Saturn VUE

keninplacitas · July 2001

Thanks for the VUE link docralpho. Finally got to see what colors they come in, kind of a limited selection isn't it. Looks like they're trying to use a color scheme that grabs the attention of others on the road. I'd like for them to have offered colors that are more offroad friendly (more subtle). They'll look good on a car in an urban driveway though.

Does anyone know if the spare tire is full size? I loathe those spacesaver spares. The externally mounted spares look good, save internal space, easy to get to if you're off road, but they make for one lousy rear bumper. A friend's brand new Rav4 was hit from the rear. The whole rear entry was crushed, a truly, ugly sight.

Thanks again,
Ken

docralpho · July 2001

Don't know bout the VUE spare tire. I would put the Tribute very high among the small SUVs with no low gear transfer case. Believe it was rated number one in a Car and Driver test of 11 or 12 of such vehicles. The VUE could do as well or better. It will have a less powerful engine than the Tribute, however. Time will tell, but should be fun to see and drive the VUE, in any event.

keninplacitas · July 2001

Hi docralpho,

Your response regarding the Tribute tweaked my interest so I researched what recent Tribute buyers had to say about it. Well, they seemed more than a little disappointed in the car's quality (multiple visits for warranty work) and in the fact that it's "very noisy". Gas milage was also an issue. If buyers of the VUE show similar concerns, I'll probably buy a Jeep Liberty. Recent buyers of the Liberty mention things that they wish' were a little different, but I've seen no real concerns' expressed. The Liberty's gas milage hasn't been mentioned but Liberty buyers tend to go into their purchase knowing full well that it's a 16/20 mpg vehicle.

dindak · July 2001

I have some concerns about the Tribute/Escape also. 5-6 recalls is scary. That being said, we will be looking next spring and I figure the bugs should be all out by then. I drove one in the winter and it was quite good. Lots of room, decent mileage and great looks. The Vue looks to be the same and if the quality is good, it will sell out easy. Saturn service is top notch and after some of the experiences I've had, I need that.

afk_x · July 2001

The liberty will have its share of recalls!

I expect the VUE to have at least one.

Its a first model year car under 30K. What do you expect?

afk_x · July 2001

We just got a couple of videos which compare the Saturn VUE to the competion. After watching them I will report back here. Should be fairly interesting.

docralpho · July 2001

I drove several Tributes, do not recall the engine being noisy. It was quite
peppy. I have seen some postings which show the Liberty and Ford Escape
acceleration times to be nearly identical. Some have said the Liberty was kind of a slug, but my understanding is that it will match the Escape. I have driven 2 Liberties; nice ride, and decent acceleration, though my former, slightly modified Cherokee "seemed" faster.

The Liberty interior (and exterior, too) does seem to be of higher quality to me, if not much higher. I like the Liberty interior, especially the leather in the Limited with the brushed metal finish accents.

There has been extensive talk about Liberty gas mileage, if not "bashing" of its independent front suspension in some forums. Liberty mileage on "un-broken-in" vehicles has been about 15 to 16mpg, with mixed use. The Liberty is some 500 to 700 lbs heavier than the Cherokee: too bad, as I am put off by the lousy mileage. The Liberty is
still towards the top of my short list. I await the VUE, however, hoping for a high quality finished product, decent gas mileage and some capacity for off-roadness. There has been a rumor that Chrysler may bring the turbo-diesel engine used on European Liberties to the USA if gas prices continue to be high. That would be a great development, I feel.
The Saturn videos noted in post 160 above should be interesting and I hope we hear about them.

dindak · July 2001

Let us know about those videos.

cberes · July 2001

the pressure's on! Keep us posted, friend--

docralpho · July 2001

So, where are the video reviews? Inquiring minds want to know. I read somewhere that the VUE can hold a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood in the back if the rear seats are folded down. Some amount of room if that is so. Any new news or photos out there about the VUE??

afk_x · July 2001

I settled down with a notepad and a pen ready to take some notes. A cheerful smiling corporate trainer comes onto the screen and explains what the purpose of the video tapes are - to compare the VUE to the competition. It then gives the tapes disclaimer - and a warning. The information on the tapes is NOT meant for the general public. (This is gonna be good I think to myself!)

Sorry to report the videos had nothing worthwhile on them to report here. All it did is talk about the basic features of the competion. Size of engines - horsepower ratings - cargo capacity - and other such info that you can get right here on edmunds.

