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Saturn VUE

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  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    this is probably a real dumb question. where is the sparetire stored on a Vue. have not seen any lit. that says where it is. i assume it's inside somewhere. i don't like them stored on the tailgate or under the body like a pickup. since the Vue platfarm will be shared with the Equinox, will it have the same storage place for the spare tire? Answers to these questions will really help.
      thanks
  • birkiebobbirkiebob Member Posts: 19
    I suppose Saturn canned the extended Vue in view of their Relay coming out, but what a lousy powertrain if the Relay will only have 200hp... Why can't they get it right and put the Honda motor in the CSV?? Actually, an extended Vue with a "hybrid" powertrain would probably sell them a million vehicles, but then it's a numbers game isn't it-who would buy the other crap they make!!
  • killerkevkkillerkevk Member Posts: 7
    rhouser2,

    The spare tire is found on the inside of the Vue, underneath the rear storage area. The whole top pops out by pressing a specific tab and the spare tire is there to take out. The salesman showed it to me and it doesn't look too dificult, but I haven't done it myself yet. Hope this helps.
  • carguy1234carguy1234 Member Posts: 233
    The Chevy version of the VUE (the Equinox) is supposed to use a longer version of the VUE platform, according to AutoWeek this week.

    It doesn't get the Honda engine though (it uses a 185-hp 3.4 V6).
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    People should be clear, the Honda engine trade is a one shot trade deal. It won't likely happen again. GM has a stream of new engines on the way, this was a short term stop gap.
  • homebase1homebase1 Member Posts: 10
    I placed a review for my 04 Vue twice so far. The last time I tried was one month ago. After looking at things closer, NONE of the 04 Saturns have ANY consumer reviews. What's going on? Are all people's reviews going into a technological black-hole? Did those emails to the Saturn person here just get deleted?

    As a comparison, the Honda Pilot and the Ford Escape have many 04 reviews.

    I don't want to sound crass, but I guess I'm just a bit disillusioned by how slow reviews seem to be posted here. I understand that there's volunteers working on things, but it's been since November.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I doubt the LW300 will get a 3rd row as this is the last year of the L300 line. A new model based on the new Malibu's platform comes out next year.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I have a 2003 ION and I got a recall notice for the fuel filter assembly in the mail. Don't the 4 cylinder VUEs use the same engine? Did you get the notice as well?
  • darbowdarbow Member Posts: 30
    Since this topic is on the Vue, i will add my 2 cents. I drove a 04 Vue FWD V6 and really like the power of the new engine. As a speed demon i like the highway passing power it had, when you kick the auto down, it takes off with the power of my 98 Cobra. The 0-60 is pretty quick also (not like a Forester XT but not bad). It was a little floaty around town but a nice ride overall. THe stereo was decent and it had most options i would want for under 24k (sunroof, alloy wheels, cd player etc). I would love it if Saturn would put a manual tranny in the VUE. I would recommend this SUV/wagon/semi-minivan for anyone with kids, dogs etc.. over a sedan you get alot of value (Honda engine!!, 5 speed auto for under 24k) Test drive one soon, because if the rumor is correct that this Engine swap is a one time deal, i would bank on the Honda engine over domestic V6's. IMO of course.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    I agree, I think the Honda powered VUEs will be popular this year as well. I think you have to get the Ecotec 4 to get a manual transmission.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I see Saturn sold about 82,000 VUE's in 2003. Not bad considering initial projections were for around 50K.

    Honda engine is good, but it's not perfect. Apparently there have been some starting issues with the 3.5L. GM has some good engines also, even the 3.0L in the 03 was a good power plant.
  • luv94rx7luv94rx7 Member Posts: 11
    I will be picking up a Saturn VUE tonight. I purchased it ONLY because of the Honda V6 and 5-speed automatic. At 2k rpms you are going 78 MPH in 5th gear. My opinion is this is the fastest SUV in it's class with this motor. Plus it will have great MPG and 87 octane fuel. It will be a VUE AWD, Nickel Silver with MP3 radio and the Advanced Audio System.

    I don't think much of the GM 3.0L 182hp motor.

    Just my opinion.

