Saturn VUE

stever · September 2003

Here's the link:

Confessions of a Car Salesman

Steve, Host

tidester · September 2003

...beat me to it by SECONDS!
(but I stopped to read it!)
tidester, host

stever · September 2003

lol, it's like 11 pages long. There was some good follow up comments in the Letters to the Editor section back when it first came out. I think there's also a Confessions discussion in the archives....ah, yes, here's one:

Confessions of a Car Salesman: article comments

Steve, Host

dindak · October 2003

It always amazes me how some sales people can't see how treating people the way they themselves would like to be treated might sell more cars. My local Chev Olds dealer was not good to deal with (but luckily has a good service manager) so I had to drive 15 minutes down the highway to buy our Alero last year. Over the past 3 years I have gone to 3 different Saturn dealers and all have been excellent to put it mildly. Very relaxed and calm experiences. I think the pay one price thing helps a lot.

dindak · October 2003

http://www.saturncanada.com/ssi/english/vehicles/saturn/vue/vue_o- verview.html

drivven · October 2003

Forumites: We just had our first fillup with our '04 FWD V6 and the results are not great but come with two caveats. After approximately 180 miles we filled up and got 17.9mpg. Not great but two things were involved.

1. The first fillup was from the dealership and it appeared they hadn't given us a tank as full as we normally fill it (at the first shutoff).

2. The primary driver, my lovely wife, probably only had a total of 35-40 highway miles out of the approximate 180.

So, even tho 17.9 is not as advertised, it's still pretty decent and we expect will get better. You have to realize too that we took ownership of the vehicle with only a handfull of miles on it and of course the engine will be a bit tight. We'll keep you up to date on future tanks and hopefully improved results.

stever · October 2003

It's way too early to worry about the mileage, imo. My minivan didn't really hit its stride until it passed 3,000 miles, and it took another jump at 6,000. Some people get great mpg from the first tank, but I think you need to let it break in some.

Steve, Host

drivven · October 2003

Oh, I'm not concerned about the mileage, just thought I'd post the results of the first tank. As I said, we feel we'll get better mileage as the vehicle breaks in. Since we don't drive it hard we fully expect constantly improving results. The post was just to give other owners/prospective owners our experiences. And it's not really a disappointment either. So far we are VERY pleased with the vehicle.

stever · October 2003

Ok, poor word choice :-)

How about - it's way too early to believe that those first few tanks are going to be accurate indicators of the great mileage you'll soon enjoy.

Steve, Host

dindak · October 2003

It always takes a while to get posted mileage numbers. You also have to have good clear conditions, not much wind and some break in time. I figure if I get with in 10% I'm doing ok.

tidester · October 2003

...it's way too early to believe that those first few tanks are going to be accurate indicators of the great mileage you'll soon enjoy.

How about "those results from the first few tanks will underscore the idea that the mileage of a new vehicle improves with time..."? :-)

tidester, host

drivven · October 2003

Well, at least I stirred up something on the old forum, eh? It seems I've kept mileage books from the time I first purchased a vehicle in 1964. Kind of a fetish I guess. The best one, of course, was a 1982 VW diesel Rabbit - consistently in the mid 40's. I still maintain the book to this day with the VUE, a 1997 BMW 540 (25 highway, 17 city), and a 1999 Winnebago (7.5 highway). Keeping the books is fun, a bit anal, but fun.

stever · October 2003

Although I've neglected to hang onto my old books. My compulsion started in '74 but I skipped a few years with a couple of cars.

As Tidester can vouch, I can tell you my mpg for any tank since '82 to 9 decimal points <g>.

Steve, Host

tidester · October 2003

As Tidester can vouch, I can tell you my mpg for any tank since '82 to 9 decimal points <g>.

Indeed! Steve has a special device that counts gasoline MOLECULES going into his tank! ;-)

tidester, host

vuefor2 · October 2003

Drivven ::: We generally get 23-25 mpg with our 3.0L Vue in mixed driving. The 3.5L is rates about the same mileage, but given it's a much larger engine, you may find it will get less than the mileage on the window sticker.

Danielj6 ::: Saturn service and sales are excellent. I've never been treated as well by any store or dealership in my life. I always make a point of saying hi to my sales rep when I go in, great guy! Worst places I have visited were Honda (arrogant) and Mazda (incompetent).

danielj6 · October 2003

Vuefor2:
I used to own a Mazda MPV bought new in 98. Real bad, and I mean bad. Sales dept. was, as you put it, incompetent. Service was even worse. Never walked into a Honda dealership but I went to a couple of Toyota dealers and were arrogant. I also owned a Camry but refused to buy it from one of their dealers.

