I, personally, preferred the Tribute/Escape to the VUE when I was shopping. I think the VUE has had it's share of problems, specifically, with the VTI transmission. Do a search while in this forum for "mechanical problems", "replaced", etc. I'm sure you'll find similar gripes.
The VUE is definitely going to suffer from very poor resale, more so than the Escape or Tribute. I would recommend you expand your test driving to include some other competitive small SUVs.
Well, I understand about the lesser gas mileage in the winter, having grown up in Wisconsin, but it wasn't really that cold this past week and my highway stints were during the day when it was in the 30's and 40's. I still think it's because of the attitude of the car when we filled it (a slight lean one way or the other can mean a 1-2 gallon difference). We've found this to be especially true when driving our motorhome. I too have recorded gas mileages, seemingly forever, and really I believe the only drastic differences were when I drove a Triumph TR250 in the severe cold of SW Minnesota and the mileage dropped perhaps 10mpg. Of course those were the days before fuel injection that being probably the largest contributing factor. I used to fill up the tank until I couldn't get anymore in, but gave that up more out of frustration than anything else. But I've heard that it's not good for the recirculation system built into the fuel supply.
Having driven both of these vehicles extensively I can tell you that with the new V6 powerplant there is no contest. The VUE is superior.
The Escape does have better feel at the wheel, and the rear seats can fold completely flat (albiet with a bit more effort) but thats where the Escape advantages end.
I'm not talking about subjective areas like looks - those vary with the end user.
One big area is safety. Check out the offset test of the Escape. For 04 the VUE has enhanced what was already an extremely safe SUV.
Another issue is the noise levels of the Escape at 70+ MPH. Quite loud. VUE? Very serene. The faster you tend to drive on the highway the greater the advantage of the VUE.
Resale value is hard to predict. Right now the resale value of everything is abysmal, including the Escape and the VUE. I would expect the 04 VUE to do better than the Escape once word gets out more, but who can tell.
Reliability should be good on both vehicles - since neither are new models. The V6 engine/transmission in the VUE has been used in Honda products since 1999 so no doubt they are reliable. Due to superior dealer service I'll give the VUE the nod here
Cost of ownership/maintinence will easily be lower with the VUE due to lower gas costs, lower insurance costs, and lower maintinence requirements. Lets not forget the VUE polymer panels - impossible (nearly) to dent.
Finally - lets not forget the real reason to get the VUE. 250 HP. Yeah baby!
While Edmunds ranks the Escape at very high depreciation costs, it actually loses less value in the first year than the VUE. Surprisingly, the Santa Fe holds it's value much better than the VUE. I'm also basing my observations on trends in my area, so Canada may be slightly different. I have noticed the used market here does validate Edmunds predictions very much.
As for problems, I don't think it's really debatable that the VTI is very problematic. True, the Ford/Mazda twins have had many more recalls, but reliability seems about average, so far.
Again, these are my opinions, based on information accessible to anyone.
Thank you for yur inputs. My main thing is I want a reliable car. I find it very frustrating when I get stranded on the road. It has happened 3 times already with the Tribute and I only have 24000 miles. I am going to sit tight until Spring, but I know its days are numbered.
without turning this into a huge debate on reliability, my family is on its fourth Ford in 6 years ('97 Escort, '99 Expedition, '02 Explorer and an '03 Focus), and not once have we been stranded.
The wife is going to get a small SUV next summer, and the VUE and the Escape are on the short list. Since she's a big Ford fan, we may lean towards the Escape, but she loved the new VUE with the Honda-sourced V6 (see my review earlier in this thread).
I'm monitoring both this board and the Escape/Tribute board to see what's being said.
I don't think the 4 banger VUEs will have as good a resale as the V6 models. The 4's are a bit under powered and 5 speed manuals have limited appeal. I don't think the Escape is a bad truck (its on the shopping list) but I wouldn't buy a used one as I know they had a lot of issues when they came out. VUE didn't really have any major problems.
Saturns have historically had better resale but maybe that is slowly changing with the rebates Saturn has offered this past year.
Sorry I neglected to mention the model year... '04 FWD V6.