    Ken
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    3.0 is not the best and its a few years old but it's reliable and decent. New GM 3.6L in the CTS / Rendezvous is GMs equivalent to the 3.5L.

    Congrats on the new VUE!
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    I saw postings on another forum that said it needs to warm up in even moderately cold temps. Any Canadian folks with CVT?
  • birkiebobbirkiebob Member Posts: 19
    If the Chevy Equinox will be an extended Vue, why not put the 3.6L engine from the Rendezvous in it instead of the same old underpowered 3.4L? Something is seriously missing here! Guess I'll wait and hope my Windstar holds up another year...or two...
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The Nox is almost the same size as the VUE.
  • carguy1234carguy1234 Member Posts: 233
    Length: 188.8" vs 181.3" for the VUE.
    Luggage Capacity: 35.2 vs 30.8 for the VUE.

    Seems like the Equinox is a little bigger.
  • homebase1homebase1 Member Posts: 10
    Mine isn't posted (should I submit it again?), but at least there's a few for people to see. Thank you! :)
  • drivvendrivven Member Posts: 54
    About 30 posts ago you mentioned getting 22mpg around town with the 3.5L. How many miles do you have on the odo? Are you in a warm clime? Where does your temp gauge read under normal operating conditions?

    Sorry about all the questions but we've got over 4K miles on our 3.5L FWD odo, we live in the St. Louis area and around town we only manage about 17 mpg. On a just-completed trip to Minnesota (temps in the 30's) we managed 26+ with a stiff tail wind. On the way back, a stiff headwind, we just managed 21+!! We don't speed, maybe 70-72mph. We're somewhat disappointed with the mileage and that's why I'm asking about where your temp gauge reads because ours is just above the 1/4 mark all the time. I don't think it runs warm enough for proper operation. Dealer thinks it's normal - but again this is the first year for this mill and these guys are not Honda mechanics.

    The rest of the vehicle is great.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Cold weather driving always reduces mileage. Also, if your VUE was loaded up you will loose even more. Posted numbers are always best case senario, that's why I asked what people were really getting.

    Sound like 25-26 highway is best case in the winter.
  • drivvendrivven Member Posts: 54
    Well, I realize cold weather reduces the mpg, but around town the vehicle is not loaded down, only one driver and accordingly homebase1 has been getting about 5mpg better than we have. On our northern trip we had 3 people aboard with 4 suitcases in the back, certainly not a big load.

    I'm still trying to ascertain if the engine is operating at near max efficiency, thus the query about the temp gauge. Personally, I don't think the engine runs warm enough. It's been my impression that these modern engines operate more efficiently when they run on the high end of the temperature range. Just trying to track down all the possibilities. 'Praps the Honda site has some info....
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Reviews submitted are reviewed in the home office before they go live on the site. The review will take at least a couple of weeks and then it goes in the queue for the next page update.

    So patience, and thanks for submitting it.

    Steve, Host
  • drivvendrivven Member Posts: 54
    for the info on the temp gauge and your driving environment and habits. We live on the western edge of the St. Louis metro area and there are plenty of stop lights, stop signs, etc., but not like downtown St. Louis. No "jack-rabbit" starts for us but we have noticed that the idle does seem a bit high so that even without any foot pedal pressure we can climb a slight incline.

     

     

    Not sure how the new-fangled fuel injection systems work vs. the old carbs and their low speed idle settings, so I'm not sure how something like that might affect overall fuel usage - it just seems kind of odd that the idle would be strong enough to send us down the road. Of course the affect is lessened when the engine is fully to operating temp, but we still get some idle "pull" from an elevated state of rpm.

     

     

    Don't know about putting 0-30 in the engine. Never was a big fan of the synthetics. Remember "Slick 50"? It never convinced the masses that it saved all that much fuel, etc. To each his own, I guess. I'll tool on over to the referenced site and see what the chatter is about over there. And, I've got to visit the Honda site too. In the meantime guess I'll wait until it's 95+ in St. Louis to see what kind of impact that has on the mpg. Hope it improves, but it's not the end of the world. The vehicle is great - very handy and the wife loves the heated seats!!!
  • homebase1homebase1 Member Posts: 10
    We have about 2600 miles on the new Vue. We live in middle Tennessee, not much snow, but cold nonetheless, and lots of hills.
      

