Saturn VUE

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Comments

  • loopylavloopylav Member Posts: 20
    I own a 5spd manual VUE and have been quite pleased with its performance. One thing which contributes largely to this is the Ecotec's wide powerband. The torque curve over the engine's RPMs is high and not spikey, like a lot of Japanese engines (read Honda). That means that you don't have to downshift as much to have access to all that power.

    The other thing to keep in mind is that this SUV has very low weight. I think it is around 3100-3200 lbs. This is not much more than my wifes Saab 9-3, and even though that car has more HP, it still feels heavy at times. To me, the VUE feels lighter. Perhaps this is because the weight is distributed differently/better.

    Overall I could not say enough things about the performance of the transminssion and the engine. My biggest complaints have all been with interior fit and finish, which the dealer is taking care of nicely.

    Good luck,

    LL
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The Ecotec really does work well in the VUE. I thought the power would be awful, but it really is pretty good. I want to try a CVT someday and see how it's power is. I've read good things about it.
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Hello Everyone
    Well I think I am abandoning my plan to get a Vue. I work for a company that ships all the Vues that arrive in Canada. We get a supplier discount for every G.M division, except Saturn !
    The 1SB package ( 23,715.00) with the power package (1770.00) and the side curtain airbags
    (515.00) comes to a total of $26000.00 including freight but not tax. Saturn wants about $360.00 plus tax to lease it for 48 months or 550.00 a month for 60 months at 5.9% .
    The Buick Rendezvous includes everything the Vue does and much more, side airbags are included, 4 wheel disc brakes, traction control, etc. etc. and I can get it for $28,900.00 freight included. It's a totally different class of vehicle, and certainly offers more room, and better styling. So here are the numbers again folks. Tell me why I am wrong, and what you think ?

    Rendezvous Vue

    $28,900.00 $26000.00
    Finance 4 yr 0.9 Finance 4 yr 5.9

    Good Luck All, Jeff
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    I was lucky enough to get the VUE at dealer cost so it wound up being a great price for me but if it is that close for you, I'd go for it.

    GOOD NEWS - dealership has been invoiced for my VUE so it will be here within 2 weeks!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    The VUE is indeed a different class of vehicle and is also still fairly new. Rendezvous has some incentives, but last I checked the rates were higher than you quote. I think they mentioned 3.9% for 48 months. Are you getting a GMO rate discount?

    Anyway, the payments will likely be the same given the rate differential. Rendezvous is nicer inside for sure. I like the exterior looks of the VUE better though, it's a tuff call.
  • mrelocmreloc Member Posts: 25
    My VUE arrived at the dealer yesterday, but the invoice hasn't- so I can't take delivery yet! Talk about frustrating...
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Thanks Guys

    Dindak I have verified with both my dealer and Gmcanada.com that the purchase financing for 48 months is 0.9, on the Rendezvous and it jumps to 5.9 for 60 months. I will continue to watch the Vue board and be interested to see how all you new Vue owners like their new wheels.
    One last note regarding yellow, my dealer says they will be getting 4 yellow Vues, when, they don't know, model they don't know and you can't order it. A different kind of car company ?
    Sounds like the same old, same old to me.

    All the best everybody, and everytime i see a red Vue with a 6 cd changer I will wonder if it's you Michelle ;) . I will be the guy in the Rendezvous in an undertermined colour, with the wife , kids and Dogs.

    Jeff
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    That's quite the rate jump for 60 months! Rendezvous owners seem pretty pleased so I don't think you will go wrong.

    We are getting 0.9% for 60 months on our new Alero, but the deals on cars are much better than on SUVs. You can see where the demand is.