MP3 Player was a must,however, has anyone noticed that the sound system (CD/MP3 with the Advanced Audio package) lacks? It seems that my '01 L300 had a wonderfully matched AM/FM/CD/Tape system in the car and yet in my '04 even with the advanced audio system the rear speakers seem to have a decreased output from the front and a somewhat "tinny" sound? Is this inherent in the Vue's?
What is everyone elses experience(s) with the audio systems in the '04 Vues?
Supposedly they are upgraded because I have the advanced audio system. The front speakers on the door kick panels and tweeters by the side view mirrors perform well, it's the rear door kick panel speakers that seem not to be as loud as the fronts. Maybe it's my imagination, but when I get a chance I'll take it in to my dealer and see what they find.
Is anyone else experiencing the same audio problems in their VUE's?
I don't know what adjustements your stereo has, but the "fade" adjustement should allow you to change the front/rear speaker relative volume.
Resale value on Saturns - in general (all models) these are quite high for the model year/mileage compared to rest-of-GM from what I've seen in Canada. That's based on asking prices I have seen in (e.g.) our local AutoMart and AutoTrader magazines.
I have a 2004 Vue FWD V6 that is two months old with 2500 miles. I have noticed a clunking or clicking noise from the front left suspension upon acceleration(intermittent) and upon de-acceleration(always). I have had the car in for service twice and the problem persists. They now tell me that there is a problem with the stabilizer link and there won't be a fix until early spring '04. Anyone else notice this annoying clunking noise or is it just me?
Go to page 142 of this message board for a discussion of this problem. We are on page 149 now. There have been similar problems detected on fwd vehicles.
We were the ones experiencing the "clunking" sound transmitted thru the steering column. The dealership had the vehicle for 3 days and finally determined, or accidentally solved, the problem. It may have been related to the "telescoping" steering shaft and a stop that's related to the adjustable length.
On occasion we still hear strange clunks coming from the port side of the vehicle, the exact location being difficult to ascertain. It's either the rear suspension or the front, we're not sure and both of us were in the vehicle at the time. The noise comes when under some acceleration and some deceleration so go figure. It has to be some suspension member not fully fastened or seated. We've not had it into the dealership over this noise, but when my wife gets more frustrated she'll take it in and get a resolution I have no doubt.
We've now logged about 3100 miles on the '04 FWD V6.
I can duplicate the clunk when I accelerate and then let off the gas pedal completely. It is definitely coming from the front left. A slightly different clunk happens intermittently upon acceleration, also from the front left side. Did Saturn mention anything about a stablizer link to you? They have already replaced a strut assembly and a steering shroud. I can't fault their eagerness to fix the problem but it is frustrating to have them tell you the problem is fixed then you pick up the car, drive off the lot and immediately start hearing clunks. Thanks for the info and keep me posted if anything changes on your vehicle and I'll do the same.
I think I read somewhere that it may be delayed but I could be wrong. I don't think there is much info on it yet. Check www.media.gm.com. They had a few releases on their hybrid plans for the next 5 years.
We've not encountered our clunk for a while now, but when we did it was almost more like a muffled snap than a clunk. It seems to me when we had the original problem with the steering "clunk" they did mention a shroud, or sleeve and like I said earlier, whatever they did apparently remedied the problem, at least for now. Our left side muffled snap comes and goes. Right now it's more of a go than a come. Will keep you posted. Like I said, my wife will step right in the dealers face if it occurs again. Don't get me wrong, we really like the vehicle, it's just that we think as a new car it shouldn't have creaks and groans yet, or should I say each noise brings looks of "what was that", know what I mean?
I too have noticed this noise. It appears to be coming from the front center or front right side of the vehicle and very duplicatable right after the automatic transmission shifts from first to second then a taking your foot off the accelerator. Are there any TSB's out on this yet and if so where are they so I can print it out for my dealer to investigate. I also have noticed a slight popping noise on occasion coming from the rear. Could this be related to the "clunking" sound?
Just wondering...what percent of VUEs are what motor and styles? I have a 4cyl 5-speed manual FWD basic version. Are there way more 6-cyl with AWD and such?
Hello all - I picked up my awd-v6 Vue (silver nickel) last week. It is a very good vehicle, as it suits my needs well.