    The temp gauge reads about 3/8 temp all the time. I can't comment on where the temp gauge reside at in warm weather as we've only owned this Vue since November. The temp gauge on my 96 Saturn doesn't climb much higher than 1/4 - 3/8 temp in the cold weather, either. I wouldn't worry about that just yet. And, all things considered, having it run a bit on the cooler side really prolongs the engine life! :)
     

    I've changed the oil a couple times and am planning on using Amsoil 0w-30 synthetic rather than the 5w-20 water-thin stuff. Many testimonials have been made about how gas mileage has gone up with the use of this (and Mobil1) synthetic setup.

    I found a trick is not to push 1st or 2nd gear up too far. It's too easy to drive slow and still get the engine up to 3500 rmps in the lowest gears. It took a while, but getting the Vue to shift in the mid 2000rpm range I'm sure has helped out gas mileage.

    Also, what kind of city driving is there? St Louis stop and go or just a bit of stop and go in a more county-like, not a stop-light-every-half-block kind of driving? I've noticed that hills and other terrain where I tend accellerate harder just to maintain highway speeds of 70-75mph. I'm sure this doesn't help mileage at all.

    I haven't taken any long trips yet, but an wanting to just to see how high the MPG goes! :)
  • homebase1homebase1 Member Posts: 10
    Slick 50. That's loosely referred to as a "snake oil". LOL I've seen oil analysis of many cars with Amsoil and I'm consistently impressed by how well it works. We'll see. I want to make this Vue last a long time. :)
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    So no one has problems with their CVT? Does anyone know if it has been used in a car on the market for a good many years? Just a little leery of new, alternative technology.
  • millspdmillspd Member Posts: 104
    Mmmm, the car that comes to mind for me is the Subaru Justy (tiny little thing with a 3 cylinder engine) with the CVT. They were around in the late 80s and early 90s. Someone in my neighborhood has one still running, though I don't know if it's the CVT or the stick.
  • ramped1ramped1 Member Posts: 159
    Honda has used the CVT transmission in one of its Civics models (I believe it is the HX) for many years. Audi also uses the CVT on a couple of its models, and the Nissan Murano is exclusively CVT.
  • mtenamtena Member Posts: 58
    Recently we had a blast of arctic weather - frigid temps and snow - in Seattle. On my 2003 VUE (9,000 miles, CVT 4 cyclinder), the SERVICE ENGINE SOON and REDUCED POWER indicators would light up (steady, not flashing) when I started the vehicle each morning. The REDUCED POWER light would go off after a minute or two of idling and a restart of the engine, while the SERVICE ENGINE SOON light would stay on.

    The condition disappeared in a couple of days as soon as temps returned to normal and before I could consult the dealer. According to the owner's manual, the non-flashing SERVICE ENGINE SOON light indicates emission-related issues and the manual says that moisture (such as running through a puddle) can cause it. That wasn't the case with me, so I dunno...
  • gweilogweilo Member Posts: 118
    There is a posting in Civic forum
    #531 of 571 Civic Hybrid Transmission Problems
    The owner speaks of a limited (105 cars) recall involving replacing the entire tranny.
    Is it the same tranny or just similar technology?
  • ddecker5ddecker5 Member Posts: 20
    We were very unhappy with our 2003 Vue. It was in the shop just about once a month for little things here and there.
    The electrical components would not work.
    The heater didn't work
    The sway bar needed replacing
    The carpet kept coming up
    The middle console latch was a joke
    I called the dealer to complain and he said that what warranties were for. Not the answer I was looking for. So we got rid of it.
  • zapcatzapcat Member Posts: 64
    What did you get in it's place?

    How did it hold it's resale value?
  • carguy1234carguy1234 Member Posts: 233
    More details please..

    "The electrical components wouldn't work"... which ones??

