Saturn VUE

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Comments

  • mrelocmreloc Member Posts: 25
    Thanks, Maynardf1, for backing me up in my observation of misalignment issue. You're right it's not a big deal, but why not point out an imperfection if you see one?! FWIW, the new VUE's recently showing up on my dealer's lot have had better alignment. I imagine each build will improve on the little issues. I reordered my SE tonight to make sure it has as late a build date as possible. I rushed to order a month ago since the dealer warned it was so limited. Since then the car arrived and I see that they can still be ordered for the great deal. She even offered me $500 off! Must not be that big a demand for the 5spd afterall.
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    To answer your question of why I'm still here. Welp, I still like the basic principle of the VUE. I like the style, the sales experience and the price (especially with my GM VISA points). So I guess I'm reading this board because even though I decided against it for various reasons (overall quality, solidity of body, spaciousness, but mostly lack of shoulder room) I'm still curious about other people's experiences. I can't fault anyone for buying a VUE. It represents good value if it meets your needs and expectations.

    However, there's less reason for me to be here any more. You see, I signed the papers for a 2002 silver Highlander tonight. Yes, you pay a few sheckles more, but it's in an entirely different league.

    So good luck to us all and enjoy!
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    Someone asked what noises I felt in the car with 1200 km on it.

    It was a creak, somewhere above my head near the door. There was another one in the rear somewhere. Whenever I went over bumps that stressed the frame you'd feel the car jiggle a bit like a convertible with the top down and you'd hear this sound.
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    Congrats JAFO on your new luxury SUV. Wow . . . talk about sticker shock!!! Hope you enjoy it as much and it is as troublefree as my Orange Vue.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Talk about another league, that's a big price jump! Nice vehicle, but to me it looks more like a station wagon/van. Oh well, I'm sure the Toyota quality will be there.
  • gm_litogationgm_litogation Member Posts: 168
    I hope you don't have any of those engine sludge problems.

    Well I hope you don't mind throwing away those GM points!!!! ok do I get to laugh now?

    Ya I do!!!! ah ha ha ha hahaha ha hahhaahahahahahha ahahahahah ahahahahahahahahahahahah ahhahahahahahahahaah ahahah

    You do know that you could have gotten a comparably equipped Buick Rendevous, or Pontiac Aztek for alot less money!!!! Especially with your GM points! Anyway I think you should also know that both the RDV and the Aztek have more room um huh shoulder room too than the Highlander.

    Heh Heh not to mention more payload, more cargo room, more features, better gas mileage, no 1st year issues, better ride, more quiet, more standard equipment, better dealership experience (heh heh LOL), oh ya and one more thing, awesome stereos in these GM twins!
  • maynardf1maynardf1 Member Posts: 127
    What are you, GM's biggest shareholder?

    Come on, are you seriously recommending someone buy an Aztek? Yuck. Have you noticed how similar the names aztek and edsel are?
  • zapsgirl1zapsgirl1 Member Posts: 6
    I have been researching and test driving the compact SUV's for a few months now and these message boards have been absolutely great in giving me what I would call a 360 degree view of the vehicles I had been looking at ( I say this after reading a couple of thousand posts here at the town hall). I compared specs and had finally narrowed it down to the Liberty and the VUE. Believe it or not it was the poor gas mileage of the Liberty that finally brought the VUE out on top. I proud to say as of Saturday I am the proud owner of a silver V6 VUE. It is an absolute blast to drive! I can't wait till I get the engine broke in so that I can take it over to the dunes for some off roading fun! But most importantly I would like to give my thanks to every one for your informative posts. I was even able to check my doors for any misalignment before I took the vehicle (they were fine!). I have had no creeks/groans mentioned (yet). I also got the bumper guard for the rear bumper, very nice and very functional addition. Once again my thanks to all of you and I hope to post again so that other prospective buyers may gain the same insight I did.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Congrats on your new ride!

    With gas prices rising .25 cents a gallon here in the last few weeks, I can understand why that factor pushed you to the VUE.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The V6 VUE is pretty good on gas. The 4 banger is better of course, but neither engine will cause much pain.

