Saturn VUE

amessina380 · May 2002

Does anybody have a part number for the new visor clips? My dealer cant find them.

vuefor2 · May 2002

1. Are people putting regular gas in their V6 VUEs or will super perform better?

2. Has anyone installed an after market stereo and if so, how did it all go? I'm thinking of going with an XM system if I can convince my wife.

3. What kind of mileage are people getting with the V6?

So far I love this truck. No issues to report so far and it feels very solid.

logic1 · May 2002

In 1995, my first wife bought an SL2. The housing for the driver's side mirror was scratched in shipping. My ex did not notice until about a week after taking delivery. To put it mildly, my ex is a very particular person.

She told the Saturn dealer she did not want a new car with a flaw. In spite some very generous offers to repair the problem and include some dealer throw-ins, she insisted on the return and exchanged it for a new car.

If someone actually has 17 problems with a Saturn, exercise the return option. That is why it is there.

onelucky7 · May 2002

I have had 17 problems over 5 months. There is no return option now, my friend. I have to wait until I meet the terms of the lemon law. If things keep going the way they have, it won't take long.

dindak · May 2002

Regular gas is probably all you need for the 3.0L. You won't get any added benefit from higher octane fuel. I think a lot of people that use premium fuel don't need it. A lady in my office thought it was better for her Mazda Protege and always used premium. She now uses regular.

jdublu · May 2002

The owners manual says to use 87 octane regular. I've run a tank of 89 and a tank of 87 and can see no difference whatsover. My mixed city/highway driving with a heavy foot has given me 16.67 mpg so far on my V6. I'm trying to be more conservative on this tank and will report back after the weekend.

J.

mmspeal · May 2002

I have only gone through 3 tanks of gas in my 4 cyl. 5 speed and have only used 87. I've gotten 27.5, 28 and 28.5 miles per gallon respectively doing mixed driving - highway and city. It seems to be improving a little with each tank.

mjh2002 · May 2002

I looked at my service order from the sun-visor clips replacement and it doesn't list a part number. You can point out the new clips to your service rep by showing them the clips on a new Vue on the lot (the different shape is pretty obvious). My dealer talked to Saturn, got them to send him the new clips, and received them within a week. Installing the new clips is easy and should only take about 5 minutes, including the coffee break.

onelucky- please continue to let us know what's happenning with your Vue- it's amazing how you've had so many problems. Maybe you should consider changing your name?!

vuefor2 · May 2002

There seem to be a lot of conflicting stories from people on this, but you seem in agreement so I will go with that. I also read a CR book that said the same thing.

Still no problems to report. Very happy with the VUE. Going on a 200 mile jaunt tomorrow, can't wait!

smileypsi · May 2002

Does anyone here know when the CVT will be available? I'm looking at a VUE but I don't like manual shifters and the AWD is too expensive. I'd love to have a V-6 but I will never use the 4WD and it makes it too expensive. so..anybody know something about the CVT?
Thanks

arkainzeye · May 2002

i'm glad i waited to see what others had to say about the VUE. cuase like with mostly everything, when a new model comes out or a completely new car comes out. there is always problems. and i am hearing about alot of serious problems. i mean Cv-joints. !! there is no reason for cv joints to be going bad. especially if you are driving this thing on the street. i would hate to see what would happen if this thing actually went on a little off-road trip. I mean it is a SUV, right? i mostly have been hearing about rattles, more so than cv-joints. but either way. i think saturn will improve on it. But as i said first years for anything it not a good idea to buy.

dindak · May 2002

The sales guy we spoke with in April said that it will be available for 2003 models. He said people who orders CVT 02 models will get theirs in mid summer but if we wanted one we would have to wait for an 03 in late summer. Part of the reason we decided to get a VUE next time in a few years.

scape2 · May 2002

out of curiosity I test drove a VUE.. Nice vehicle, solid and handled well. I thought the ergonomics were good along with the fit/finish. I test drove the V6 AWD model. The V6 was responsive and seemed capable. Styling was nice and mainstream. I think Saturn will do ok with this vehicle and won't have any problems selling these.. Cheers..

kansas5 · May 2002

I have the 4cyl 5 speed and I have been getting 24.5 mixed driving. At 75 MPH I am at 3300 RPM's. I have 5000 miles on Vue, think it would be great to get 27-28 MPG

enniskillen · May 2002

The Canadian gallon is approximately 20 percent bigger than the American, therefore our mileage numbers appear larger, but they are not. MSPEAL is a Canuck , and she is quoting numbers relevant to living in Canada.

