Saturn VUE

afk_x · May 2001

The VUE will be the first Saturn that cannot be flat towed. The only one one you can is the 4 cyl manual.

Pricing is one topic I KNOW I cannot discuss less GM send a hit man out to see me.

vonnyvonce · May 2001

Waiting with eager anticipation for the VIE. Features I like, polymer panels, stainless steel exhaust, sunroof, side bags, technically advanced engine including drive by wire, CT transmission, electric power steering pump, oil life monitor.

What's missing. Like automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors(this may be an option I guess) and wish the rear glass opened up seperately from the full hatch back. not crazy about placement of power windows switches.

afk_x · May 2001

Climate control will be available.

Heated outside mirrors are a standard feature

rdllarena · May 2001

I just got back from Saturn of Troy, Michigan dealership yesterday.

Turns out they are going to have a VUE in their showrooms for the rest of the week. There is a photo session in the works and with the upgraded dealership (Looks fabulous!), Saturn is delivering a VUE there short-term. Also, I believe deliveries will start in October. The dealership is accepting $100 deposits for a place in line. As soon as I find the salesman's card I will post his name & number as well. Please tell him that I sent you!

Thanks!

vonnyvonce · May 2001

Will climate control be available in a model with the 2.2 and CVT? I do like the availability of "stand alone" options with Saturn. You can truly get the vehicle you want.

afk_x · May 2001

I assume you will be able to get a 4 cyl with all the bells and whistles. I admit that this is only an educated guess.

I do know that you won't be seeing the VUE for sale in October.

December at the earliest.

rando2 · June 2001

The Suzuki XL-7 can be towed behind an RV. It's a pretty nice SUV. It has a ladder frame, and 4wd with a low gear for serious off road, 3rd row seats with rear air, moon roof, 16 alloys, v6, auto, CD, etc, etc for and MSRR under 25K. That's for the touring model, others are less.

cb70 · June 2001

n/m

dindak · June 2001

I saw on Saturnfans.com that an extended version of the VUE will be available in 2003 with a Honda V6 instead of the Saturn 3.0L. Anyone know if this is a done deal. I wonder what size the Honda engine will be and if it will use the GM CVT?

kahkgozinya · June 2001

Last I heard, GM's major Japanese partner is Toyota. They're working on the Vibe/Matrix and have partnered to produce other GM/Toyota vehicles in the past (Prizm/Corolla). Wouldn't throwing Honda in the mix just screw up GM's long-standing relations with Toyota?

It just doesn't make financial sense, considering Honda is doing well financially and doesn't need any kind of partnership with any other automaker. They're even on the way to making thier own SUV. The partnership bewteen Isuzu & Honda happened long before GM acquired Isuzu, so I don't think there is anything directly going on between GM & Honda.

I dunno. Stranger things have happened......Just look at the Aztek!

dindak · June 2001

Honda and GM signed an agreement over a year ago for swapping technology. Honda was to supply engines for a Saturn model in exchange for transmissions or something. GM works with many companies so I don't think working with Honda will make any difference.

sr_body · June 2001

I know GM makes trannys for BMW. But WHY,WHY,WHY does Saturn want a Honda engine when GM has a whole bunch to chose from? The 4.2L 275 HP Vortec 6-banger from the new GM SUVs quickly come to mind. The engine bay looks like it might even be able to hold a 6.0L 345hp Vortec V8.

corsicachevy · June 2001

corsicachevy · June 2001

srbody - I don't think that a Vortec V8 or I6 is in keeping with the general priorities of the target Saturn customer. First, the engine bay in the VUE is arranged for a transverse application. I know that Volvo has found a way to mount an I6 transversely, but I think the Volvo I6 is a much shorter engine and was pretty tricky to fit in the S80's front end - not worth the effort in my opinion. A transverse mounted V8 with 350+ lb-ft of torque? Poor transaxle!

It's nice to dream about these things, but there is no way that the above mentioned engines would be offered as standard (or even optional) equipment. I wish that the VUE came with the Catera's 200hp 3.0 V6 instead of the less ambitious Saturn version. If not that, why not drop the 3800 V6 in there? It's bullet proof and produces great power, but not great sounds.

dindak · June 2001

I wouldn't be surprised if the 3.0L in the Vue was tuned for a little more horsepower. It will be interesting to see what the final specs are. The information out is all very vague at this point though the brochure I have gives the same rating as the LS 3.0L.

kahkgozinya · June 2001

I hope they don't use the same engine as the 3.0L LS! 182HP/190TQ might be adequate for a cute-ute in entry-level trim, but not for a mid-size SUV. Average HP ratings for the mid-size class are in the 220-240HP range.