    Gas is up around here from .55-.60 / liter to .65-.70 / liter. BIG jump, stay away from full size SUVs for sure.
  • oarloxoarlox Member Posts: 45
    I will be looking foreward to hearing all about your off road driving in the VUE. I honestly think that you shouldn't venture into the outback to far untill you get the feel for vehicle. Oh yea, I do own a VUE. So far we have put on nearly 5000 miles, many of those have been on the ice and snow.
  • gm_litogationgm_litogation Member Posts: 168
    The Aztek is an excellent vehicle, just ask the owners. I mean afterall to produce a vehicle that does as much as it does for as little as it cost that's pretty cool.

    By the way, in the Aztek's first year it hasn't had any major teething problems and thus far has proven to be very reliable. Also, the new look seems to be catching on, sales are up this month!!

    Sales are also up on the VUE!!!

    No I don't own any stock in GM, unfortunatly, I just am loyal to the point of annoyance!
  • zapsgirl1zapsgirl1 Member Posts: 6
    oarlox- good adviece- don't worry I'll make sure I'm fully comfortable with my VUE, besides I'm pretty familiar with the dunes here since we take my husbands 88 silverado out there occasionally- not exactly made for off-roading, but great for pulling others out when they get stuck;-)

    dindak- your right about that, but I traded my old 4 banger in and I knew I wanted something with a little more zip.
  • phillyguy3phillyguy3 Member Posts: 88
    I was set to put a deposit on V6 and took my wife for a test drive. I couldn't believe that they would give me a demo that sounded like a bunch of baby's toys rattling around the back. Really turned me off! I heard there was some noise issues but I thought it was just engine & wind noise. Can't believe there chasing me over to Honda on this. Sorry, Dindak and other enthusiasts.
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    I've been offroad (wink) several times with my V-6 AWD.

    It's been through fields, mud and rough terrain and the Vue does just fine.

    The important thing to remember that unlike a Jeep, the Vue is NOT protected with guards underneath and it sits a little closer to the ground, so be very careful on the bumpy hills. (you don't want to drag the motor behind :)

    I am interested in how she'll do on the dunes and in "really shifty sand". I live in Virginia but love to go to Corolla North Carolina and take a ride on the beach. When the sand is freshly patted down by the surf, a car can travel the sandy beach and my Saturn SL-1 did it once a few years back very well with traction control.

    However, the past few years, the sand has become very loose and shifty and only four wheelers dare. I would like to try my Vue out under that condition but am a little gun-shy of getting stuck with the wheels buried. A friend said to let some of the air out of the tires before taking to the beach.

    So Zap, is this the same conditions on the beach where you are? Let me know what happens, please and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    As far as more rocky, hilly terrain, she performs superbly. She loves the mountains. Just don't attempt the Rubicon. That might be a little much for the little Vue (wink)

    Oh and congratulations Zapgirl and welcome to the Saturn Family!!
  • carguy62carguy62 Member Posts: 545
    Don't be sorry. You have every right to explain why the vehicle isn't for you. A new Forester is coming soon---maybe that will be the one for you.
  • oarloxoarlox Member Posts: 45
    In all honesty I wouldn't take my VUE off of the road. I've done a bunch of four wheeling over the years to include about 15000 miles a year driving in conditions that warrant 4wd. I've been stuck many times in many different conditions. These include glacial silt, slippery clay, lots of snow, peat and just about every other sort of yuk that Alaska has to offer. The VUE really isn't full time AWD, it has a reactive system. That means that you need to spin the front wheels prior to engaging the rears. By then you will most likely be up the creek! I'm not knocking the VUE/AWD at all, just be aware that the VUE IS NOT a truck and I beleive that it will shine best on the road under adverse conditions such as pot holes and gravel as well as ice and snow. If you have decent traction tires. The 5000 miles that we have put on our VUE have included ice and snow daily. This time of year in Alaska we enjoy several weeks of "Break-Up". The VUE has handled the rough roads and deep pot holes very well. In fact my wife has the option of driving our Suburban 4x4 or the VUE and she is very comfortable with the little Silver Vuester.
  • phillyguy3phillyguy3 Member Posts: 88
    I have a lot of respect for Subaru-I owned 2 Legacys in early 90s. I just wish they would jack it up so it looks like an SUV instead of a wagon.
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    I've gone into the dunes at Cape Hattress in varioius vehicles and you DEFINATELY need to air down your tires a LOT - say 20 lbs or less. Near the entrance area there is a air jack at the parking lot of the boat dock.

