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Comments
They are pretty nice quality for the money I think.
Its amazing how many sales Pontiac must have lost by that off the wall styling. Such a good idea on the inside, but yet so ugly on the outside. We would have bought one in a heartbeat if they had just taken a different styling path.
Oh well, back to the Vue. So how is that MPG on those 5spd FWD people?
If you want more input, I recommend checking out the forums at www.saturnfans.com. They are very helpful there and I think there is even a recent thread on this topic.
Good luck in your decision, I like my VUE a bunch.
-LL
-LL
Please let us know what the dealer says- I'd take it in if I were you.
I know that when I first started driving sticks, I would drive jerky when in reverse. Its due to the extra low gearing they put in this gear. Trick is to never fully let out the clutch when in reverse unless you are going at a good clip.
Good luck,
LL
Dealer in Minneapolis told me that they are only making 60 of the FWD 5spd Sport package specials for the whole Twin Cities region this time around. He said they made about 50 on the initial pass, which would bring the total for this year to only 110.
Does this sound right, compared to what you are seeing in your regions?
(loopy - don't ride that clutch too much...)
I ordered the Black Silver (Charcoal) with 5 speed, power pkg, and ABS.
I'm interested to see how many (if any) problem surface on it that are similar to what I've read here.
I'll let you know.......
I do a great deal of commuting so that's why I opted for the 4 cylinder - plus I couldn't rationalize the extra $$ for the V6 AWD when traction control comes with ABS.
So far I'm been very impressed with the dealership.. as should be expected I suppose.
Sure enough, it hit 80 degrees yesterday and I have a soggy carpet again. I want to get this fixed FAST regardless of the weather (here in MD its NUTS weatherwise right now - 85 one day, 45 the next!) because the carpet is going to get destroyed and replacing it looks like it would be a biiiiigggg job (it's one piece of carpet for the whole passenger cabin, by the look of it).
Anyway, just wondered what your experience was so I can pass it on to my service dept. Thanks in advance!
Good luck
I need to thank everyone on this board for thier information and feedback. It helped answer a lot of questions and I hope that I will be continuong to contribute in the future.
As many of you here know, I am a huge fan of the Saturn line but my cheerleading is being tested.
The first problem I had was that the visor on the driver's side was loose and the turtle shell over the steering column was loose. They fixed that the first week. Then the foam rubber under the door handle came loose. They fixed that efficiently at the first oil change. Next, the springs started to rattle a little when turning. It turns out that they were not seated properly so they fixed that. Then the evaporator box leaked water all over the carpet. They had to keep her for a couple of days (gave me a loaner SL-1) and they fixed her right up and also reconnected the windshield washer shooter (for lack of a better term) on the left front. Appently, it had become unhooked at some point and no longer shot washer fluid on the passenger-side windshield. All of these problems were minor and my local Saturn dealership handled them efficiently and professionally with very little inconvenience to me. In other words, I was a VERY happy Saturn customer through out all of this. AND THEN . . . . SEE MY NEXT POST
So picture this. I am on vacation in a remote beach town with no car rental place that will rent a car one way and Saturn will not get me home or take me with my Vue. In other words, they would take the Vue 100 miles away and leave me stranded. But it's not their problem, of course.
Well, I hung up and called my dealership back home (200 miles away). I told them the dilemna and they told me to call Saturn corporate. So I did. After much discussion and pleading, they told me they would pay the extra to get my Vue towed back to my hometown Saturn dealer and I could ride with the towtruck. So they called Roadside Assistance and explained that they were going to pay the difference as a good will gesture. Would you believe that roadside assistance told them . . . you guessed it "We told that customer that this is not our problem. We aren't towing it back 200 miles. Only 100 miles" The Saturn corporate lady was in disbelief that roadside assistance told her "no" After much debate and an hour later, they finally agreed to do it. The woman from Corporate got all their names and said that they would be "dealt with". I told her I appreciated her help but I'd be writing my own letter, thanks! So 3 1/2 hours after my arrival on vacation, it was agreed that Roadside Assistance would pay to tow the Vue 100 miles and Saturn would pay to tow it the last 100 miles. So the very next morning, I was on my way back to my home in the front seat of a very old towtruck with my brand new Saturn Vue on the back with empty pockets as I still had to pay for the vacation place for the weekend. What a nightmare!!! Now you may be asking, what was wrong . . . A SENSOR went bad causing it to reduce to half power. Apparently, they have seen it on other Saturns. They are replacing the Sensor and they BELIEVE this will fix the problem. I SURE HOPE SO!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the way, I left some details out above in the interest of space but trust me, it was a bad experience and very unSaturn-like. I'll let you know what they do about it.
While the tech was driving it to make sure it was working, he heard a clicking noise. He said it turned out to be the front right CV Joint which he also replaced. Can anyone tell me what that means? Is that a major deal? I am not sure what the purpose is in the CV Joint and how much work that was they had to do? Would it be considered a major repair?
Well it has been 2 months of owning my VUE (red, Sport Package, 6cd stereo, etc.) and I am still pleased with the purchase. Like some of the early VUE owners, I had my rear springs replaced due to the squeak on Monday. I also had the roof rack and bike carriers installed. Okay, I tried to install the roof rack myself and broke a stand off bolt by over tightening. The good news is the dealership took care of the problem without making me feel bad or gouging me. The bad news about the bikes racks (I have two) is that now there is wind noise (a whistling sound). I have not been able to find the "saturn" black wind deflector to see if that would solve the problem. Interestingly enough, there is no wind noise when it is raining or if the sunroof is open (not tilted).
