I have the four cylinder sport edition. The other day I noticed when backing up there is a thumping sound. It almost sounds like the clutch is hopping. Anyone else with this problem. It is more notable on a hill backing up. I am also missing the rear tethers. And the rear window washing fluid is not working. No responses on the back cover. It does not cover the cargo very well.
I really like that comparison ... I have thought the VUE looked more like the high end model SUVs since I first saw it but never really voiced it as I figured people would think I was just wishing! There are some visual similarities between it and the Lexus too.
The best part about it is that it DOES NOT look anything like an Aztek!
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?
I own a 5spd VUE (Sport Plus) and I don't have a problem with driving on the freeway. The gearing is different from my previous 4cylinder - a Honda Civic. But this isn't a bad thing, as I don't have to down shift much to pass if necessary. The highway noise is not bad at all. I've heard people getting various MPGs though. Personally I am getting about 24 MPG with 40% Highways, 60% roads. I've heard of people getting 27-29MPG on mostly highway driving though.
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.
I too had missing tethers on my Sport VUE...Dealer originally told me that the sport plus didn't come with those. I contested and they installed them under warranty. I think that they will be useful if I ever have kids (or short people) ride in my VUE.
Has anyone else had problems with their four cylinder five speed. It is a thumping when backing up on a hill. Sounds like the transmission. Also the rear window washer just runs down the glass. It does not spray is this the way it is suppose to be? My Vue currently has 550 miles on it and it is the four cylinder sport package. Thanks loopylav for the information on the tethers.
The rear window washer is supposed to only run down the glass- not spray. Not sure why it's designed that way, other than it's a very small wiping area and it helps to make sure more of the solution stays on the glass in the intended wiping area. My VUE 4 cyl 5 spd only has 200 miles on it- haven't noticed the reverse problem. I only had one incident with the transmission refusing to go into second gear while I was driving in a crowded parking lot. Please let us know what the dealer says- I'd take it in if I were you.
Is this your first stick? I haven't had any problems with the transmission or engine to speak of. In fact that is one of the biggest plusses of this car - its great drivetrain. I think that if it wasn't for this, I may not be nearly as happy
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.
The dealership called this morning and my VUE is finally in. I will be picking it up tomorrow or Friday - see Jeff, you were able to let me know when it came!
Where can you find the Production numbers on each type of Vue they are making for this year?
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?
I have been following your board for a few weeks now waiting for my Vue to come in. I'm to pick it up on Friday. It was only a 5 week wait - much less than the 10 weeks they had suggested.
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.
Has anyone heard if/what new options will be offered for the 2003 VUE? I like the VUE, but wish it offered a leather interior and dual power front seats. I'd like a navigation system, but don't really expect the VUE to offer one (though the Pontiac VIBE is in the same price range and offers a nav system). I'm planning to buy this summer/early fall. Thanks for any info.
Hey fellow canuck! I think you lucked out! I ordered mine on March 1st and pick it up tomorrow too. It is also the 5 speed with power package - didn't get ABS but got the upgraded stereo and sunroof. Your order must have just got in on time to make that run! What part of Canada are you in - whereabouts is the dealer?
I ordered mine from Motor City Saturn in Whitby, although I don't live too close to there.
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.
I have the same problem.... took it in last week (had its 6000K service) and despite trying EVERYTHING they couldn't get it to reproduce the problem, and said I had to bring it back on a hot day when they would get some condensation and could therefore figure out why it wasn't draining.
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!
This is just the evaporator drain not working in the AC system, not a big deal but I'm sure it can be annoying and can cause mold. Get it fixed right away. Maybe a kink in the hose or something, this isn't really a mechanical problem.
I think it's very unlikely you will need replacement carpet once you get the a.c. leak fixed. I had the same problem in a saab 900. They fixed the leak, cleaned and dried the carpet, and it was as good as new. No mildew, etc.
Good for you Mmspeal. I did get in contact with my vendor and they told me that my VUE now has a vin number. They said it will take about 2 weeks to get it to the dealership. I cant wait to get it, but I will keep an eye out for some of the problems mentioned here. Hopefully I will not encounter any of them. I want to thank everybody for providing this information for everyone to read.
I picked up my shiny new VUE today on my lunch. Didn't have much time left by the time they got done singing to me, etc... so it still has only about 20 km on it. I will report back after the weekend!
After researching the vehicles out there and factoring in costs, options, etc. I have finally bought a Gold V6 Vue.
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.
First, the soggy carpet. . . . Saturn has found that the evaporator box in some of the Vues is not completely sealed. It is simple to fix. They take the box out and caulk the thin line that is not sealed and dry the carpets and it's like new. It is not a common problem but they have had a few Vues back with this.