Just look at sales of the pre-2002 GM SUVs, or the pre-245HP Pathfinder: Low HP = No Sales

The exception to the rule being Toyota's 4-Runner which sold very well despite a very lethargic 183HP engine. I guess 4-Runner buyers are more into quality & reliability than boat-towing.

Another exception is the Isuzu Rodeo which sold well because it was affordably priced.

dindak · June 2001

The 182 HP 3.0 is what will be in the Vue. That being said, it's not the size or weight of a Pathfinder or a Blazer. The Vue is a larger cute-ute, about the size of the Escape/Tribute. Actually the standard engine will be the Saturn LS 4 banger.

kahkgozinya · June 2001

Thanks for clearing that up. The model/"spokesperson" at the VUE display at the Vegas New Auto Show last fall said it was going to be a mid-size. Guess you just can't get good help nowdays.

The VUE on display did look like a mid-size though. It was bigger than the X-Terra parked next to it, but just a TAD smaller than the 2002 Explorer parked across the aisle.

dindak · June 2001

The Vue will definitely be on the big end of the cute-ute scale. I think 182 HP should be very good so long as there is no towing and/or very heavy loads. The 4 cyl model will likely be on the weak side if paired with an auto transmission. It will be interesting to see how these new Saturns turn out.

stever · June 2001

Saturn's Spring Hill plant ramping up for new SUV production

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dindak · June 2001

COOL!

I can't wait to test one.

docralpho · June 2001

I saw an orange VUE in Phoenix several months ago. Unlike others, I liked the orange color a lot. The Saturn attendants would not let viewers view the inside of the VUE. The exterior shape was very pleasing. I, too, have heard that the new Saturn SUV will get a Honda engine. I thought the 182 hp mill that has been discussed might be from Honda, but the Honda engine may be a ways off. I have seen a number of Jeep Libertys, and driven two of them. I am in the market for a smaller SUV. The Liberty does offer a low speed 4 x 4 option which is nice. It does not get great mileage (16/20). The Liberty back seats do not fold flat--the VUE seats are said to do so. The Liberty weighs around 4000 lbs. The VUE is to weigh around 3500 lbs, so the 181-2 horses should do reasonably well. The Saturn V6 is to have a 5 speed auto, which should be nice. Appears the VUE will do light off-road use, whatever that means. I suppose if whatever you encounter does not cause the vehicle to get stuck, then that is "light offroading". I hope the gas mileage of the V6 VUE is as good or better than the Escape/Tribute and Liberty. It is unfortunate that turbo-diesel engines of lower displacement and better mileage are not used in the USA much. I understand the diesel fuel here is said to have much more sulfur than Euro-diesel, and thus we don't get the more efficient turbo-diesel engines.
Enjoying the Vue discussion, and anxiously awaiting to see some VUEs on the streets and in dealerships! Also anticipating the new, larger Honda CRV, the Honda Model X, the new VW SUV, and several others....

dindak · June 2001

Thanx for the post.

From what I understand the Honda powered EXT version will not be out till at least 2003. I need a new vehicle next year so I can't wait. I don't think I would need it and it will likely be an expensive option anyway. I'm actually considering the 4 cyl model and will test it also when we go shopping.

docralpho · June 2001

Appears we'll have to wait awhile to get to kick the tires on a VUE and drive one. "For" waiting to do so is that the vehicle does look to have a number of nice features, and a very attractive design.
I went and looked at Jeep Libertys again last night. I used to own an 89 Cherokee. There are MANY Jeep Cherokees around here (Albuquerque,NM). I believe the Cherokee offered great value--roomy, go-anywhere capability, tow capacity, pretty comfortable, and not-too-bad gas mileage, all for a reasonable cost. I think the new Liberty will do that, and in spades, too. The new Liberty was built in a state-of-the-art factory. Fit and finish are quite good, if not excellent; much better than the Cherokee. Chrysler built 1200 pre-production models for testing. I believe I could live with most of the Liberty shortcomings (limited area behind back seats, back seats don't fold flat, marginal gas mileage). The trade-off allows 210 horsepower, 5000 lb.tow capacity, and a low range transfer case for greater out-of the-way treks than other similar size vehicles. Plus, there should be MANY after-market accessories for the Jeep. A plus for the VUE is dealing with Saturn, a company that I believe receives very high customer satisfaction ratings--unlike Chrysler which collectively--and in my own experience--is lousy.
Reservations about Liberty--gas mileage, reliability and rollover potential.
As to mileage, over a 100,000 mile use, 20 miles per gallon versus 25 miles per gallon would take an extra 1000 gallons, or 100 gallons a year for a ten year period ($150 +/- per year, not too bad). A low-restriction air filter and cat-back exhaust could improve the mileage some.
As to reliability, I have never seen a comprehensive review of this subject, in which severity of car use is weighed in with breakdown rate. I have owned over 50 cars/trucks and all of them eventually need brakes, alternators, water pumps, etc, even Hondas and Toyotas. Jeeps and other utility vehicles may receive harsher use.
The Liberty is quite high, and appears subject to greater rollover capacity. I hope someone tests for this as well as front end and offset safety crashes.
I do not know much about Saturns, but think they initially were quite good, then reliability was said to fall off. Maybe the VUE will change that trend. I plan a trip to the local Saturn dealer to see if they have any VUE news.