I was hoping for 0-60 times 1/4 mile times feet traveled from 60-0 - interior noise levels - ride feel - ect ect ect It was also extremely limited in the information about the Saturn VUE.

It did cite a car and driver issue that had a mini SUV round up which I had already read. If you haven't you should. I'm sure Edmunds will do one very soon as well as this segment of the market is extremely popular right now.

The one thing that struck me in the videos was how darned attractive the VUE was driving around. Very nice!

docralpho · July 2001

So, I was wondering how you got said videos? Are they available to others? I was also impressed by the look of the VUE when I saw it in Phoenix at a car show. I saw the orangish colored one--rather interesting color that changed depending on lighting. I read the Car and Driver test of 11 or 12 smaller SUVs. I don't recall the Jeep Liberty was in the mix. Would wonder how the Liberty would stack up. Sounds like Saturn is paying attention to them all, and is hoping to edge out many of the competitors. Wonder when VUEs will begin showing up in car dealerships. I saw a group on TV tonight calling for much better SUV gas mileage, as 10 to 12 mpg above current values, on the average. I agree such a goal is a good one.

afk_x · July 2001

Are training tapes which are sent to each Saturn retailer. I have no idea how you could get them. I have no idea why you would want them. As I said - they contain information that is very basic, which is useful for Saturn sales consultants to learn basic information about the competition.

dindak · July 2001

My feeling is Saturn has not nailed down all the loose ends on production and some specs. The information still seems a bit general to me. Hopefully there will be more info soon.

cberes · July 2001

Does anyone know if production has actually begun-- had heard that July was the month-- any scoop?

acurahad · July 2001

Is the Axiom and the VUE the same auto? Pictured side /side they look the same.

afk_x · July 2001

Not even close.
They look quite differnet to boot!

acurahad · July 2001

Go to the saturn & isuzu web site look at the autos from the front door back. the same. the windows, same shape & body same slope & fender bulge over the wheels, the same. I have to disagree with you.

sr_body · July 2001

They only LOOK the same. The measured dimensions are completely different.

Using your line of reasoning, the GMC Yukon and the GMC Envoy must be the same vehicle because they LOOK the same.

diploid · July 2001

Then all Acura models are the same.

afk_x · July 2001

A Saturn enthusiast visited the factory and posted some pictures.

http://icdweb.cc.purdue.edu/~whitacre/saturn_photos.htm

stever · July 2001

It may be way late to the game, but General Motors Corp. has bold plans for the Saturn Vue -- the automaker's springboard into the red-hot market for small, car-based sport- utility vehicles.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

afk_x · July 2001

http://www.isuzuaxiom.com/welcome.php

http://www.saturnbp.com/vue/

Definately not the same but I admit they look more similar that I had thought

mmackenzie1 · July 2001

any idea on when pricing info will be available? Thanks.

afk_x · July 2001

Someone over at Saturnfans posted a link to this article. Good reading

http://www.detroitnews.com/2001/autos/0107/24/c01-252682.htm

keninplacitas · July 2001

Sorry to see this site go static. The only recent VUE announcements seen lately seem to dwell on how Chevy plans to use the VUE platform on several other Chevy funded vehicles. It almost feels like Chevy is trying to pull the rug out from under maverick Saturn's VUE before it even hits the streets. If Saturn doesn't start doing some PR with the car mags and and some pre-availability advertising pretty soon, the VUE is liable to end up being just another DOA statistic.

dindak · July 2001

Doubt it. The Vue is a great vehicle all on it's own. Unlike the dull L-series cars (which I think are ok), the Vue is a very exciting new truck. Everyone looking at it at the auto show was giving it nothing but compliments. The only thing Saturn must ensure is that quality is job #1.

docralpho · July 2001

I am also disappointed and agree that, to date, the news from Saturn regarding the VUE has been minimal. Also, pics from a posting above suggested a rather "plasticky" look to the Vue's interior (post 175). I have seen, and did like, the exterior of the Vue. I have been increasingly impressed with the Jeep Liberty. The Liberty appears to have significantly greater off-road capability than any of the car based SUV's, and the interior appears quite nice, including the Limited leather. Gas mileage has been reported up to 20.1 mpg at 65 to 70 mph with 5000 miles on one vehicle that so reported. Not too bad mileage for a heavy vehicle (4150 lbs), and possibly could be made better with intake (KN airfilter) and performance exhaust and ignition changes. Saturn needs to get it in gear or I think they will begin to lag further behind existing SUVs that will only be improved upon (Forester, Escape/Tribute, CRV Honda), and new ones yet to be released (from VW, Mitsubishi, Honda, etc).