Still, I can not generalize. I'm sure there are decent dealers out there; I just haven't met them.

Allow me if I may tell you about the trouble I'm having with my car. I own a 2000 Sable S.W. which as of late it has developed a whining sound/noise that is transmitted through the steering wheel. I no longer go to the dealer but I dropped it off at a shop I've been using for 10 years now. The mechanic upon checking didn't find any worn parts/problems with the rack and pinion steering and other related parts and components. He lubricated the rack and pinion and that's it. Lubrication initially quiet the noise but it became progressively louder. This whining sound is heard only when I turn the wheel right or left.

This problem, although not dangerous, takes away from the value of the car should I decide to trade or sell it. Any advice will be appreciated.

I apologize to the host and Saturn owners for posting issues about a different make.

Enjoy your VUES!

drivven · October 2003

for the information on the VUE mileage. I expect the pure highway mileage for the Honda engine version to be close to the window sticker (28) but the city/mixed will probably average out lower than the sticker (20). Can't wait to take it on our first long jaunt.

2004vue · October 2003

Does your 2004 vue (V6 FWD) have white faced gauges? Does it have the leather wrapped steering wheel?

drivven · October 2003

2004VUE: Our VUE has the white faced gauges and I believe the leather-wrapped wheel. My wife has the vehicle at this moment so I can't verify the wheel, but from what I remember the wheel has a nice, smooth, thick feel to it with the neat added feature of the bulges right above the horizontal spokes that give an extra grip feel to it. A nice touch and even noticed right off the bat by my wife. She likes it.

afk_x · October 2003

The 4 cyl steering wheel is the same as 2003. It is leather wrapped only with the optional leather.

The 6 cyl steering wheel is the CTS looking one, leather wrapped standard. This steering wheel is by far the best Saturn has ever used.

dindak · October 2003

We were thinking about getting a 4 cyl next year, but with all the improvements to the V6 models (std. ABS, upgraded interior), I must admit it's doubtful I would go 4 at this point.

I guess the 4 bangers are good for people on a budget though! Base 2003 5-speeds are cash priced C$19980 (U$15K) right now, what a deal. If they had power locks I probably would have got one instead of our Alero as a second car.

qbertw · October 2003

I'm currently thinking about buying a Vue 2004.
But it seems that it will not by possible to tow a small tent trailer 1100 pound with no trailer brakes???

The specs:

Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg) 4-cylinder engine with trailer brakes: 1500 / 680.4
V-6 with trailer brakes: 3500 / 1587.6
without trailer brakes: 1000 / 453.6

In the owner's manuel it seems it does not specify with or without trailer brakes.

Any advice?

2004vue · October 2003

I got my 2004 Vue V6 AWD blue.
The engine is very impressive. It is powerful and quiet. At 100Kph (62Mph), the engine is turning at 1600 RPM. I like the interior much more than the previous years. The white faced gauges with chrome ring are beautiful at night. I like the leather wrapped steering wheel. The seats are much nicer than before. As your can probably tell, I am very happy I waited for the 2004 model.

julians · October 2003

I am thinking of getting a trailer hitch for my VUE just to attach a bike rack. Can get after markets for ~$100.00 vs. $260.00 thru the dealer. Only the dealer installs theirs and the after market one you install yourself. Is this hard to do? Any advice?

Still love the VUE. 5500 miles and averaging 27mpgs at about 70% city driving(03 4cly manual5). Seems only to be happy at like 2500 to 3200 rpms.

zapcat · October 2003

I got my class 3 hitch from U-Haul. They installed it on my lunch break. $142 includes all costs and liftime warranty. I did not get the wire harness (29.99 more). I am very pleased and it is the best looking (bent round tube) of any I have seen (IMO). Installing one yourself is a pain because you must thread bolts thru the bumper. The $25 dollars for labor was well worth it to me.

dindak · October 2003

Congrats!