    Still think we will get a VUE next vehicle.
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    Ohhh ... that would kill me if I knew it was sitting there but I couldn't have it !!! Mind you if an invoice gets lost I would hope it would be easy to track it down. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it comes before the weekend.
  • markopolomarkopolo Member Posts: 27
    I now have 355 miles on my four cylinder sport package. Could someone give me a list of problems they have had. So I can review and check to see if I have the same problems. My wife says the cd player starts off low and then gets louder. I have to check to make sure there is a problem. So far so good. I am very happy with the appearance, ride and the way the dealer handled themselves on delivery.
  • ml3120ml3120 Member Posts: 1
    On April 8th we bought a new Vue. We just love it after buying gas for a Durango. After about 500 miles we noticed a squeak in the right front of the vehicle. We took it into the dealer and of course we couldn't duplicate the problem. In a couple of days it reappeared. It seems to occur when the steering is turned hard to the right. It is hard to tell if it is coming from the suspension or steering. It is not consistent and comes and goes. Has anyone else had this type of problem and if so what was done to correct the problem. We are at just over 1000 miles and are considering exercising our right to return the vehicle for another one. We hope the odds will be with us and the next one will be perfect.
  • sjmcfwsjmcfw Member Posts: 10
    A groaning/rubbing sound when turning right or going over small bumps mostly a low speed?
    Have them check the left front strut. We had the same problem.
  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    I have it too and some other Vue owners have too. According to my dealer, they have received a service bulletin regarding this. It seems that in some Vues the Suspension piece may have come slightly unseated during manufacturing. If you take it in, they should be able to fix it. I told a technician about the same problem at my New Owners Workshop and he said they were familiar with it and it would not be difficult to fix. They just reseat the piece. NOW, they are vicing them in place as they go down the line to prevent that from happening to the newer models. It's not a dangerous problem, just an annoying sound. It mainly happens when you change direction or speed or slow quickly and cause the suspension to move a little.
  • loopylavloopylav Member Posts: 20
    I also have a 4 cyl Sport VUE. One problem that mine had that I noticed on another test VUE was that the headliner was not appropriately attached. I found that if I pulled lightly on the headliner, behind the maplights (if you have a sunroof), it is very loose. Mine needed to be reattached, along with the driver's side visor, which was also loose.

    My vue had the strut problem at all four locations, and hopefully Saturn has fixed this problem in all future vehicles (mine was built in mid-March).

    Another thing to look for is missing rear seat tethers. These are the black straps that are on the back of the rear seats. They help hold the seatbelts lower for small people so they aren't strangled by the belt. The test drive VUE had these, my owners manual talks about them, but my VUE doesn't have them. Therefore I am having them installed today under warranty.

    I have had other small detail items that I think are exclusive to my vehicle, but I am picky too :)

    Good luck with your new VUE,

    LL
  • davmyrnisdavmyrnis Member Posts: 17
    A general question to all Saturn owners in Northern Climates.

    Is it necessary to use Rust Check or Krown Rust inhibitors in areas that use salt on the roads?

    The fact that the side and rear panels are plastic, will the hood, roof and trunk survive without the rust inhibitors.

    This will be my first Saturn and I am known to be a keeper, hence I may keep my VUE for as much as 10+ years.

    Would be very happy if you can share any relevant information with me.

    Cheers.
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    I am going to be a new VUE / 1st time Saturn owner too and was wondering the same thing. I asked someone from Saturn (via email so it wasn't someone who had anything to do with my sale) and the following is his advise. I'd be very interested to hear any other advise you get as well.

    Response:
    I'll be briefer about the undercoating and stuff. In a word, no. The paint finishes and
    techniques today are so good that you just don't need any sort of
    protection. Undercoating can actually do lots of harm and can void your
    warranty. Why? The undercoating plugs the drain holes in the body which
    means water stays inside the body which means it'll rust. So, skip the
    undercoating paint protection stuff.

    If you are worried about paint problems due to your local environment (acid
    rain, tree sap, that sort of thing), then find a good auto detailer and
    spend some money twice a year to have a good, acrylic-based wax put on the
    car. It'll look great and the finish will be better protected.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I've never been a fan of this (ie I don't get it done at all) and never really had much of a problem either. My 8 year old Cavalier only had minor rust on the doors when I sold it. I expect our current cars to be better as the bodies are much better than they used to be. I can't see why anyone would bother with the VUE and like mmspeal said, I think it could do more harm than good.
  • davmyrnisdavmyrnis Member Posts: 17
    Thanks dindak and mmspeal for your responses.

    That sort of seals it for me. I am of the same opinion but wanted to hear what others had to say.

    Mmspeal, you have been waiting a while for your car, what is up there?

    I made my deal on Friday 19th April for a red 6cyl, grey interior with cd / cassette, with accesories like hood deflector, liftgate deflector, molded mud guards, rear cargo mat, rubber interior mats and wheel locks. They did not charge me anything for installing the accesories.