dindak · July 2001

The interior may indeed be the weak point of the Vue. That said, all the Vues out there are prototypes and it has yet to be seen how the finished product will look. The weak point on the Liberty is the V6 gas mileage. Otherwise it's a decent looking small utility. I work across the street from a Chrysler dealer so I see them all the time now.

sdolven · August 2001

Just received the "VUE Outside" flyer from Saturn today. Looks pretty decent. I had a '93 SL2 (which I sold a year ago: it was either that or a Nissan Altima, but the Altima was bigger so we kept it. Wish the SL2 was larger.... it is a MUCH better car!) that worked flawlessly. Customer service was great and I loved the no-haggle pricing.

I am looking for a small SUV, that has plenty of features, GOOD GAS MILEAGE, reasonably safe and is priced right.

RAV-4 is out once I add the features I want..... the price for options on Toyotas skyrockets and you don't want one w/o the add ons. The back seat is also too small on the RAV-4.

Also looking at the CR-V. Can get a '01 for invoice almost: $21,300 on Carsdirect, LOADED. But it doesn't have any side airbags (head or body). The CR-V '02 is also coming out in a few months, but the estimated STARTING price is 22-23K. Thus, if you add on what you want, we're talking upper 20's (a la Toyota again)

The Escape/Tribute are nice and priced right but they SUCK GAS like a pig and (I think) still handles more like a truck. I have ridden in an RX-300 and it handled MUCH, MUCH better (well....look at the price diff. ha ha).

The Hyundai is decent, but who knows about reliability (yeah, I know about the warrenty but even w/that, I don't want to hassle w/dealers if there are problems). It also sucks gas.

Thus, I am back at Saturn. If the VUE can have decent HP and torque w/good milage, I will AGAIN be a customer and a raving fan.

For those that have qualms about 1st year problems, which is totally understandable, hear this: my brother purchased a '91 SL2 (first year) and drove it into the ground. 150,000+ miles in just over 2 years. It was flawless (like my '93). I really do think Saturn will get this done right the first time. They see how the Esc/Trib, Explorer, etc. have all had their delays and numerous recalls. Saturn, in my experience from owning 5 cars from 5 diff. manufacturers, was far and above the best to deal with, upfront and honest (yes, even honest....contradition with cars ha ha ha)and even pleasant.

I only hope the VUE comes out before my Nissan Faltima drops dead!

docralpho · August 2001

The Escape and Tribute are rated 18 city and 24 highway; the Liberty is 16 city and 20 highway. Those are V6 engines. The RAV4 Toyota and CR-V Honda do better, but have much less power from 4 banger engines, I believe. The Escape and Tribute weigh about 3500+/-lbs, the Liberty about 4150lbs. The Escape and Tribute actually get pretty decent mileage and have good performance (200hp and 3500lbs). The VUE is supposed to have about 181 horsepower, and (?) weight. It may, in fact, deliver pretty decent mileage with (?) performance. I am really sorry the Jeep folks did not build the Liberty to about 3600 lbs, or so, (like the Cherokee was) rather than the 4000+ lbs it is. The 210 hp engine in Liberty would really be nice if the vehicle weight was some 500 to 700 lbs lighter. Unfortunately, the US vehicles do not come with a turbo-diesel, found in European Liberties. At least you might get decent mileage and torque, too, with the turbo-diesel.
I note there is a short review of the VUE in the latest Automobile magazine. A red or orange VUE is on the cover, along with some other new vehicles.

otis12 · August 2001

The article states that the Vue will come standard with the 4-banger AND the CVT. That should be your fuel economy champ right there. I know that Honda charges close to $1,000 for the CVT on its Civic HX model compared to the standard five-speed. So I'm curious to see what a base Vue with CVT lists for, in addition to EPA mileage figures. Big question is whether the engine is adequate to haul the VUE around and handle those highway on-ramp merges.

otis12 · August 2001

The magazine also had a little sidebar article with diagram describing how the CVT works, FYI.

dindak · August 2001

Saw that article today. They had a couple of decent pictures also. I will likely go for a 6 cyl., but if the 4 cyl seems ok, I could be persuaded. Gas prices have stabilized, but I wonder how long it will all last.

drwilsc · August 2001

Does anyone know how much heavier (i.e. slower) a V6 VUE will be compared to a V6 L series sedan?

d2000one1 · August 2001

Here is some info that we've all been waiting on. These are official specs from GM. This should answer alot of your questions!!

http://media.gm.com/division/saturn/

Once the page loads, click on 2002 VUE and then choose Specs/Features.