Let us know how it goes.

junebug56 · October 2003

Tonight I drove an '04 Vue, it was my 2nd test drive. The one I drove has the new 250 hp engine, which when I asked, I was told it is a Honda engine. It was a 6 cyl, w/ leather and a few other options. It drove really well, the transmission shifted great and it had great get-up-and-go. I thought the seats were a little uncomfortable (I am a woman,5 feet tall.)But I loved the grocery bin in the back and the fact the seats reclined a bit if you are traveling.
Any comments on the reliability of the Saturns?? How about the service & the service warranty? I now have a '98 Toyota Avalon. I liked so much about it, but wondered if I should should seriously consider the Chevy Trailblazer, much more money, though.Thanks!

zapcat · October 2003

The trailblazer is nice. It uses a bit more gas than the vue. It can tow much more and is bigger.
If you need to tow a boat in the summer, do not get the vue. Read the posts on the TB here at edmunds. If you get a 'bad' one you will be at the dealership often. The vue fits my needs. Good acceleration, mpg, room, looks and Saturn service.

joey2brix · October 2003

Don't expect the same level of quality of your Avalon, but the Vue's probably a lot better then the trailblazer. At least you'd be getting the engine and drivetrain from one of the most reliable car companies around: Honda.

dindak · October 2003

I would say GM builds better and more reliable automatic transmissions than Honda. The 3.5L is very nice, especially for a smaller SUV like the VUE but the the Trailblazer inline 6 is equally good and reliable with much more power.

In the end it comes down to economy and space and towing. If the VUE is big enough for you and you aren't doing any towing, clearly you will save lots of gas and money. If you need a bigger vehicle or towing, the TB is clearly a good alternative. Saturn sales and service are definitely a high point for the VUE though!

drivven · October 2003

We've had our '04 FWD V-6 for a couple of weeks now and we've developed our first concern. My wife noticed that when she turns left into our driveway that slopes up to the house, she hears/feels a "clunk" in the steering wheel. This occurs as she crosses the street gutter dip onto the driveway surface.

She took the vehicle into the dealership and to our amazement they actually duplicated the phenomenon. And what's even better, they drove an '04 on their lot and it did the same thing!! They are seriously looking into the matter and are in constant touch with Saturn engineering as to the cause of the problem.

They told me they thought they'd isolated it to the connection between the steering column and the steering rack and their thought was to adjust the rack to give the steering knuckle more room.

When they tried this they realized the rack was not bolted down firmly but actually had some positional play in it. According to Saturn, it's supposed to be that way.

As I write this, they still have the vehicle (third day) and will get in touch as soon as they come up with a solution.

My question to the forum: Has anyone experienced this phenomenon with either an '04 or earlier models?

vuefor2 · October 2003

Drivven ::: Our 02 V6 AWD Vue has not had this issue but I know the 2004 models had some upgrades so it may have a different set up than ours. Let us know what happens.

Junebug ::: We love our Vue and our dealer. No real issues with our V6 Vue, just a couple of loose pieces of plastic here and there. Mechanically it's been flawless.

silvervue03 · October 2003

My new '03 Vue now has 500 miles on it, and I am having a similar problem as yours (four times so far) when I turn into a driveway dip. I feel a grinding in the brake pedal rather than a clunk in the steering wheel. They were not able to duplicate it at the dealer, so I am continuing to drive it until it gets worse. Has anyone else felt a grinding vibration in the brake pedal when turning and braking into a driveway dip?

julians · October 2003

My 03 does sound like it "tops out" the suspension in the front and creates the "clunk sound" when I back out of my driveway, off the rounded sidewalk, and am turning left. I also noticed it when camping and driving on pot hole roads. I have never been concerned about it as other cars I have had have done the same thing (my two Honda Civic's did this, my trucks have not). I just figured it was due to the fact the VUE is built on a car chasis, rather that a truck ladder frame.

It was nice to read your post to hear that it is normal as you wrote: When they tried this they realized the rack was not bolted down firmly but actually had some positional play in it. According to Saturn, it's supposed to be that way.

I will be interested if they do anything to yours to stop the "clunk" when the "topping out" the suspension, but at this time I am not concerned.

I have not noticed any break pedal grinding.

dindak · October 2003

I agree, clunks when hitting dips coming in/out of driveways could be normal. I have driven several cars that do this. Grinding does not sound good though.

drivven · October 2003

Our '04 V-6 FWD had the clunking noise eminating from the steering column during left turns across the street curbing onto our upsloping driveway. The dealership had the vehicle for 4+ days and finally isolated the problem and corrected it. The factory is aware of the problem but I'm not sure they are going to issue a tech note or recall about it since the problem was deemed to have no known safety issue associated with it.

