus we have two kids so the room is ok with the SUV. Has side curtain air bags too, and the crash results are tops. The venture is real bad on that. Payed off the Intrigue (2000 model) so until we pick up the SUV tommorrow eve, I have "no car payments" for 1 day!

julians

I have a 2003 VUE 5speed manual. It is base and has no rear hatch unlock. Every time you start to drive it locks the rear hatch. I realize this is a safety feature, but it is very anoying when I need to use the key just to get something out. Anyone disconect this?

I seat three kids no problem, two still in carseats.

dindak

Congrats on the new VUE!

Do you need the AWD down in Vegas though? If we go for a VUE I will likely get a FWD V6. DVD system will be a must in the next vehicle as my daughter is not always sleeping on long trips like she used to.

Let me know how you like it. We have another year of payments on our Intrigue unfortunately.

bubalu

A few weeks ago I did the 24hr test drive of a AWD6 Vue with cloth seats. I really liked the vehicle except for the driver's and front passenger's seats. My wife and I both had sore lower backs after driving/riding in the vehicle for relatively short periods of time. We tried adjusting the seats but could not get comfortable. It seems as if the length of the bottom portion of the seat is too short. I understand that there is a comfort package available for the driver's seat but not for the passenger seat. Has anyone experienced this and overcame it (have a solution)? Are the leather seats more comfortable; even for the non-lumbar supported passenger seat? I would buy this vehicle if I had a reasonable solution to the uncomfortable seats.

vuefor2

Ketch :::: Congratulations on the new Vue. We have an AWD V6 also and it's been wonderful. Could not be happier with it.

Carguy::: I think some of the early Vues had some issues but we have a very early on and it's been fine. I guess you always take a bit of a chance on an all new vehicle.

vuefor2

Anyone have any idea if the 2004 Vues are being built yet? I would like to try one just to compare with our 3.0L. The guy in our service department had no idea when I asked during my oil change Friday.

jamesle1

Does anyone know where this engine is produced ?

dindak

3.0L came from England initially and as far as I know it still does.

jamesle1

Any complaints about this engine ? Anyone using synthetic in it ?

zapcat

the honda 3.5 gets better mpg and has 70 more hp.

dindak

Has 70 more HP but does not get better mileage. Nice dream though.

jamesle1

What other auto is this engine out of other than the L-series. Need to know track record.

dindak

None. L and VUE are the only 2 North American models that have it. There are some European / UK models that have it but I'm not sure which ones. The engine has not had any major issues that I have heard of.

zapcat

I'm using www.media.gm.com as my source for the FWD V6 hwy gas mileage. It states 28 hwy and 20 city. The AWD VUE gets the same MPG 20/25 as the 3.0 -zap

dindak

I see you are correct (assuming GM's estimates are right). I was basing my mileage estimates on the Pilot but I guess that is a much bigger vehicle.

20/28 would make me very happy and I would have heaps of power to boot. It could sway me to the VUE if the prices don't go up too much.

vuefor2

If the 3.5L really gets 20/28, that will be impressive.

julians

I think Saturn is going the wrong direction with the RedLine VUE and ION. I have a VUE which I love. I got the 5-speed 4cyl because of cost and fuel effec. I am 33 years old and know many Saturn owners...none even within 10 years of me. These baby boomers who love the Saturn SL are not going to buy IONs or VUEs as they are turning into kid cars. Are the kids (25 yrs and less) going to buy Saturns? No. They buy Hondas...If the Honda is too expensive, they buy Dodge Neons.

If the Saturns get "kidish" and expensive...who will buy? If your in the market for a Pilot or a VUE and the prices are compairable...and the motors are the same...people will go with the Pilot.

Instead of going Redline...Saturn should have gone MiniVan.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Saturn...I just see the company going the wrong way. What is so bad about attracting the Baby Boomers?

uga91

Saturn is going after Baby Boomers and going mini van as well. The van (called Relay for now I believe) comes out for 2005. You can read about it in the Future Vehicles section of this web site. Also, the hybrid Vue comes out for 2005 as well. I'm interested in this. It will be FWD only and not rated for towing--but I don't tow anyway. The new hybrid Escape will be AWD and rated for light towing. There was an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today about these two vehicles. The hybrid Vue should get 40 mpg around town. It will also be different from the hybrid Civic in that the Vue will run on electrical power at low speeds and then go to gas engine at higher speeds. Also, the Vue's A/C will run on the electrical motor until the gas kicks in. I believe some hybrids of today run the opposite way. The next Prius will run like this Vue will. I'm interested in seeing it. I would be interested in trading my Ion for one if it looks right.

joey2brix

Calling the CV-1 a minivan would be marketing death. The mini-van is yesterday's news and a loosing market to get into. Too many players and the demand is gone. Even the Honda Oddessy is being discounted at Honda dealers. At least the CV-1 looks like an Element/Scion and falls more into the crossover class. I still don't see this as a big seller as it is not main stream or large enough to take back Explorer/Pilot/Envoy buyers.