    Provided the engine doesn't overheat (don't push it, sand is tough) you should be ok, but getting that sand in to moving parts is really tough on things, so hopefully the VUE is buttoned up underneath.

    I drove the deep sand in my 1/2 ton dodge 4x4 with limited slip and v8, and it got hot going through some of that really fine sand where the center diff drug on the ground, but it did ok. My buddy had a jeep grand chrokee and it was outstanding in sand, it was like he was driving on pavement almost.

    be forwarned, I have seen some subu's and other weak 4x4's get majorly stuck there (not sure if they aired the tires down, I'd guess not), and then you have to have some beer or cash to get someone to pull your butz out!

    disclaimer - I don't own a VUE but have enjoyed reading the forum.

    DD
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Why are you sorry? Not sure what you heard as both VUEs I've tested were sold. Maybe the grocery organizer was loose, who knows. I have not really heard any rattle complaints here from owners, just 2 of you that tested them.

    Honestly I don't care what you buy, I just like the VUE generally. Also like the CR-V and Escape. All of them are good vehicles IMO.
  • carguy62carguy62 Member Posts: 545
    I saw Subaru in your profile--hence my suggestion. I agree with you. My neighbors have a Forester, very nice but not exactly SUV like. I particularly don't care for the seating position, not high enough. If you have time head over to the Forester topic, they are very well versed in the vehicle and I think they mentioned a little higher seating position in the new model (but that was my beef, not yours!!).
  • brian_detroitbrian_detroit Member Posts: 38
    Congrats Zapsgirl1 - glad to have another owner on board in the Town Hall. I have had my Orange V6 AWD VUE for about 4 weeks now and really love it. The 6 CD changer sound system is awesome. Had the strut squeak which was cheerfully fixed and the original take of gas had some H2O in it I think, but have been trouble free since last visit. I look forward to every drive I take.

    JAFO - what size is the Highlander? I assume it is an Exploder class, right? Hope you enjoy it. ;o)
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    I want to be clear from my earlier post. I have taken my Vue for some light off roading . . . muddy, grassy, hilly, bumpy terrain. Some small rocks. BUT oarlox, you are right, she is not designed for continuous 4WD-type off roading. As I said in my earlier post, she is not well protected underneath like the Jeep line is.

    That being said, I think some light off-roading is fine. (And the owners manual tells you that.) The Vue is a truck and is on an SUV frame. It doesn't have to be 4WD to be a truck or go off road. It does have to be 4WD to undertake stressful off road conditions. So I think owners should be careful and know what they are getting into before they decide to drive "through the woods or swamps". You are right OARLOX, it is not made for 4WD conditions but not all off roading is 4WD conditions and the Vue has performed superbly under light off roading and I have put it to the test.

    My only question now is, will she play in the sand??? Let me know how yours does in the dunes, ZAPSGIRL?
  • tmdaman1tmdaman1 Member Posts: 9
    Hi all. I am VERY close to purchasing a VUE. I know I want the V6 AWD w/ ABS, but I am wondering what accessiories/options other VUE owners are getting? Is there something else I may want to consider? i.e. zapsgirl1 mentioned the rear bumper guard accessory. Why would I want that?

    thanks
  • maynardf1maynardf1 Member Posts: 127
    Have a look here http://www.saturndan.com/vue_accessories.htm

    to see what's available. Some of this stuff is mentioned on the official saturn site, but this gives more info.

    The bumper guard is a plastic strip to protect the top of the bumper from being scratched.

    I'm leaning toward getting the rear wind deflector too because the rear window gets dirty very easily.
  • davmyrnisdavmyrnis Member Posts: 17
    About accessories, have a look here too, it has the pictures and explanations.


    http://www.saturnbp.com/awdv6/accessories/


    The price of some of these extras are ridiculous, aftermarket may be an alternative fo the Grille guard, sidestep and dash covers.