Fit and finish issues continue to be a problem, I had the interior door/window molding replaced on the driver's door because it was warped (it just looked bad). There was a rattle in the driver's door on bass filled songs and also the passenger rear door. The dealership was able to find and fix the rattle in the driver's door, but I will need to take it back for the rear door.
For those of you considering the VUE, I would recommend rubber mats and skipping the cargo cover. The carpet mats in my VUE (gray) are already dirty enough to need a light shampooing. The cargo cover, is just implemented badly and I don't expect it to last much more than the three years. Save the money and just get a large throw to cover your gear.
Other than that, everyone that rides in the VUE or even sees it give lots of compliments and ask questions. Hope the information helps. --Eric
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Listen I almost bought a Vue, so I am a fan, I have ordered a Rendezvous instead. Once you load up a Vue it fast approaches the price of the Rendezvous. What comes to mind, is the Vue is an entry level SUV, leather upholstery ? Navigation System ?
A chevette with a Leather interior is still a Chevette. As for the nav system, for the average suburbanite, what's wrong with a 3 dollar map?
Ok one more semi-nasty analogy, if you gold plate your bic lighter, it's still just a bic lighter.
So let the hate mail begin, I really do like the Vue, so don't be too nuts with me.
Jeff
Read earlier posts regarding the Expressions Vue models which will have both GPS and Leather and are scheduled to be out later in the year.
I would not compare the Vue to a bic lighter or a Chevette. Sorry but I think they are classier than that, Jeff. Enjoy the Rendezvous BOARD!!
We put leather in our vue and are quite enjoying it.
"It's longer and wider than the Escape, Liberty and CR-V, but it's several inches shorter than either an Escape or a Liberty."
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
erunic - that is hilarious about installing the roof rack yourself !!! I tried to install mine last night, wound up calling Dad to come out and help me and we wound up stripping one of the factory bolts trying to get it out - is okay though as it is in the #2 position and I'd never put the roof rack there as it is right over the sunroof. We finally gave up and only put the stand off's in the spots where I wanted the crossbars for now (#3 & #6) and will do the others later. Do you have the bike rack attachment that you don't have to remove the wheel? How is it? - how hard is it to get the bike up there? Have you tried www.saturndan.com for that wind deflector - I ordered some stuff from him - was great to deal with and got the stuff within a week.
Markopolo - My 4 cyl. VUE has the three triangle tethers on the back of the rear seats and also has the latch attachments down inside the seat. It is my understanding that they are standard on all VUE models - hope that helps!
Maynardf1 - that is a very good anology for the Rendevous !!!
I love the way the car handles. It tracks smooth as silk at any highway speed I care to run. Handles sugar sand like it was paved asphalt. Just hoping other problems don't rear their ugly heads down the road.
maynard - you beat me to it. You were too nice to him I think. I don't think someone with a dressed up Aztek has any place in making fun of other vehicles. My wife took a serious look at the Rendezvous (where do they come up with these names anyway?) but just couldn't justify the extra $10k for a dressed up Aztek. To tell you the truth, I think the Pontiac brand makes more sense to a buyer looking for that kind of utility. What an oxymoron it is to put the Buick name on THAT kind of vehicle. Strange.
Besides, I don't know why he would make fun of a Vue anyway? Saturn is known for good service and reliability compared to the rest of the GM line. I don't see a problem with leather in a Vue. I was actually surprised that it wasn't offered as an option yet. They offer it on the 300 wagon series and it seems to fit nicely.
mmspeal : Glad to hear you like your VUE.
Here is the math, that was presented to me that influenced my purchase decision. Prices quoted are Canadian.
1SB Package (4 banger automatic) $23,715
Power Package $1,770
Anti-lock & traction Control $750
Side Airbags $515
Roof Racks $700
Total $27,450.00
This is the no haggle price of the Vue, the haggled down price of the of the Rendezvous, was $29000.00. So for an additional 1500 bucks, I got all the same equipment, plus a V6, plus all kinds of creature comforts the Vue, can't really offer. The Aztec and the Rendezvous, have their similarities, but the ride is much better in the Rendezvous, and the Aztec rides better than the Vue. I drive everything G.M makes, the Vue is a great vehicle in it's class, but overdress it, beyond it's worth, seems silly. Enjoy your Vue's they are neat economy class SUV's, but over optioning one is like buying the nicest house in the worst neighbourhood, Folly.
Yes I will go to the Rendezvous board now.
MMSPEAL glad your happy with your new red baby, you deserve it.
Dindak, see you on the Rendezvous boards.
Jeff baa baa baa
My roof racks are also in the 3 and 6 position. I will have Saturn give me some pointers on using the carriers and let you know how it goes.
-- Eric
ennis - My $10k reference was comparing an Aztek to a Rondayvoo. But, yes it also applies to a Vue I guess (US prices):
2002 Vue FWD with Sport pkg - $16,995
2002 RDV FWD with Sunroof 1sc - $29,005
My point is that the value is in the Sport pkg special right now. I guess Canada does not have this special - too bad. Also, its ironic that a RDV owner calls anything else "overdressed" - LOL
Dindak - Buick is really an old mans car, especially these days. They are trying to attract a younger crowd with this, but I really think its the wrong platform. Maybe they should have went the route of some type of GNX like they did in the mid 80's.
tributeowner - trying to justify your purchase decision? I think you got it backwards. The Vue has a surprisingly nice ride to it (at least the fwd model does - I never tried the AWD). We also tried the Escape/Tribute combo, but found the ride to be very Jeeplike (back and forth bouncy movement on the freeway - almost like its wheelbase was too short or something). We liked the looks of it, but the ride was not good at all.