From the handwritten notes made at the dealership here is what we gleaned from the problem and its correction: Evidently the steering shaft is composed of at least two parts, one of which is termed the "intermediate shaft". This intermediate shaft is moveable (telescoping?) and at some point in its movement comes in contact with a stop, hence the vibration or noise transmitted up the steering column to the user at the steering wheel.

The cradle that the shaft rides in was loosened, or at least the bolts holding it were loosened thinking some adjustment could be made as to its position. Evidently the cradle still couldn't be moved, but when everything was buttoned up again, the phenomenon disappeared. And my wife, the main driver of the vehicle, verified this. The problem is gone. Now obviously something has changed but what we're not sure and the dealership has been scratching their heads as to what caused the problem and what actually fixed it.

dindak · October 2003

Great news. Sounds like Saturn took care of you, all good.

drivven · October 2003

We certainly can't complain about the help we got on the problem. It did take a few days, but most of that was the dealership trying to contact the appropriate person at Saturn's engineering.

nafrong0 · October 2003

Silvervue03, that grinding that you hear/feel in the brake pedal when you turn into a driveway with a dip is your ABS. The combination of a dip in a driveway along with a turn WHILE braking causes your inner front wheel to slip ever so slightly. This is enough for the ABS computer to detect even if you don't notice the wheel slip. It may not actually start pulsing the brakes, it's just ready to do so if needed. The ABS will reset itself about 1/2 to 1 second after the turn when it judges that no actual brake lock has occurred. This may be felt in the pedal as well as heard. This is common characteristic on many GM models. It is not a problem and doesn't need to be fixed. Your dealer won't be able to duplicate it as it is normal to them. They won't even notice. I spent a lot of time investigating with this exact same problem on several GM models.

vuefor2 · October 2003

Sounds like the new 3.5 Vues have a bit of an issue. I wonder how that crept in, they must have changed something to accommodate the motor?

Anyone have this grinding clunk issue on the 4 cyl. models for 2004?

Hopefully Saturn will work it all out.

Want to wax my Vue this weekend. Anyone else do this? What kind of wax is good for the polymer panels?

zapcat · October 2003

Just go buy some wax.

dindak · October 2003

Any wax should be fine, nothing special needed as far as I know.

drivven · October 2003

The only precaution we were given on the '04 VUE was don't use a paste wax. Any of the liquids is supposed to be ok. Might be that the paste requires more effort to spread and any dirt particle in it, or on the cloth will score the paint job. Sounds like a rule of thumb for any polishing effort. Saturn has a liquid wax and we're about to use it for the first time. Will keep you posted.

gmin · October 2003

I already drove my 03 VUE I4 FWD for about 1600 Kmeter. Mileage is about 11L/100kmeter in city. No data on highway yet.

vuefor2 · October 2003

Why would a paste on polymer be different than a paste on steel?

Can anyone recommend a good wax?

drivven · October 2003

the difference between paste on steel vs. paste on polymer. That was just the suggestion by the dealership. Maybe they have something against paste.

By the way, I used the "complimentary" Saturn polish furnished by the dealership. It goes on easily and polishes up fine. Our black '04 looks even more black.

dindak · October 2003

I've always used pastes, never had a problem. I have read they last longer than liquids. I can't imagine why one could not use them on polymer?

pster · October 2003

Does Saturn really not negotiate their new car prices? Why would a business model of having customers pay dealers more "to avoid negotiation" be a good thing? I like the exterior styling of the VUE, but the interior looks sort of cheap. Also, I would have expected something a bit better than a 3 yr/36K mile warranty. Having a hard time accepting this over the quality of a Toyota or Honda.....other than the steering column problem I read of above, have there been other serious problems with the VUE?

vuefor2 · October 2003

We came from Honda products to the Vue and could not be more pleased. We have had no issues (aside from some loose trim) with our 2002 AWD and the vehicles are very reliable on a whole. They have excellent crash test scores and are recommended by Consumer Reports. You won't go too wrong with a Vue and they are very car like to drive.

With respect to the interior, it's not the best, but the 2004 models have been upgraded, especially the V6 models.

carguy1234 · October 2003

I was like you too, not thinking I'd ever consider another Big 3 vehicle due to all the problems I've had with them. But our VUE (now over a year old) has been perfect, and actually better than our Toyota! Hopefully it continues to hold up.

I've grown to like the side panels a lot more too. It still looks perfect (even after a sideswipe accident). The Toyota looks like it was in a hail storm while laying on its side.

And, you still get to negotiate if that cranks your chain, on the trade in price (if you have a trade that is).

Saturn VUE

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