  • zapsgirl1zapsgirl1 Member Posts: 6
    The dunes I'll be going over and around ;-) are not beach dunes. I live in south west Georgia and what we have here is a mix of dried up swamp and the sand from the Flint River. The area I'm talking about is good because there are trails for light and heavy duty off-roading. But I'm not going anywhere near them until I get closer to 2 or 3000 miles on it (at almost 600). But when I do I'll be sure and post the experience.

    Tmdaman- I did get the bumper guard Sunday when I bought my vue and like it alot. I would recommend it for anyone who is going to be dragging cargo in and out of the back. I also plan on getting the rain guards for the windows.
  • loopylavloopylav Member Posts: 20
    Maynard, are you planning on having Saturn install the deflector, or do you plan on doing it yourself? I am curious if the extra cash is worth it to have Saturn do it. I'd prefer to just do it myself, but I would hate to mount it wrong or something. How difficult was/is it going to be to do?

    Thanks,

    LL
  • gm_litogationgm_litogation Member Posts: 168
    Here it is, the price is legible and everything, but it is a scan of a fax so it isn't great!


    http://65.65.5.148/sportplus.jpg

  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    tmdaman1 . . . I have the AWD V-6 Orange and I got the bumper guard too. It really helps to keep the bumper looking nice when you drag stuff in and out of the back or whan you have a dog getting in or out of the back. (their claws scratch the bumper too)

    I also bought the cargo mat. It is a good quality heavy mat with a good design and it protects the carpet in the cargo area when you put mulch or dogs or gardening stuff in the back.

    The carpeted floor mats are also pretty nice and good quality. Before you pick up your Vue, talk to your salesman about the floor mats. He can get them to you for wholesale cost (his cost) if he purchases them for you. Get him to do it. You'll save a little more than if you buy them yourself later for retail price.

    There are some other nice accessories too. But the next one that I am having done is the towing package. It is scheduled to be installed in mid-April.

    By the way, thanks for all of the information on accessories from other posters.

    Lastly, I'm glad to be back amongst friends. I went over to that CRV v. VUE Board and had a go-round about prices and stuff with those CRV guys. Those Honda guys can be pretty brutal. Think I'll stay here from here on out.
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    I also bought the wheel locks. We have some recent tire thieves around here.
  • maynardf1maynardf1 Member Posts: 127
    I'm getting the air deflector installed by the dealer in a couple weeks, when it's scheduled to go in for several fixes. Cost is $170cdn. I didn't ask what it was to install it myself.
    I've ordered the bumper guard and cargo mat from a dealer in Maryland. Much better price than my dealer. My installation skills will be about tapped out by taping the bumper guard on and laying the cargo mat into the back. :-)
    I'd like to see the brushed alumn. interior kit in person. It looks interesting in pictures.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    onelucky : Unfortunately many Honda owners on these boards are really closed minded and believe Honda to be absolutely the best. Varmit and a few others are good guys, but many just put down everything that's not Honda. Can't really talk to them unless you love Honda products.

    gm_litogation : I wish I could get one of those, I'd order it today. Thanks for the post.
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    Thanks for the good wishes.

    Not coming from royalty, this is about my first experience with a really sophisticated car. It has real class in the ride and handling. And it's quiet as a church mouse inside.

    But, as always, you get what you pay for.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Very true. More money almost always means more car. Funny that.

    Good luck.
  • davmyrnisdavmyrnis Member Posts: 17
    Does anybody know when would be the earliest one can place an order for a 2003 VUE.

    I suppose that cannot be done until the prices are set.

    I know I can call the dealer, but maybe somebody out here has the answer.

    Thanks
  • carguy62carguy62 Member Posts: 545
    The same can be said for Saturn owners. How else do you explain someone insisting the Vue is cheaper than a CR-V model that doesn't exist? And they still won't acknowldege it even after someone says they were right and (apparently needlessly) apologizes.