Also we should note that not all V6 Vue's are Red Line models. This just a quick and easy way for Saturn to make a few quick dollars on a high priced /limited number model. Honda might send 50K Vtec engines but there will not be 50K Red line units. 50K units to GM is barely a blip on the income statement.

ketch

Ya we mostly didn't want or need AWD, but most of the V6's on the lot were these, that had other equipment we wanted.
The AWD, I am told by veteran Vegas residents, will be useful in our Monsoon season, which has started. the roads get real slick with the rain, as the dry times and heat allow oils to sit on top, and so the AWD will help for a measure of safety if needed. Too, we live just 40 minutes from Mt. Charleston(12000 ft) and go up there to the snow and ski lodge for some serious sledding during the winter and spring, so it will help up there I assume. We also plan trips to upper altitudes in Idaho and AZ that will have it come in handy perhaps. Resale may be higher as some expect AWD or 4WD with SUV's.
We have had it a week. It's pretty fast, with a really nice sound to the engine, better than the Intrigue, except when it's in "full song" of course. Handling is beyond belief for an SUV, as is braking. Numbers back that up from the results I have seen in many road tests. Plus, with the side curtain airbags and safety cage, my family is safe, certainly more so than with the old Dodge van.
We got silver, so i have the silver mist 2000 GL Intrigue (30k miles) and the Vue next to it. We got a good deal too, using the GMS plan, and 0/5 finance.
We had a DVD installed to keep the little ones occupied. rear seat is huge, kids love the recline feature, wife loves the grocery bag holder in back.
MOre updates as it piles on the miles. First big trip will be to the Grand Canyon on labor day weekend, retracing the old route 66!.
-ketch (is my garage then a "room with a Vue"?)

saskheat

I just laid down a deposit on a new Vue V-6 FWD last week. The local dealer was bringing in the exact one (Color/options) from another location for me. I take delivery tomorrow.

Saturn had $1000 cash back to purchaser as an incentive. Last Tuesday they announced a Canadian Saturn Loyalty Program that gave an additional $1K if you are currently a Saturn owner (Any Model). Since we had a SC1, this was an easy decision. Especially since Saturn won't budge on their MSRP, this was the only chance to get something back out of them. I think sales are hurting everywhere right now and this incentive speaks to that. Also took advantage of Saturns 60 mo/ 1.9% financing.

I'm hoping that this turns out to be as good a car as our SC1. If it isn't you'll definately be hearing about it from me.

uga91

GM is going to stop calling their mini vans "mini vans" when the Venture triplets are re designed in a couple of years. They are going to be called Sports Vans or something like that. So, I do not think Saturn will call their new van a mini van.

I also think it is a big stretch to say the mini van market is dead. "Too many players and the demand is gone. Even the Honda Odyssey is being discounted at Honda dealers" was the quote from post 2628. I do not think Toyota would have invested billions in the new Sienna if the demand was gone. Also, Honda is not discounting the Odyssey because nobody wants them any more. Honda is discounting the Odyssey to clear them out. 2004 brings a new Odyssey and Honda does not want to be stuck with any 2003 models when the new one comes out. Toyota did the same thing with the Sienna last year. The market is there, people still want them and I hope the Saturn van is a winner for the division!

joey2brix

Sure every maker has one and people are buying them, buy how many new SUV models have come out in the last 2 years? Chrysler had to upscale a caravan to a pricey pacifica to try to cash in on the SUV/cross-over market they're loosing out on.
Waiting lists and MSRP+ stickers used to be on Odysseys about 3 years ago. I quite sure the Seinna is going out the dealer doors with incentives also. Toyota improved the Seinna for increase market share, not for an increase in mini-van demand. I'm just saying that every new GM product (including Saturn) is late to the table. The Equinox is a late mini-suv, the Tracker and Blazer have had bad sales for 3 years already. The CV-1 is comming out 2 years after the Element/Scion. Maybe Saturn needs an Envoy clone like the Trailblazer/Bravada/Ascender/Reiner/Saab-to-be