Saturn VUE

ottawascott · March 2003

And my annoyance has pretty much worn off as well! I bought the 4 cyl after reading that performance compared to the 6 was very comparable. I like the cheaper gas prices as well, especially in light of the huge spike they've taken. Overall my Vue has been a good buy. Im 6'5 and have loads of room. Initially I had wanted a used 4-Runner or Pathfinder, but I needed a can opener and a jar of vasoline to get in and out of them. After looking at used GM SUVs I realized I could get a new 4 cyl. Vue for about the same price. So far so good, tranny problems aside. Its been great in the snow too.

gehe · March 2003

-Whoa ! I skip out on this message board and all yoous guys start kicking up the dirty and having problems !! Struuuth ! (PS:- "yoous" = you plural in "Eminem" speak).
-Happy, and relieved, to say that VIV VUE is doing just fine. Startled to see all the Vti problems. I had the gas gauge fail once months ago, but it came right back up and has worked ever since. I never took it to the dealer.
-I still get that funky clunking when I first back out, but the dealer didn't think it was a problem or fault.
-Otherwise, she be going just fine and I'm still very thrilled with my choice. Always feels like a major treat on long distances.
-We have had the snowiest Winter on record in Jersey and VIV did just fine. Actually, she even beat out my 4x4 Tracker climbing thru 8" of old snow on my property.
-I even had the Propane Gas, delivery Truck bog down when it followed my VUE tracks in the snow and went off the driveway. Told the driver that following AWD tracks was probably not a good idea. The relief truck also got bogged down and they ended calling the cops to shut down the road for 3 hours whilst they brought in a huge wrecker to winch both Gas Trucks out !! Thank gawd for AWD.
-Of course, it would have helped if I had shoveled the driveway, but you generally don't have to here on the Jersey Cape.
-Interesting how time compacts or negates hard made decisions. I was warned against the Vti and I went with the V6 Auto. I was concerned about the Ford Escape problems and CR reports that they continue. They recommended the VUE, but not the Escape. Glad I went with the VUE.
Later ...

vuefor2 · March 2003

Usa - We have had no issues with out V6 AWD. It's been wonderful, especially in the snow and slick conditions of this long winter. I personally like the power of the V6 so if you can afford it.. get one.

Ottwa : Glad your Vue is fixed. Saturn is a good company to deal with. Our experience was so good we bought an Ion last month and we are now an all Saturn house hold.

dindak · March 2003

If I park our sedan outside in extreme cold the auto shifter is very stiff in the morning. I don't think it's an unusual phenomenon.

mmspeal · March 2003

Yes indeed, I have the 4cyl standard and it is definately a lot harder to shift when it is cold. Getting it into reverse is especially difficult sometimes. Other than that though ... 22 000 km and still no problems with it.

vuefor2 · March 2003

With all the warm weather this weekend, no need to worry about frozen cars any more.

mtena · March 2003

Very glad to see the newspaper ads indicating that GM points can be redeemed for Saturn through March. I have over 1,200 earnings points and am very much in the market for Saturn.

The local (SF Bay Area) dealers are also advertising a $1,000 "owner loyalty" rebate for current GM/Saturn owners and a $2,000 "customer choice" allowance for the Vue in lieu of 0% financing. Are these discounts national? I don't recall Saturn discounting like this before.

rocketbob · March 2003

I find the rear window of my Vue collects dirt,slush etc kicked up by the rear wheels. Has
anyone bought the rear air deflector? Does do a good job of keeping the window clear?

I think it is attached with self adhesive, not
bolted on. Owners with the front bug deflector
have complained about the deflector de-laminating.
A problem if you go through a car wash!

It would cost $250 Canadian to have it installed
so I want to be sure it is worth the cost.

mmspeal · March 2003

I do have the tailgate deflector but I got it installed before I took delivery so I don't really know the difference before and after. From mini vans and other VUE's I've seen on the road though, I don't think mine gets as dirty with the deflector.

It isn't a stick on like the hood deflector, there is some kind of bracket that bolts on the top of the tailgate but I don't think it actually bolts into the tailgate itself.

As far as the hood deflector goes ... I am on my 3rd one in less than a year - thank god I bought it before delivery so it is under warranty for 3 years. They kept coming off - first time, they fixed it, then replaced it, then replaced it again. This time it seems to be okay - it has actually been a few months since I've had a problem with it. I actually took my VUE throught a car wash for the first time this weekend. I've always washed it myself but I was away for the weekend and just couldn't handle seeing it so dirty when the sun was shining on it so brightly!
Are you saying the car wash will wreck the deflectors?