    They had two red in stock but both interiors are the oak colour. They said they would try and find one for me from another dealership, but I have not heard from them up to today. I may be in for a long wait too.

    Thanks again folks.
  • malificentmalificent Member Posts: 7
    After 2 years of looking at all of the SUVs on the market I finally placed my order for a 6cyl AWD black/silver Vue back in the beginning of March. The only options I got were a sunroof, cd/cassette stereo and floor mats. I have not gotten it yet. Has anyone else had to wait this long? Does anybody know why? (this is my first "NEW" car)
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    I actually knew that I would be waiting a while as mine was a factory order - they told me up front that it would be 8 - 10 weeks and if it comes within the next two as they told me on Monday, it will be about 9 weeks. Mind you ... a very long nine weeks.

    I think you better go back and question the dealership as it is my understanding that you cannot get the red with grey interior. I wanted tan anyway as I didn't like how the posts and headliner were two toned with the grey so it didn't matter to me.

    They told me black silver with grey or neutral,
    gold, orange and red with neutral, light silver and white with grey.

    I ordered the molded mud guards and cross bars from the US - will get dad to install. I am having them put the hood & tailgate deflectors and bumper protector on before delivery. I want to get the cargo mat but I want it in black - my dealership has them made somewhere here with their logo and they are much cheaper - plus they are black, so I am just waiting for that to come in.
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    My order was placed March 8th - they were invoiced this week for it so it is on it's way - dealership said within two weeks. Check with your dealership, they should at least be able to give you a production date.
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Hi Everyone

    We ordered our rendevous yesterday, but I still like the Vue as well. You can get Red with the Grey interior, I have seen many of them. About 100 Vues arrived in our shipping yard yesterday, so I am sure for a few of you, your car is here.
    While I certainly believe that Tar based undercoating can and will plug drain holes with improper installation, I don't believe that this is possible with an oil based product such as Rust Check. Todays finishes may be wonderful, but cars seldom rot out from the outside in. By the time you see rust on the surface of your car, there is usually substantial rust behind it.
    The polymer panels won't suffer the effects of the Canadian winter, but the steel frame behind them will. The floor is steel, it can it will rot. It just makes sense people, if you want to protect metal from, the constant bathing in salt water, our Canadian winters provide, there is nothing like a thin layer of oil to protect it. Rust Check will run out through those same holes water will, and as for clogging them, that's not possible, unless they are already clogged, by leaves etc.
    One of the reasons dealers discourage oil based undercoating, is that it becomes a pain to work on, in other words it's messy for them. However since all repairs are done by a book rate, that's not your problem. Of course you may feel badly for the fella charging you 80 dollars an hour to work on your car, if he gets his hands dirty...
    Another advantage of rust check or any other oil based coating is that it protects rubber parts, and keeps door rubbers supple. If i am wrong you are out about a 100 dollars a year, if I am right you will have a much safer, structually sound, valuable car for the life of it.

    Ok now i will shut up.

    Jeff
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    Hey Jeff,
    Thanks for the info - I take it you think the once a year oil spray thing is a good thing? - that is what you are talking about right?

    I was considering doing that - what I was talking about is the undercoating that the dealership tries to sell ya that costs about $500 bucks. I really know nothing about either except that I did the undercoating on my last car, had it checked every year and 7 years later there is a ton of rust on the doors etc. - typical GM? I've heard that GMs are notorious for the doors rusting out.

    Any way - by all means, any advise you have is more than welcome so you don't have to shut up now. :-)
  • markopolomarkopolo Member Posts: 27
    I just wanted to say the back cover in no good. It is the only option not worth the money. It has little holes through it and does not cover the sides very well.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    mmspeal : Actually, my 91 Cavalier is the only GM car our families have ever had with rusty doors. I don't think it's common, especially not in later models. I consider GM bodies/doors to be better than most in fact.

    enniskillen : Which models Rendezvous did you get? What color?
  • zapsgirl1zapsgirl1 Member Posts: 6
    Almost at 2000 miles on my AWD-6 VUE and still loving it. I have that creaking noise as well, also the rubber foam on the back of all my exterior door handles is coming loose and here is the thing: I spoke with the dealership about it and they will have to replace all the doorhandles to fix it. Just wanted to let you all know so that if you have this problem you can call and make sure they the parts before taking it in.