There is also other interesting info there!!

dindak · August 2001

Pretty much everything there except a launch date and pricing. Not a lot I didn't already know, but thanx for the link!

keninplacitas · August 2001

Thanks for the link. The spare tire looks like it's full size (crummy looking wheel, but, none-the-less, full size - I think). I had read in earlier Saturn literature that the VUE would use a compact spare. Any other opinions on this picture? It sure looks full size to me. To some of you this may be a small thing, but to me it can mean totally ruling out a vehicle for potential purchase. The limited speed and distance for which you can use these things really limits your options in the event of a flat tire. I've had to use them twice over the years and in each case it proved to be a real pain in the a--. My current car, an Audi A4 provides a full size spare mounted on an aluminum alloy sport wheel that matches the other wheels (and American manufacturers continue to ask why people buy these foreign cars when American cars are "every bit as good" (don't I wish).

lbthedog · August 2001

Sorry if this disappoints you but the spare is not the same as the other wheels/tires. It is the same size (had to be because of the AWD) but it is considerably thinner.

dindak · August 2001

In 13 years of driving I have never had a flat tire.

What does the goodness of a car have to do with a spare tire? It's not meant to drive long distances on, it's to get you home or to a garage. Your Audi is rare if it has a full spare tire because most cars do not.

cb70 · August 2001

Really????????????????????????????????????

cberes · August 2001

My thoughts exactly.

dindak · August 2001

Anyone got some?

cb70 · August 2001

Will see it tomorrow, and I will hopefully be able to bribe them into letting me sit in it.

keninplacitas · August 2001

To me, the compact spare is indicative of the attitude of American car manufacturers. Imagine the end of that board room conversation between accounting, engineering, and marketing, "Okay then, we all grudgingly agree, this compact spare will provide a little extra room in our design and it will save one hell of a lot of money. The customer has shown that they won't stop buying our cars when we do these kinds of irritating little things, so, what's the next thing we can do to improve the bottom line that might irritate the customer a little but isn't enough to drive them away?"

With regard to 'other cars have compact spares', please name the SUVs that have them (SUVs are vehicles that are sometimes taken into wilderness areas to the good places to fish, hunt, camp and hike).

Now, I hope each of you who commented get a chance to use your compact spare in some out-of-the-way kind of place during a holiday weekend. I'm wishing this on you so you can better understand the implications of what I'm saying here. There's no meanness intended in this comment.

By the way, it wasn't so long ago that all cars had full size spares (info for you younger folks).

orangelebaron · August 2001

I take Keninplacitas position. I feel if there's room in the vehicle the manufacturer should at least offer a full size spare! Would you believe my friends $35,000 Volvo S70 comes with a donut!
Anyway, if someone drove 13 years without a flat, that's very nice I am really happy for them. But here in New York we get lot's of flats and I would rather drive on a full size spare.

Everybody has their reasons for buying or not buying a particular new car. If there is something you don't like about a vehicle, you should contact the manufacturer. If enough people did this maybe they would get the hint. Otherwise, they will continue to lose sales to a competitor. Maybe they don't care!

lbthedog · August 2001

They could have put a full size spare in the VUE but you've got to remember something, this vehicle really isn't that big. A full size spare would be at least four or five inches thicker and considerably heavier. And unlike many other vehicles in this class, the spare is under the floor in the back, not hanging underneath or outside on the back door. Sure it's a trade-off. But personally, I'd rather not have to deal with moving the thing every time I open the rear hatch or find it caked in mud when I do need it.

keninplacitas · August 2001

I wonder how the VUE's size does compare to, for instance, the Audi A4?

And orangelebaron has a good point, those east coast chuck holes can be real tire killers. I lived in the Boston area for about 7 years and both of my compact spare use events occurred there.

dindak · August 2001

While I see where you are coming from.. labeling a "missing full size spare" as a problem indicative of "American cars" is ridiculous. Has nothing to do with American cars.

Perhaps Saturn will offer a full size tire option if demand comes. Maybe you should send and e-mail to Saturn.

cb70 · August 2001

I work part time at a Tires Plus and I would say 90% of cars and 30-50% of suv/trucks come in on Tempa-spares. There are just as many foreign cars with small donuts as domestics, it has a lot more to do with how much you spend on a car not who makes it.

Saturn VUE

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