Does anyone have the side window deflectors? They look nice - just wondering if they actually do anything.

buckfan · March 2003

We bought the fwd v6 while on vacation in Pensacola Fl. The only complaint is at low speeds the engine is a bit noisy but calms down after reaching about 2000rpm. We have 1500 miles on it and have been very happy with the VUE to this point. We have averaged around 25mpg with good power and all the mechanical parts are working as advertised (it's strange when you get what you pay for these days)and the wife loves to drive it all around town.

zapcat · March 2003

Does anyone know when the 2004 vue will be displayed at an autoshow? Any real info on the interior, colors, mpg with the new Honda v6?

vuefor2 · March 2003

Congrats on the Vue, we have an AWD V6 and we love it. No issues to report. Unfortunately they didn't have the FWD version last year though the AWD has been nice to have in the snow.

dindak · March 2003

I doubt you will see anything until the summer.

julians · March 2003

Does anyone have any experience with an aftermarket rear facing third row seat for a VUE?

maynardf1 · March 2003

Tailgate deflector does make a big difference. I drove for 4 mos. without. It's not as effective fighting road spray this time of year (here anyway) but in the summer, it cuts down on the dust.
And it's very solid once installed.

usaf52 · March 2003

I've been driving some vehicles with manual shifts over the past 40 years. There are manual shifts and there are manual shifts. Some shift like butter and others are teeth grinders to get into gear. Reading some of the posts, It seems to appear that the VUE has a somewhat tough tranny, even in warm weather. One poster said it took two hands to get it into first gear in the morning.
Would like to hear comments from you manual owners. Thanx

dindak · March 2003

I wouldn't say the VUE 5-speed is like butter, but it's a good. I tested one last year. Getrag is a very good manual box maker, I don't think you have a lot to worry about.

lumina77 · March 2003

Looking for some help. Thinking of getting a V6 AWD but heard somewhere that the V6 FWD drives much better and is $1500 cheaper. Would appreciate any advice in deciding what is better. (Live in Maryland where it does snow from time to time.)

Also, the incentives ($2000 rebate, $1000 GM loyalty rebate, can use GM credit card points)are really good now but are said to expire the end of March. Anyone know or think they will be extended?

usaf52 · March 2003

I think all the manufacturers will have to keep going with their incentives. If they don't, whose going to buy a car on April 1st?

dindak · March 2003

The GM point thing could expire. Other incentives will likely continue with the war.

If you don't think you will need the AWD, don't get it and save some $$. I don't think it makes any difference in terms of ride though.

oarlox · March 2003

dindak- Do you actually own a VUE ?

dindak · March 2003

Not yet. I love the vehicle though and once our car is paid off next year I may buy one. I think the VUE, CR-V, Escape and upcoming Equinox will all be in the hunt.

vuefor2 · March 2003

Oarlox ::: Dindak is a honorary Vue owner. ;-)

Lumina ::: AWD is nice and we like it. We get a fair amount of snow and it helps. That said, you can get away with out it and save yourself some money. If you take it easy on the snow the FWD should be fine.

dwabid · March 2003

Personally I own a AWD6 and I find the drive to be excellent. The thing to keep in mind is that the AWD is not full time. The AWD system in normal conditions will operate in FWD, only when the front wheels slip will the system send about 30% to 40% (forgot the actual number) of power to the rear wheels. In slippery conditions it makes a considerable difference.

When it comes to snow, ice or gravel/rough roads, I highly recommend it. It works great in heavy snow!! But if you plan to only drive on the highway or city streets and don't have snow or ice...I think the FWD is suffice.

zapcat · March 2003

Well the incentives were too good to pass up, so I have made a deal on a FWD V6 Sliver/gray. I will take delivery in a few days.
More info to follow...Any Pictures of a Hitch installed on a VUE out there?

rocketbob · March 2003

what kind of mileage are you folks getting. My FWD
v6 is only getting 16 MPG in the city and 25MPG
on the highway. These are Imperial gallons, 4.2 litres. I think this is poor but what are others
getting.

dindak · March 2003

Congrats. I thought you were waiting for the new V6?

What kind of deal were you able to get? Did you add any options?

davmyrnis · March 2003

I have the V6-AWD and am getting consistently 24 MPG in mixed driving, mostly highway.

I also think it is poor, but It is the nature of the beast.

vuefor2 · March 2003

Dwabid ::: That's exactly right. For a few extra bucks you get an AWD system that kicks in when you need it. As much as I like it, I think I would have gone with the FWD if I had the option today. $1500 is $1500.

Zapcap ::: Welcome to the club!