Another Canuck

mmspeal · May 2002

Actually - the mileage I quoted is the US equivalent (I think). Since we buy gas by the litre and measure in kilometres, I actually took the time to convert to US gallons and miles prior to posting that information. 1 litre is equal to .26 gallons or .21 imperial gallons. In the mileage guide provided by the dealership they used the imperial gallons to do the conversion, therefore that is what I used also. If you'd like to figure it out yourself - I am getting about 520 Km per tank of gas and a fill from E (light on) is averaging approximately 53.5 Litres.

URRGGHHH - Life would be so much easier if we all used the same system to measure with !!!! I guess the way to look at it is, if I fill the tank and run it until the light comes on, I am getting approx. 323 miles. How does that compare for you?

dragontamer · May 2002

Running 87 is just fine, unless you like to waste your money. You aren't gaining anything by using anything higher in those kinds of engines. That is why they reccomend 87 in the owners manual.

And actually higher octane burns slower. It is meant to burn slower since most performance engines have a much higher compression ratio, thus more heat is established and what is known as pre-ignition occurs. Otherwise known as "knock." The higher octane fuel counters this tendency.

Pre-ignition also can occur in turbo and super-charged cars. Those types of cars require premium fuel (higher octane) to prevent pre-ignition.
This is why these cars have to run premium, or risk damaging the engine.
Happy motoring

moendm · May 2002

I am seriously considering purchasing a 2003 VUE...test drove a VUE (AWD-6) a few days ago...it seemed to me that the engine was loud and there was some wind noise...is that typical of this vehicle?

malificent · May 2002

I just took my first long trip and in my AWD V6 I got about 26 MPG. Not bad. Now to the clunk. When I am stopped at light and have the brakes applied I hear a clunk noise that sounds like it is coming from the back passenger side. Any clues to the cause.

kansas5 · May 2002

Thank you for your input(MMSPEAL). YES I agree we should have one system of measuring things.

dindak · May 2002

If the U.S. will ever go metric? I think even England has mostly abandoned the Imperial system.

joelis · May 2002

I lived thru the Canadian conversion with Trudeau and that is as close to Communism as I ever want to get. (can you tell I'm from Western Canada?)

Now, it would never get thru the multiple levels of Government here in the US. There are enough people to fight it every step of the way.

mmspeal · May 2002

Isn't the US the only country that hasn't converted? I grew up on the metric system and now work for a US based company so I've had to learn the imperial system. Converting between the two is a huge pain in the butt! I don't understand why the US doesn't go to metric - it is so much easier since everything is in multiples of 10. You don't have to remember that there are 12" in a foot and 3 feet in a yard or 5280 feet in a mile, 4 quarts in a gallon - no wonder my dad can't remember anything else if he has all that crap in his head!!! Everything in metric is either 10, 100 or 1000 ... so much easier!

tidester · May 2002

I don't think it's really a big deal. I work equally well in either system of units and rarely have to convert between them. Just my tuppence!

tidester
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dindak · May 2002

I grew up with and love metric, and I can't say I enjoy converting all the time when I'm looking at US numbers. The rest of the world is metric (even England for the most part). That said, meat is still sold in pounds up here and measurements for contractors are still in inches/feet because of US building standards. Almost everything is labeled in both systems also. Crazy world!

Back to the VUE..

onelucky7 · May 2002

Just keeping y'all up-to-date . . . Saturn offered me a 5 year, 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper warranty. My vehicle does not yet meet the requirements of the Lemon Law. (if you can believe that)

Anyway, I was cleaning her up today and alas . . . I lifted the floor mat to vacuum the floor and the carpet was soaked, YET AGAIN!!! So i will be returning to the dealership to have the evaporator box on the Air Conditioner worked on AGAIN. I'll let you know what happens.

You know, I am really torn because I love the Vue. but I don't much LIKE my particular one. It's a great vehicle when it's working.

mmspeal · May 2002

Has anyone figured out what this rumbling is that only happens sometimes when you put the 4 cyl. manual into reverse?