moetown · June 2001

Anyone have any idea what they're setting the Vue price at? Saw one yesterday and it's pretty appealing if you want a smaller, hybrid SUV.

haiduc · June 2001

I'm very interested in the smaller SUVs, and the VUE specifically. Saturn is known for great customer satisfaction, and that is a big plus.
Depends on how powerful the 4-cyl is I actually like the idea of a loaded VUE with the 4/CVT configuration. I don't care about 4x4, and the ability to choose your options independent to actually "build" your own car is appealing. For example, Ford Escape's 4-cyl is not available with automatic. The VUE looks unique too. I can't wait to see the full spec and available options on this SUV.

dindak · June 2001

CVT sounds very cool. It's almost worth getting the 4 cyl model just for that reason. Do CVTs get better mileage than a standard 4 or 5 speed autos?

mpaetsch · June 2001

Does anyone have any information on the interior dimensions?

otis12 · June 2001

Yes, CVTs get better milage than conventional auto trannies. The Civic HX, which is the CVT model, gets 35 mpg city/40 highway vs. 30/38 for the conventional automatic. The '02 Audi A4 also is offering a CVT. MY question is: does anyone know if the Vue's CVT is a homegrown GM product or is being obtained from another manufacturer?

stever · July 2001

Sky's the limit

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dindak · July 2001

I think the SS Vue is waste of money but that's only an opinion. The Vue will sell itself and given the hype, should easily sell out next year.

cb70 · July 2001

I thought you were interested in a VUE after your lease ran out on your current vehicle. Care to divulge?

dindak · July 2001

I love the Vue. If you re-read my post, I am talking about the Vue Blimp Saturn is using to promote the truck.

cb70 · July 2001

I guess I misunderstood.

cberes · July 2001

the floodlight idea sounds great-- Saturn seems to be offering some pleasing features with the VUE.
Hope Saturn has been paying close attention to the debacles involving Mitsu's, Escapes/Tributes, Explorers, etc. Even the new Jeep Liberty is not without its teething problems-- hope Saturn really focuses on product quality. We are in the market for the VUE.

dindak · July 2001

Pretty much every new vehicle has problems. Even the Toyota Sequoia and Honda Oddyssy have had more than their fair share. A new vehicle always has an extra risk factor.

cberes · July 2001

You're so right. I just hope that-- since Saturn is coming into the game so late-- they will have some advantage! And I hope they are testing the heck out of the VUE before releasing it into the marketplace. It would be nice to see critics hail instead of skewer (as they always seem to do with Saturn) this new product. Hope Saturn is armed and ready!

keninplacitas · July 2001

I was close to purchasing a Jeep Liberty when I heard that Saturn was coming out with the VUE. Since then I have done what research I could (there's still not a lot available). Saturn's reputation tied to the fact that it looks to meet my needs/wants means I'll wait before purchasing. The fact that the back seat folds flat (and the pictures seem to show the front right seat folding flat too) is a real plus. My calculations seem to indicate that the V6 should get 23 to 24 miles to the gallon (another major plus over Liberty). I like the quality of materials, fit, and finish on the liberty (doesn't look or feel cheap, especially on the inside). I will be very disappointed if these qualities in the VUE don't match or exceed Liberty's. It looks to me like there will be two American SUVs that will provide serious competition for those market dominating Asian Cute Utes. Let's just hope and pray that they also exhibit near Toyota like long term quality and reliability.

tronsr1 · July 2001

I realize Saturn Division is a separate entity from GM,however;I think it would benefit them to accept the GM credit money points toward the purchase of a Saturn product. It seems to me it would help boost their sales and it is really all in the same pot.

dindak · July 2001

Here in Canada we have always been able to use GM points on Saturn/Saab/Isuzu vehicles. I think Saturn was allowing them to be used on L-series in the U.S. Not sure if that program was permanent or temporary though. You mite want to contact your local dealer.