    Everyone has strong feeling about things in life. When you can't break through to someone with logic and hard numbers that's when things can get testy. Not worth it.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I can't speak for the U.S., but up here a 4 cyl VUE is cheaper than a comparable 4 cyl. CR-V. I'm only speaking for what I can see. I don't know how things work in the U.S. or what the pricing is like. And for me, a 2WD CR-V is unavailable here so clearly I can't buy one. I am NOT anti-Honda as I like the CR-V and other Honda products. You ARE anti-Saturn / GM in a big way as you have said nothing nice about either.
  • zapsgirl1zapsgirl1 Member Posts: 6
    Maynardf1- Installing the bumper guard took my husband and I a total of 5 minutes (if that long). I would recommend you have someone help you - if only to make sure you don't stick any part of it fast before your ready to and an extra set of eyes to make sure it is centered doesn't hurt either.
  • maynardf1maynardf1 Member Posts: 127
    Sounds like my kind of project. Peel 'n stick.
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    Even though it is easy to do yourself, it can be a pain if you don't get the sticky part where you want it the first time. I figured "Let them deal with it."

    By the way, fellow Vue owners . . . bad news for me. A tractor trailer carrying gravel threw a rock up on my windshield a couple of weeks ago and it got warm here this week and I have a nice slice across the windshield of my new Vue. I hate it because the windshield people never replace the windshield as good as it was put in at the factory. It's gonna need a new windshield before it's first oil change!!
  • logic1logic1 Member Posts: 2,433
    I had that happen about 6 years ago. I hated the new windsheild. Plus, I could not find the truck and foolishly made a claim on my own State Farm policy. Of course they dropped me leaving me to pay more for another company's policy. I hope your experience is light years better than mine.
  • brian_detroitbrian_detroit Member Posts: 38
    Hey Onelucky - I was thinking about the cargo mat, but wondered how you handle using the cargo organizer (box) and the milk jug 'holes'. I like to have the cargo organizer available to keep empty cans/bottles and such contained, but also like the idea of the mat. How is it working out??
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    BRIAN DETROIT: The cargo mat doesn't cover the holes on the sides. It only covers the carpeted area. And I use the organizer with the mat in there. I just lift the mat up with the carpet and set the cargo oranizer (grocery bag holder) in place and the mat just sits up on the carpet. I've never had any trouble and I've had the cargo mat for awhile and use the cargo organizer all the time. I will tell you all that the cargo mat is a MUST HAVE if you put anything in your cargo area that could be dirty. It keeps that carpet looking new.

    By the way, anyone else get the light tan interior??? I love the way it looks with the Orange exterior but man, it is hard to keep clean!!! I bought some Scotchguard to spray on all the fabric to try and keep it from getting stained. I actually considered the ugly seat covers. But then I thought why did I pick that tan??? Because I loved the color with the Orange exterior. So I just decided to go with the Scotchguard and try to keep it as clean as possible. So far, so good!!
  • wes19wes19 Member Posts: 48
    I too have the light tan interior to compliment the orange exterior. AND it is difficult to keep clean right now I have a spot on the rear seat that I cannot get out. (maybe it is chocolate) It isn't large just a speck. BUT....

    I will get some scotch guard for the seats. And some Resolve stain remover.
  • loopylavloopylav Member Posts: 20
    Just thought I would update the database, I received my new VUE yesterday. Sports Ed., with ABS and mud flaps. Black-Silver with Gray interior. So far so good. I have a minor issue with the driver's side of the headline being slightly loose, I'll have it checked out in a week.

    -LL
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Congrats on the new VUE. Keep us up to date on how it all goes.

    A lawyer in my building just got a VUE last week (gray 5-speed with power pkg). Don't know him but I see him parking it every day now. I snooped and looked in it on Thursday.
  • davmyrnisdavmyrnis Member Posts: 17
    Can a V6 owner tell me what the timing belt change interval is in the owners manual. I was
    surprised to see that th 4cyl has a chain and v6 has a belt.

    Thanks
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    I'll have to look it up for my V-6 but I had the 4 cyl. Saturn SL-1 and that chain never had to be changed or fixed. The Saturn Maintenance folks told me you don't even look at the chains before 100K miles. Somehow, I don't think it'll be that way for my belt. Let you know when I get a chance to get out there and check out the manual.
  • loopylavloopylav Member Posts: 20
    I own the 4 cyl. VUE, but my salesperson said that the timing belt on the 6 cyl was made of Kevlar or the like. He said it is supposed to last until 100k miles. But don't just take my word for it.

    -LL
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