Has anyone with a sunroof purchased a sunroof deflector to get rid of the helicopter sound inside the VUE when driving with the roof open at city speeds? Saturn has two, one that covers just the front of the sun roof and one that goes rail to rail across the front - what is the difference, does one look or work better than the other?

Please let me know your thoughts!

maynardf1 · May 2002

Are you getting the 'copter sound with the roof open all the way? I use the one-touch open feature, which opens it about 85% of the way and doesn't cause that sound.

malificent · May 2002

I have a sunroof and the wind deflector that goes across the front of the sunroof only. I have not heard this sound. This used to happen to me in my old car. Try opening another window to equalize the pressure. This usually will get rid of the noise.

vuefor2 · May 2002

Still have none of the reported issues with our V6 AWD VUE. We have taken a couple of longer drives with it and it's been very comfortable.

I think the dash could be a little less plasticy, but the general layout is very good. I also think the seats could be better quality in the V6 version, but they are comfortable.

Love the VUE, highly recommend it to anyone looking at the CR-V or Ford Escape.

mmspeal · May 2002

Yes, I get this sound with the roof open all the way. To be honest ... didn't know there was a one touch open feature. I will have to play with it and see if I can figure it out. Opening a window does make the copter sound go away but want to be able to open just the roof when on the highway so maybe I'll go get a deflector - already have the hood and tailgate, why not get another? Thanks for your thoughts, Maynardf1 and Malificent!

gm_litogation · May 2002

I noticed your review at epinions, I was wondering, knowing what you know now are you going to change your review? Has the lemon you recieved soured your general feeling on the VUE?

By the way I thought your review was pretty good!

onelucky7 · May 2002

Honestly, GM, I have thought about changing my review but right now my answer would have to be a tentative NO. I think I have a wait and see attitude. Honestly though, I think the Vue is a good vehicle overall. I just got a poorly constructed one. But since the problems are not widespread, it is my hope that they will not continue on my model. But stay tuned . . . this all may change if things continue in the same fashion

jdublu · May 2002

I noticed it right away, using the one touch open definitely causes it to go away.

OneLucky7: would your answer have been different (re: your review) if the quetioner hadn't been named GM_litogation? :-)

Does that question qualify as pre-trial discovery?

J

onelucky7 · May 2002

You know J, I haven't had much to lauh at lately but that made me laugh. Thanks!!

stever · May 2002

Lemon law is only one alternative. I think I'd talk to a lawyer or two in your situation, Onelucky7. How many trips, 17?

Steve
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theduke · June 2002

I appreciate your comment on the Vue vs the CR-V.
I am hesitating about the Vue and the CR-V at this time- so much that I am likely waiting for the fall to see the 2003 Vue. (Do not want a Ford ever).

Have you compared all the features in both the Vue and the CR-V? The CR has 4 disc brakes, back seat that move for and half and also flip forward. Can fit bikes standing up (don't think the Vue can), lift glass to reach in for little things, much space under the floor. All this is well priced too.
Engine-wise the large 4 sits between the Vue's V6 and the 4 and still get either man or auto (auto has a better fuel mileage which is unseen so far).

What are your vue on this? (no pound (sp?) intended).

vuefor2 · June 2002

I'm very happy with our VUE. We were thinking about the CR-V also (especially since we had good luck with our Civic), but the Honda dealership was not nice to deal with and I really liked the feel of the VUE. Prices were similar for a VUE and a comparable CR-V, I think the VUE was a little more, but we got a V6. The Saturn sales experience was excellent.

You are right, the Honda power is right in between the CR-V and the 2.2L VUE. I have never had a V6 and it's nice to have that little extra umph. The Honda 4 cyl is excellent though.

Some of the nice features we like on the VUE are the polymer doors, the grocery holder (works better than you think), the cool digital temp/ compass on the rear VUE mirror and the very comfortable seats.