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
Now the rest of the story . . . Last week, I had a relaxing trip planned to the beach for a long weekend. When I was almost there, I heard a loud thud and lost power to the "number one engine". (trying to hae a sense of humor) I pushed the accelerator to the floor and slowly, VERY slowly, the truck began to gain speed and got back up to "cruising altitude". My Vue made it's way into the beach town sluggishly. The "Service Engine Soon" light was shining brightly from the dash. (I stopped at a red light and it took me a mile or more to get back up to 45 MPH) Well I drove straight to the place I was staying and called roadside assistance. I spent a half hour talking to roadside assistance only to find that they would only tow the vehicle 100 miles from there to the nearest Saturn facility. I then explained that I was on a short vacation and that I lived another 100 miles beyond that facility. I asked how I would get my Vue at the facility which was 100 miles from my vacation spot and also 100 miles from my home. They said "not our problem" I asked how I was to get home. They said "not our problem".
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 still love my Vue and my local dealership is the best in the country. No matter what the problem or concern, they take care of it expeditiously and are very customer friendly. As for Saturn corporate and Roadside Assistance, I'll let you know. . . It depends on how they deal with me when they get my letter about the above affair.
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.
Does anyone have the specs for the upgraded stereo system "6 cd changer". I know the Chevy Trailblazer has the Bose option. I'm curious what the difference is. Is it just the speakers or amplifier?
Today is the day I bring my five speed sport edition back for the thumping noise in the clutch/transmission. One lucky seven how many miles are on your Saturn? The dealer is not sure if the safety feature of rear child restraints comes with the four cylinder. Is this a safety feature!! I am sure they will cover the height adjusters. I would not have known they were missing, thank you for the internet.
I have 5300 miles on mine. I finally got her back today. I gave her up Friday and got her back Wednesday. They replaced the gas pedal accelerator sensor.
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?
It used to be considered major, I'm not sure what they have stated it as now. One thing for sure is that CV joints should last 100k miles or more. Hopefully this won't be a recurring issue.
I have been following this topic almost from the beginning, and I can't believe the stupid niggling problems that everyone seems to be having with their VUE's. I know that these are not recalls like the Escape, anyway I wish everyone good luck with their problems in getting them solved. Saturn has done a good job in trying to fix everything though.
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
Does anyone know if a leather interior will be offered at the beginning of the 2003MY Vue run? How about a DVD-navigation system. Thanks for any 2003 Vue info.
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.
Well I guess one could say if you tack some chrome onto an Aztek you get a Rendezvous. Still ugly, but in a sophisticated sort of way. We put leather in our vue and are quite enjoying it.
It's a good review, dindak, but this sentence is rather confusing: "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."
I've had my VUE for a little over a week now but since I was away on business and had to leave it at the airport for 5 days, didn't have much opportunity to drive it until this past weekend. I travelled to my hometown about 3 hours away to visit for Mother's Day and just loved it on the highway. I am used to driving a small sports car with a V6 manual so I felt every bump in the road but I sure could fly ... in the VUE, it was a nice smooth ride and at one point I realized I was doing over 140 km / hour without realizing it. Since my VUE is red and pretty much screams "Write me a ticket" I thought I'd better slow down but it was nice to know I could keep up with the speeders and not feel under powered at all!
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 !!!
Guess I've had them all so far. I bought a V6 AWD w/ABS and a sunroof last month. So far it's been in the shop twice. Once with front strut squeaks on the drivers side and foam door handle pad problems. The second time (it's still at the shop) with the soggy carpet AC problem, and the passenger side strut squeak, oh yeah more foam bits falling off-sticking out of the rear hatch and the drivers side door handles.
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.
Just wondering if these may be problems with the earlier builds that may have now been corrected on the assembly line?
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.
joelis : Actually I've tested a Rendezvous and it's pretty nice, quite luxurious. The Buick name is perfect for it. That said, the Rendezvous is a different type of vehicle really, more van than SUV.
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.
mmspeal, funny you should ask about the bike carriers. I attempted to use them this weekend, and the water bottle on the bike was in the way of getting the clamp closed enough to lock. It is a stretch to get the bikes in the trays and I am 6'2, so I would consider the option with car. I know one person should be able to do it, and with practice I may be one of those people. I tried the other carrier, but it is over-tightened (so back to Saturn I go) so I ended up folding down the seats and putting the bike in the back. No, I did not have to remove the wheel. If you have a racing bike (or something less than say 10#, you should be okay with practice).
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
I too almost bought a vue . i test drove the 6 and thought it was underpowered . I had briefly drove a plymouth voyager and it reminded me of it. I went with a Mazda tribute value and handling was far superior and the price was right. Sorry Vue owners just no value in the vue
Thanks onelucky7 for pointing out the Expressions versions of the Vue w/leather and nav systems. I'm going to check with my Saturn dealer to see if these are definitely planned for availability later this year, or if they are just "one off" show vehicles. I think the Vue is a great combo of utility, size (not too big...not too small), performance and economy. Of course a $3 map would get me where I want to go, but it wouldn't be nearly as much fun as a nav system. There's no accounting for taste!
Oddly enough, the "underpowered" V6 VUE does 0-60 in about the same time as the Tribute using less gas. Handling may be better to you, but it's not "far superior". Having tested both I would say they are very similar.
First, the reason I look at this topic is because my wife is looking at one if these for economic college transportation, and I am monitoring for any issues encountered so far by owners. Still, you can't argue the value factor of the Sport Pkg special regardless.
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.
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
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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
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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.