    Also whoever (sorry can't remember who posted it) had the problem with their floor getting wet around the center console please let me know what happened. Thanks
  • jafickjafick Member Posts: 5
    Have now had our Sport Edition for a week and only one slight problem...an electrical short in driver's side seatbelt. Light on the dashboard goes on and off all the time. If my wife holds the belt a certain way she can duplicate it. We were lucky, they just happened to have a Sport Edition in the dealership (after looking around for two weeks) and we bought it that night. Here's some pictures if anyone's interested:


    http://www.pbase.com/jafick/april


    Enjoy! We are!

  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Great pictures!! Nice truck. What color is that (forgive me, I have an old monitor here at work).
  • jafickjafick Member Posts: 5
    It is the black/silver (really a charcoal if you ask me). Thanks for the kind words.
  • dmkcardmkcar Member Posts: 2
    Hello everyone I'm new to the forum,but I've been reading the postings since Feb. 02. I ordered a Vue for my wife in Jan. 02. We ordered one of those invisible 4cyl. AWD with the Variable trans(black/silver). We know there has been major delays. My question out there is if anyone has heard of any new exterior colors that they will be coming out with? My wife waited this long and says she would wait longer if they come out with a nice blue or green. I did read the one posting earlier that gave a link to a canadiandriver web site showing pictures of a blue outdoors version which looked very nice and an urban yellow/green version,are these really coming out or are they just prototypes? Thanks
  • dmkcardmkcar Member Posts: 2
    I also had to say I've asked my local Saturn dealers here in Ohio and they have not heard of any new colors being announced. Waiting patiently.DMKCAR
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    I have been scrolling through the Rendezvous messages, and noticed sometime ago that you mentioned that a model of the Rendezvous could be purchased at Loblaws. We have too wait until July for our Rendezvous, and I thought that I might get my wife a miniature of it for mother's day. I have tried 3 loblaws and had no luck, any other suggestions ? You know paint it white, like the one we ordered.
    I am thinking of getting her a personalized plate as well. Can anyone decipher this
    MYFVRTYF

    Jeff
  • shanianshanian Member Posts: 26
    If the current one is your FVRT YF?
    Every one is entitled to a vue or rendezvous.
  • theduketheduke Member Posts: 50
    I am looking at purchasing a Vue this summer.
    One thing I wonder is if my present bike racks that fit on my Thule, will be transferable to the Vue's roof rack.
    I went to my local dealer and they have not seen a roof rack yet (back order) and could not help me.
    Can someome, who owns a roof rack, tell me the depth of the cross bars - i.e. 1, 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 inches.
    Much appreciated.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Ya, they were a Christmas item so I doubt they have them anymore. I've seen them at other stores though. Try Zellers or Wal-Mart toy departments. Toys R Us maybe also.

    Want to see a VUE die cast model come out now.
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Becarefull what you wish for.......


    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1824700715


    Jeff

  • onelucky7onelucky7 Member Posts: 121
    The diecast Vue model is sold at Saturn dealerships in the parts/accessory department. When I bought my Orange Vue, the sales manager told me that if I bought the Vue, he would throw in the Model for free! Needless to say, it was not THE reason I bought the Vue. But I was more than happy to accept the free model and it sits on my desk at work now.

    As to the "wet carpet around the console", an update . . . I took it in last week and they fixed the suspension by reseating it. No more squeaky suspension. As to the water accumulation around the console dash, they say it is something called an evaporater in the Air Conditioner that needs replacing. I have to take it in tomorrow and they will fix it and get it back to me on Tuesday. A question . . . What do you guys think about the carpet that was soaked??? Should I make them replace that or do you think it will be okay now that the hot sun has dried it?