Davmyrnis ::: On our first highway trip we got about 28-29 mpg. I haven't been keeping tabs lately though.

julians · March 2003

I picked up my new VUE yesterday. Base as it comes. 5-speed, FWD, no options, Orange. I may miss Cruise control and a reading light, but that is it. Other base cars I have seen have covers over spots were the fancy buttons are to go, this one does not do that. It looks very clean. I have been reading this board for a while and thanks for all the info, it made my decision easy.

dindak · March 2003

If power locks were included on the base it would be tempting as the price is right. Unfortunately with a family, manually locking all the doors 3 times a day is a bit of a chore.

usaf52 · March 2003

was pretty positive except the manual transmission which they called "balky". The Getrag transmission should be fine, and if it were the tranny then all of them would have a hard shifting problem, but only a portion of them do. Therefore, it would seem to indicate that the linkage is at fault and the trouble lies in the Spring Hill plant assembly. Talking to the dealer about the manual resulted in that far away stare, the "I don't know what you're talking about look". I guess Saturn is going to deny a problem exists.

snitzer1 · March 2003

I now own my second Saturn SL1-4dr. Would like to purchase VUE while incentives are on. Confused about FWD and AWD/ I live in SE Pa. Much snow this winter but not much in recent years. Does anyone have any suggestions. Trying to keep price down but also want good handling in snow. My SL1 handles very well in bad weather but is too low to the ground in heavy snow.

vuefor2 · March 2003

We live in Indiana and the snow was easy to handle with our V6 AWD. That said, I don't think the AWD kicked in too many times and I'm sure a FWD will be fine. I think we would have gone FWD if it was available when we bought our Vue and saved some money. I think it really depends on the driver though.

dwabid · March 2003

Snitzer1: Take a look at my previous message (2399) Perhaps that would help. I was a 93 SL2 owner until I purchased the VUE. It handled very well in the snow. My only complaints about its snow handling was, low clearance, the performance/Normal mode transmission switch (make sure you were in normal when it was slippery), lousy factory installed tires (Good year aqua-treads fixed that).

I have to admit though my previous late 80's Toyota Corrola was much better. If you have heavy snow the AWD is great and is a drastic improvement to the SL, but if you were satisfied and accustomed to the handling with the SL...its a flip of th coin. Personally I really enjoy the AWD.

maynardf1 · March 2003

We have a 5-speed manual, front-wheel-drive and just got through a fierce winter up here. Lots of snow and no problems getting around and through it without 4WD, fwiw.

dindak · March 2003

Living in Canada all my life, I have never really had any trouble with snow and FWD cars. Living in an urban / suburban area, anyone with any snow driving ability should be ok with a FWD VUE. Of course, it is definitely nice to have the AWD if you don't mind spending the extra money.

zapcat · April 2003

The service engine light has come on multiple times over the weekend along with the speedo going to zero while driving at 30 MPH. The car also would feel sluggish or like it was 'dragging' the transmission for 2-3 seconds (as much as 5 sec). Boy am I glad they have that 30 day return policy. Too bad I sold my car. Vue came home Thursday and was in the shop the following Monday with only 114 miles on it.

vuefor2 · April 2003

Are you returning the Vue? Is it an automatic or a 5-speed?

dwabid · April 2003

Groan... Sorry to hear that. Let us know what happens.

zapcat · April 2003

It is both.......

saturnfreak01 · April 2003

Compared to this time last year.. Saturn sales are up 37% overall. VUE sales are up 116% compared to this time last year.. ION sales nearly doubled compared to february sales... Sales of the redesigned L-Series cars are up 20.8% for the first three months of 2003..

link.. http://www.saturnfans.com/Company/2003/march03sales.shtml

dindak · April 2003

Why did you at least not give them a chance to fix it though? It may have just been something little. Seems a little rash just to return it after a few days.

zapcat · April 2003

I still have it. I sold my 'old' car. They say it is fixed. So far so good, they installed a new input speed sensor.
The incentives I used were...
0% for 5 years, $1000 loyalty, GM supplier discount ($800), GM card rebate ($3400), plus $500 bonus cash(supplier/card) I also haggled off another $200 on dealer add-ons and started with an MSRP of $22930

mtena · April 2003

The weekend car ads from the Saturn dealers in my area continue to list GM Card rebates as one of the current incentives.

samwiseinky · April 2003

OK, now this is interesting. I've been wavering between the Pontiac Vibe and the Vue for various reasons. Vibe of course is GM Card earnings eligible, and I was assuming the Vue was not. But some of these posts suggest otherwise, even though Saturn's not listed on the GM Card site.

Anybody know if I can get the GM Card earnings on the Vue?

Thanks.

oarlox · April 2003

What have you paid for the Saturn Extended Service Vehicle Coverage. I have owned the VUE for over a year and soon approching the end of the standard warranty plan, 3yr 36k. We haven't needed to use the plan but being we run up the mileage so quickly we are thinking about the Extended Plan.

zapcat · April 2003

GM card says SATURN has decided to accept GM card earnings as of April 1, 2003 but only up to $1000 no matter which kind of card you have. I do not know if this will expire.

zapcat · April 2003

http://www.media.gm.com/news/releases/030407_vue.html

vuefor2 · April 2003

WOW. A 250 HP Vue, who would have thunk? That almost seems like too much power. Our V6 has 181 HP and it's very peppy as is. I guess the 3.0L will still be available?

Glad to hear you still kept your Vue. Is all ok now?

Saturn VUE

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