I got the best of everything with the Vue: power (250 horses - faster than some so-called sportscars and sportsedans); Practicality; Luxury (leather, moon/sunroof, very quiet); Safety (good crash-test results; anti-lock brakes; head-curtain airbags too!); Fuel efficiency (in relation to the power and weight of the Vue). The real beauty of this is I didn't have to pay 30-40K to get these features. I was also impressed with the front legroom. I am 6'3 (all legs) and very comfortable in it. I have been in bigger vehicles with less front legroom! Granted, there are many fine vehicles out there, but, for the money IMHO, this vehicle is hard to beat!
Currently having fun in the snow in Alaska! The awd system performs as advertised. The steering feel is a little different, but like most things, takes a little getting used to it.
I am actually the third person on my block with a Vue. The others are 2003's both 4cyl, one is fwd. I initially thought of the Vue as a (NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE) "female" vehicle because I had seen the majority of Vue's being driven by women. But after looking at the practicality of it (and my $$$), it was a no-brainer.
So, I went down to Saturn of Anchorage, test drove it, waited about a week for my silver nickel to come in.......and the rest is history.
I must also add that this was the most enjoyable, stressless auto purchase I have ever had. Saturn of Anchorage was top-notch through the whole process (sales, service, F&I, parts, et.al) which didn't take long. No games - just business.
I have just added crossbars, bumperpad, mudflaps, and sunroof deflector.
Thank you all for your input, as I was lurking amongst you prior to my purchase.
Sooooo, I got my Christmas present a little early! I guess I was nice this year ;^} Happy Holidays to all.
Anyone out there having any trouble getting their 3.5 V6 to start. Ours gives us a problem occasionally. Sometimes it takes maybe 3 or 4 seconds to catch fire. And don't remind us NOT to have our foot on the accelerator, we've had fuel injection cars for years and years and know all about that issue.
My wife just took it in to the dealership today to have them look at it. Temps here have been in the 30's and 40's so we know the system will adjust for that abnormality in the fuel mix, etc., but when we bought it the temps were in the 70's and we still occasionally had the problem. We'll see what they have to say.
That's the Honda engine. Over on the Honda boards, they recommend turning the key half way (to On), wait a few seconds, and then turn the rest of the way to start the vehicle. This procedure primes the fuel injection system. Odyssey owners are having luck with this (same engine). There had been lots of posts of Honda's with this same problem.
I do have a block heater on it, though it was a dealer installed option. The dealer stated that they are not being installed at the factory. I do not know if this is applies only to the v6 engine.
I am enjoying it. It's been cold, snowy, and lots of fog (the fog lights actually do a good job). Will be monitoring gas mileage. This engine does not even need "premium" fuel.
on the starting issue. We'll try that procedure. The dealership could find nothing amiss. We should tell them to visit the Honda board to find out these things.
I took a short drive in a 2004 Vue--FWD V6 with auto. I originally saw the Vue as a "concept" car at a car show in Phoenix, and later drove one of the early V6s which was actually pretty decent. I found the new (2004) vehicle to be very nice. The interior appears richer than when the vehicle was first released several years ago. The new Honda engine was great along with the 5 speed Honda automatic. The EPA estimated mileage suggests very good fuel economy. I believe this car has to be the value leader among the smaller SUVs designed mostly for on-road use: a clean look, 250 horsepower, 5 speed auto, good mileage and reasonably priced. Saturn appears to have made a quantum leap forward, in my opinion. It will be interesting to see what consumers do. I think the vehicle in FWD form could be purchased in the low 20s and offer power, space, economy and hopefully give good service. Time will tell....
I thought I better write something just to keep the Vue from going to the "archive" section. No posts sine Dec. 2oth. Come on, there must be something to complain or brag about!!!!!
Is the motor in the Saturn Vue a true VTEC or is it derived from the Honda Pilot VTEC engine. Does it have the Variable valve timing and lift electronic control? A honda dealer told me the Saturn Vue engine does not have this feature.
It's the exact same SOHC 24 valve, 240HP, 242lb-ft torque engine as found in the Honda Pilot.
I bought an 04 FWD V6 model and am quite happy with it. Other than the creaking issue being taken care of by the dealer, it's been issue free. And, of course, it's Fast!