tronsr1 · July 2001

Thanks,will do!

afk_x · July 2001

Cannot be used on Saturns. I have no idea why. For a very limited time they allowed the card to be used on L series only. That was over a year ago....

docralpho · July 2001

Is that Placitas, NM (I am in NM).
I saw the VUE in Phoenix and thought is was quite nice. The attendants would not allow persons to look inside (vehicle was on a rotating stage). I believe the V6 version should weigh about 3600lbs. The VUE appears to offer some "pluses" over the Liberty--more inside space, flat fold-down seats, and likely better mileage. As to VUE inside finish, the jury is out. The VUE off-road concept "outdoor expression" may have ostrich accents inside; pictures I've seen appear to show very high quality/ attractive interior in that case.
The Liberty has some nice features, too. I am sorry, however, that the cargo space is not improved over the Cherokee, and the vehicle weight is up some 600 to 700lbs. Liberty will be a thirstier machine (than other small SUVs), and could have been built to be more fuel efficient, and peppier than the Cherokee. The low-range transfer case is nice on Liberty, and certainly it is more an off-roader than the others, which is something to consider.
It may be that with some modifications, both the VUE and Forester could be improved upon for off-road use, albeit, light use--not rock-crawling. I understand Forester is due for an update soon, too, so should be interesting. I also like the new RAV-4, and plan to take another look at it.

dindak · July 2001

Major bummer! Wonder why GM allows it here and not in the U.S. I have about $1000 saved up. Should have $1500 when buying time hits next spring.

moonmullen · July 2001

I have done extensive research into the SUV market for my next car purchase. I had narrowed my search to the Escape and Tribute and finally narrowed down to the Tribute. I just heard about the VUE and I'm excited to look into it. My question is, what mini suv is it more like? I think the Forrester (I own and love my Subaru) and Honda CRV are more like station wagons than SUV. Is the VUE more like the Honda CRV or the Escape/Tribute? Anyone heard about price? Thanks for the input!!

dindak · July 2001

From what I hear it will probably be more like a cross between the Tribute and the CRV. Pricing will start at under $20K.

keninplacitas · July 2001

My local dealer mentioned that the price of the VUE would run between 16 and 24k (he didn't show me any internal memos to confirm that though).

Yes DocRalpho, Placitas, NM it is. From the tone of your postings it looks like we're chasing down similar paths. Personally, I want a viable, sit high in the cab SUV that gets good gas milage, is not built on a truck frame, is fun to drive, will tow a trailer, can be used for light off-road work, has good storage space, is reliable, is comfortable for long trips (I have over 30k miles on my 2000 Audi A4 Quatro), and has enough power to satisfy my defensive driving needs (I already mentioned the fun to drive part). How about you?

docralpho · July 2001

Yes, am searching along similar lines. Have driven or been in most of what is out there. There are a number of other interesting vehicles in the wings (CRV Honda--new model, Honda Model X, VW SUV (and cool microbus concept), the VUE and many others. I liked the Santa Fe, not sure bout long-term reliability. Tribute was nimble and peppy--would rate it pretty high. I liked the Liberty a lot, too, but not the gas mileage. It remains a contender, even perhaps in 2wd clothes with a limited slip diff (for better mileage), The RAV4 is a bit small, and but 148 hp, yet very nicely built, and great mileage; perhaps with a turbo or supercharger.... A great RAV4 site is:http://rav4world.com/

Lots of Vue stuff at: http://www.saturnfans.com/Saturn_Models/VUE/2002/index.html. I am anxious to see the VUEs when released. The Toyota Highlander is very nice, but a bit too sedate and "uptown" looking (and costing)for my tastes. There are numerous 4 x4 vehicles we don't get in the US which I would enjoy (Nissan Patrol, etc) See 'em at http://www.4wdonline.com/vehicle.html

"All will be revealed in the fullness of time...."

afk_x · July 2001

Is basically a poor mans verison of the Lexus RX300.

Smooth car like ride - with peppy perfomance in the V6.

Also very versitile in regards to cargo room.

I think its hitting a sweet spot in the marktet.

You won't be able to get one for 16K tho. The LW200 starts at almost 19K for a manual.

dindak · July 2001

afk_x : The starting price I have heard is $19K and change. I think the Rendezvous is closer to a poor man's RX300. Vue is more of a high end cute-ute in my mind.

docralpho : I have tried out the CR-V, RAV4, Tracker, Tribute. Don't like the looks of the Santa Fe and the RAV4 has a very noisy engine for a Toyota. Tribute was best followed but the CR-V. Saturn is a must test when it comes out. Decision time will be May/June 2002.

Saturn VUE

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