    My father says it should be replaced as it will probably mildew.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Yes, I've seen those but they are kind of pricey. I was talking more about the C$9.99 Rendezvous I bought. I actually didn't know you could buy one at the dealer.
  • afk_xafk_x Member Posts: 393
    I would ask for new carpet -
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    Dealer wants $69 Cdn for the VUE and it only comes in the orange. If they'd throw one in for free, I'd be happy to have one but not about to pay that much for it.
  • nrooksnrooks Member Posts: 5
    I have a two week old Vue with about 800 miles on it. I have had a few small problems, rattle in the back, rear coils and springs replaced. However, I have a bunch of wind noise from the passenger side and a very squeaky front seat that I am told can not be fixed. I have also had a problem twice where when I put the car in reverse (it's a five speed) it wouldn't move. It felt almost like the emergency brake was on and holding me in place though it was off. I had to put it in first and then reverse a couple of times for the car to move but then it is fine for days after that. I have also heard a thunking sound a couple of times when I step hard on the brakes.

    I am thinking about doing the buyback in the hopes that at least the seat won't squeak (I really hate it in a brand new car) and the windnoise and transmission will be okay.

    Just thought I would ask for advice.

    Thanks
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If they can't fix the truck, I would ask for a new one or return it for sure. Have you brought it in to be looked at yet?

    I wish all car companies had a 30 day money back guarantee.
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    I actually had that problem when I test drove the VUE and they said it was just cause the gears needed breaking in. My current vehicle does that sometimes too, where I can't get it into gear (reverse) and I just have to wiggle the stick around a bit then it will go. Always thought that was normal in a 5 speed - I take it it's not. I should have my new VUE this week or next so I will keep an eye out for it too.
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Hi

    I am not having anyluck finding a diecast of the Rendezvous, I have tried many Wallmarts, Zellers , Loblaws and one Toys r Us. I have contacted the Canadian distributor for Maisto and
    have my hopes on them now.
    70 bucks for the Vue diecast is nuts. Many more Vues arrived at the Oshawa Shipping yard, yours may be here now MMSPEAL.

    Jeff
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Suddenly at the local Buick dealership. Mr. 1200 was intending to buy a Saturn Vue, when he was led into temptation, and swept away by the 7 passenger seating. Mr. 1200 is survived by his wife and alter ego Mr.1300
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Last time I saw one was at No Frills about 2 months ago. Next time I'm in there I will look for you. I also remember either Walmart or Zellers having a RDV set with a trailer and boat attached. Perhaps it was all a limited run for these models.

    I hope Maisto does a VUE soon. I'm sure they will. I also bought a Chevy SSR and a Cadillac Evoq model in December. Always best to get these things for yourself at Christmas!!

    ;-)

    Picked up our new Alero last night. Ecotec is a really nice sounding engine. You definitely hear it more in the Alero than you do in the VUE.
  • joelisjoelis Member Posts: 315
    We took a 5spd sport on an overnight testdrive (wife is going back to school and looking for a more reasonable replacement for her oversized, gas guzzling, drives like a whale, hard to park, tank Expedition which is coming off lease next month - at least we were smart enough to lease, and not buy this pig).

    Anyway, she is quite impressed with the Vue overall, considering the value of what you get for $16,995.

    But I have a question about realistic gas mileage. It's hard to get used to an engine reving at 3000rpm in 5th and only doing 65mph.

    Those of you who drive freeways at the regular cruising speeds of around 70-75 mph, what is your real MPG like when the rpms are up closer to 4k?

    Thanks
  • mmspealmmspeal Member Posts: 122
    Thanks for the update Jeff! Hopefully one of those babys there is mine! The dealership told me it would be in this week. Now I just hope it is early in the week as I have to be in Ohio for work all next week. That will really kill me if I am there and my new VUE is sitting at the dealership waiting for me all week ... talk about really looking forward to coming home!
  • oarloxoarlox Member Posts: 45
    The other evening my wife and I went out to dine at a very nice eatery in our home town. As you would expect on a warm spring evening there were several nice vehicles parked in the lot. I have always had an idea that the side profile of a VUE and that of a Mercedes-Benz ML320 were very similar. Well I got my chance to park the VUE end to end with a ML320 that was even the same color. Boy was I ever surprised!! There were several people in the restaurant that were commenting about how much the two cars looked alike, including the owners of the ML320 that were seated in the table next to us. Of coarse the the VUE isn't in the same class as the M-B but it was fun to park next to a vehicle that cost twice as much and see the similarities.
  • enniskillenenniskillen Member Posts: 87
    Finally

    Found one at a store that claimed they didn't have any. Now I am taking it apart and painting it. Thanks for the help Dindak.

    jeff
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