I would think the 2003 model will bring a few improvements so it might be worth waiting for.

onelucky7 · June 2002

Steve:

I talked to a lawyer that specializes in Lemon Law cases. There are only two lawyers in Central and Northern Virginia that specialize in this. They told me that it does not qualify under the Lemon Law. A repair must be attmpted three times on the same item or it must spend 30 days in the shop in the first 18 months to qualify. I have reached neither of these milestones. It's been in the shop 22 days and has had 17 different repairs. Only 1 item has been reapired twice (the AC Evaporartor is in for the second time today). Though I could make the argument that the outer right front CV joint and the right front axle were two repairs on the same thing as the axle broke right where it connects to the CV joint two weeks after the CV joint was repaired.

I will say this Steve, IF I HAVE TO GO LEMON LAW AND FORCE THE ISSUE, I will no longer be seeking a replacement vehicle but rather my money back and I'll go buy something else.

Let me know if you have any ideas. I think I have gone as far as I can go legally at this time. But if it keeps going to the shop, it's only a matter of time before it will need replacing.

stever · June 2002

I was thinking more in terms of those failure of warranty of fitness cases you read about. Here's a link about used cars and implied warranties that has language that looks like it would cover a car that doesn't do what it's supposed to do. But your lawyers should have known about this, so maybe the lemon law overrules this type of case.

Maybe you could get a certain Mrs. Blake to go to bat for you (r,d & g if any Toyota owners are listening!).

Steve
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mmspeal · June 2002

Thanks for the tip about the one touch open for the sunroof - it definately gets rid of the helicopter noise!

npgmbr · June 2002

Starting to gradually see more and more VUEs on the roads in the in the Washington Metro Area. Saw a very nice black one last night.

Urgh.......I can't wait to get one.

onelucky7 · June 2002

Well fellas, as I told you I took the Vue in Monday with several more problems, the biggest being the Evaporator on the Air Conditioner.
They replaced the evaporator and dried out the carpet where the condensation leaked into the cabin. This was the second time on that repair.

They also replaced the brake pedal switch and the driver side sun visor. And it was due for the second oil change and rotating the tires which they also did.

They got it Monday. I got it back today (thursday). This makes 27 days in the shop since January 5th when I bought it for 19 problems. (see earlier posts)

I love the truck. I just think I got a lemon here. Three more days in the shop and I meet the threshold for the lemon law (30 days in the shop in the first eighteen months)

dindak · June 2002

It's too bad you are having such bad luck. How does the vehicle feel since you got it back. Do you think it's all fixed up now?

unlucky13 · June 2002

Hey everyone, I have been reading posts for months, I drove a VTi AWD. I did NOTlike it. I wanted to like it. I like the 6 cyl. dindak I think you would hate this drivetrain. It can not get out of its own way. It sounds like the 6 cyl when it is reved but all the time. Once at crusing speed it is very quiet. I could not live with this as my daily driver. How very disappointing! I know a cvt will take some getting used to but I thought the 6 cyl was annoying. (all that noise and not that much punch). BTW I own a 95 SL1 and although it is no hot rod it is way more drive-able.

onelucky - I couldn't resist!

theduke · June 2002

I am considering a 2002 Vue.
Is it possible to fit 2 mountain bikes standing up behind the front seat?
Has anyone tried?
Thanks

gehe · June 2002

Hello.
-The VUE accessories catalogue shows a picture of the cargo space with two bikes stood upright.
-One is a sports bike, the other mountain bike I think. The front wheels are removed.
-I guess the answer is yes.

-PS:- I think I am going to order a 2003 V6 VUE this next Friday !

theduke · June 2002

Thanks for the answer.

What do you know about the 2003 models?
any improvement?
How do you know it will be a 2003, I thought these did not show up until the fall.
Any price difference?

onelucky7 · June 2002

It's been in the shop so many times, Dindak that I never know whether it is fixed or not. It ALWAYS feels fine when I get it back and THEN . . .

By the way, I tested the VTI while mine was in for one of it's repairs and I really liked it, UNLUCKY. I thought it was smooth. It felt awkward because of the seamless transfer but it also felt very smooth. If you wanted a four cyl., it's kinda nice. I'd wait a year though, for them to work out the kinks.

dindak · June 2002

Hopefully this time you will be lucky. The lack of the VTi was one reason my wife wanted to wait on a VUE so it's good to hear you liked it. Maybe in a couple of years we will get one as I still like the VUE better than any other small SUV on the market. I see quite a few of them around now.

Saturn VUE

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