    Seems odd that you would have had so many problems and never posted questions on here before, considering you have posted on Edmunds since last August for other issues with other cars.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    ddecker5 : Did you get rid of it because they didn't fix the VUE? Seems like a rash thing to just getting rid of it like that.

    zapcat : I've seen a few VUEs for sale and resale has not been too bad at all. It's probably good on the V6 models, not so much on the 5-speed 4 bangers.
  • jerryvuejerryvue Member Posts: 2
    after looking for a "suv" type auto i chose the vue because it didn't have a spare sitting on the back hatch or a spare under the bumper. i've seen a lot of spares configured that way stolen. also i didn't want a gas tank under the rear bumper and have my auto become a bomb in a rear-ender.
    i like my vue a lot but it does have some oddities. like...no place to put my sunglasses..no place to put toll change...plus others. but these are just small things i'll get used to i'm sure. i have the new six and it seems like a good engine...sounds good too. when i start the car in the morn and drive away i get a whole body vibration that i can't figure. maybe it's the tires warming up...or maybe it's the all wheel drive being tested by the computer. other than that i like it and hope to enjoy it for many years.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    "I called the dealer to complain and he said that what warranties were for. Not the answer I was looking for."

    In all seriousness, what did you want them to say? They were right, you have a warranty to get the problems fixed. It's a shame that you had these problems, but that's why new cars have warranties.
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    i like it and hope to enjoy it for many years.

    With the Honda V6, it should run forever.
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    I've been reading that the Honda engine deal is good for 50,000 3.5 engines for the Vue. What will replace the 3.5 when these engines are all gone?
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    50K / yr for 5 years. They have some time.

    Maybe the 3.6 from the CTS or a derivative of it.

    The Honda engines are not with out issues (starting problems I have read), but they should be pretty good.
  • rysterryster Member Posts: 571
    Just an idea for a place to put sunglasses and toll change...there is a cubby hole in the lower dash to the left side of the steering wheel. Not sure if sunglasses will fit in there (or if the '04's even have this cubby hole like the '02-'03 models), but your change should...
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    That's funny. I have an ION and I also wish I had a change holder. There is a little "cubby" hole to the left of the steering wheel, but that's about it. I guess Saturn needs to work on this company wide!
  • rysterryster Member Posts: 571
    Well, there are always the cupholders between the front seats for holding knick-knacks and change and stuff. There is also the cubby under the stereo head unit in the dash (that is probably better suited for sunglasses as opposed to loose change, though).

    Maybe with the proliferation of EZ-Pass type systems and bar code stickers for toll booths, Saturn doesn't put a huge emphasis on change holders. PepBoys usually sells little coin holder accessories that can be mounted in the car where ever you would like. I think they mount with double-sided tape and cost only a few dollars.
  • thadbemikeythadbemikey Member Posts: 2
    I have a '97 Saturn SL2, and considering getting a VUE to tow behind motorhome. On my '97, every 20,000 miles or so, the engine mounts need to be replaced. As they wear, I get the whole car vibration when driving away in the morning. How many miles on your VUE?
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    The VUE does make a good vehicle to flat tow behind an RV. As an ION owner myself, I would love to see you buy a new Saturn. But, I just did a little research on this subject for someone and found that a Subaru Forester may be the better fit. You have to flat tow a manual only, though. Saturn says you can flat tow an automatic VUE, which I find kind of odd as they say you can NOT flat tow an automatic ION and they both have Japanese built 5 speed automatic transmissions. Anyway, a Forester is lighter than a VUE which is important if total gross vehicle weight is important (remembering all the stuff on the RV plus anything that may be in the VUE). Plus, if you ever have to tow anything with the VUE, the Forester will tow 2400 lbs while the 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual VUE will only tow 1500 lbs. Good luck to you!
  • vuefor2vuefor2 Member Posts: 490
    Thought I would pop in and see how things are going here. Nothing to report on our 02 Vue, just gas and oil changes. I did see an 2004 Vue and the new interior is nice. I have to admit, that 3.5L engine looks sweet and from what I am reading the power is big.

    I am watching the Equinox with interest.. anyone know when they are coming? I think I like the looks a little better than the Vue though Saturn service would be hard to give up.
  • luv94rx7luv94rx7 Member Posts: 11
    I purchased my 04 VUE V6 AWD on 1-6-04. It is for my wife. We had the first good snow and I noticed the stock tires(Bridgestone Dueler H/T) were not very good on snow. I decided to get a set of snow tires. I went with Michelin Artic Alpins(215-60/17) on the stock wheels. I purchased MB Motoring 847 Chrome 5-spoke wheels for the summer and put the stock tires on that.

    I feel much better that my wife is driving with GREAT snow tires. A very big improvement on snow compared to stock, traction, braking and handling MUCH better on snow.

    I went out last night and tried the new tires on 6-8” of new snow. What a difference in braking and taking off fast with real snow tires.

    My wife went to work today with 8” of snow on the unplowed roads and the VUE performed GREAT.

    Ken
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Snow tires is what people should get for the snow. Most people don't bother though. That said, some "all seasons" are better than others. Good Year Eagle GAs are very good. Our BF Goodrich TAs are awful.
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    recently sat in an 04 vue with the 4cyl engine and was really disappointed in the interior. Is the interior for the V6 different from the 4cyl? I like the looks of the Vue's exterior, but the interior was a real disappointment. how could any auto maker put such a cheap/unfinished interior in a nice looking auto? reguardless of the vehicles price.
  • luv94rx7luv94rx7 Member Posts: 11
    Page 142 of March 2004 issue.

    Here parts of the article:

    Saturn VUE V-6 AWD

    GM breaks down and buys a Honda

    0-60mph 7.0 sec
    0-90mph 16.0
    5-60mph 7.5 sec
    ¼ mile 15.5 sec @ 89mph

    The otherwise undistinguished career of your humble author took a lucky turn in 1999 when, while working at the trade newspaper Automotive News, a deep throat at GM let fly that the General was taking to the Honda Motor Company about buying engines. The Sloan and Kettering rolling over in their graves registered on the Richter scale,

    The world’s largest automaker, which spawned the automatic transmission, the self starter, and the catalytic converter, was reduced by changes of fortune to buying engines from a smaller Japanese outfit that, 35 years ago, was marketing air-cooled two-cylinder cars with chain drive. This was big. But to be a news story, it needed a second source, another singing canary. What is got was the head goose.

    Not long after, I was a guest of Honda’s at the Twin Ring Motegi racetrack in Japan. Dawdling behind the pits waiting a drive in an S2000, turned around to find Honda’s president, Hiroyuki Yoshino, standing nearby, alone, having wandered away from his ever-present
    SWAT team of handlers. The question was delivered with a shaky voice: Is Honda discussing an engine sale with GM? Yoshino, arms folded, eyes impassive, remained mute for a moment, then said, “Yes, we are talking to Ford too.” Ding! Express ticket to page one, please.

    Who knows what became of the Ford talks? The first byproduct of the GM deal is pictured here. A VUE with a V6 built by Honda at Anna, Ohio.

    Hold it! This is basically the same cast aluminum VTEC variable-valve timing-equipped mill and 5-speed automatic Honda drops into the $36,200 Acura MDX and the $27,560 Honda Pilot LX, as well as the Honda Odyssey. Bolted into the $24k Saturn VUE doesn’t this VUE represent a “roaring” value?

    Well, more of a growling value. The VUE is no Honda, although it now sounds and accelerates like one. Compared with the weak jabs of the last year’s British-built 181-hp, 3.0 liter iron block V6, the 250-hp Honda 3.5 delivers a solid right hook. The new VUE’s 7.0 second scoot to 60mph is a substantial 1.4 second trimming of the old time, and the ¼ mile shrivels from 16.6 seconds to 15.5 at 89mph. Flat-foot the pedal and the VUE squats and burns and lunges like a stink bug in heat. On the freeway it zooms by tractor- trailers as if they were roling an square wheels.

    The old cockpit resembled the made of a brown paper bag. Now chrome accents ring the white-face gauges, and titanium-colored plastic blankets the center console and new three-spoke, two-tone sterring wheel. The purposeful 17” spoked alloy wheels, standard on V-6 AWD models, resemble Audi parts-bin rims.

    Ken
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