I would like to brag, tho....Finally let my right foot get the best of me at the 2000 mile mark. I'm quite happy with the accelleration and LACK of substantial torque-steer that some in the automotive press have complained about. There is some, but not bad by any means.
It's fun to chirp the tires with the entire family in the car!
The last few tankfulls have been about 22mpg. More city driving than usual and colder weather doesn't help much, either. I'd like to take a long trip and see how much better the MPG rating is without all the stop and go driving.
There was a creaking on stopping and turning from the front of the vehicle. The dealer fixed by adjusting a control arm or one of the bushings. They took our Vue without an appointment and did a great job. Hopefully this noise doesn't come back at a later date.
Does anyone know if an extended version is being considered? My Windstar is nearing the end of it's life and I'm interested in the Vue because of the economy and power of the new V6, but I need more cargo space for all my stuff. Also carry 6 people occasionally. Any chance of a bigger Vue, like the Pilot, or did Saturn agree not to do that in exchange for the V6?
The 3.5L was suppose to go into an extended version of the VUE but it got canned. A bigger Saturn SUV is coming in 2-3 years. Unless you can live with the VUE as is, forget it. Suzuki still makes the extended XL7 with 3 rows.
Forget the Suzuki XL7. The third row is for kids and pets (maybe mother-in-laws?) only. Hard to get into/out of. Sitting above the gas tank that is positioned behind the axle is another very good reason to not consider the XL7.
Comments
The VUE is definitely going to suffer from very poor resale, more so than the Escape or Tribute. I would recommend you expand your test driving to include some other competitive small SUVs.
I too have recorded gas mileages, seemingly forever, and really I believe the only drastic differences were when I drove a Triumph TR250 in the severe cold of SW Minnesota and the mileage dropped perhaps 10mpg. Of course those were the days before fuel injection that being probably the largest contributing factor.
I used to fill up the tank until I couldn't get anymore in, but gave that up more out of frustration than anything else. But I've heard that it's not good for the recirculation system built into the fuel supply.
VUE has also had significantly fewer issues than Tribute / Escape and obviously many few recalls also.
The Escape does have better feel at the wheel, and the rear seats can fold completely flat (albiet with a bit more effort) but thats where the Escape advantages end.
I'm not talking about subjective areas like looks - those vary with the end user.
One big area is safety. Check out the offset test of the Escape. For 04 the VUE has enhanced what was already an extremely safe SUV.
Another issue is the noise levels of the Escape at 70+ MPH. Quite loud. VUE? Very serene. The faster you tend to drive on the highway the greater the advantage of the VUE.
Resale value is hard to predict. Right now the resale value of everything is abysmal, including the Escape and the VUE. I would expect the 04 VUE to do better than the Escape once word gets out more, but who can tell.
Reliability should be good on both vehicles - since neither are new models. The V6 engine/transmission in the VUE has been used in Honda products since 1999 so no doubt they are reliable. Due to superior dealer service I'll give the VUE the nod here
Cost of ownership/maintinence will easily be lower with the VUE due to lower gas costs, lower insurance costs, and lower maintinence requirements. Lets not forget the VUE polymer panels - impossible (nearly) to dent.
Finally - lets not forget the real reason to get the VUE. 250 HP. Yeah baby!
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/saturn/vue/100093715/cto.html?set- zip=97201&vdp=off&tid=edmunds.n.ctoindex.cto.1.1.Saturn*
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/hyundai/santafe/100187597/cto.htm- l?setzip=97201&vdp=off&tid=edmunds.n.ctoindex.cto.1.1.Hyu- ndai*
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/ford/escape/100079611/cto.html?se- tzip=97201&vdp=off&tid=edmunds.n.ctoindex.cto.1.1.Ford*
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2003/mitsubishi/outlander/100181514/ct- o.html?setzip=97201&vdp=off&tid=edmunds.n.ctoindex.cto.1.- 1.Mitsubishi*
While Edmunds ranks the Escape at very high depreciation costs, it actually loses less value in the first year than the VUE. Surprisingly, the Santa Fe holds it's value much better than the VUE. I'm also basing my observations on trends in my area, so Canada may be slightly different. I have noticed the used market here does validate Edmunds predictions very much.
As for problems, I don't think it's really debatable that the VTI is very problematic. True, the Ford/Mazda twins have had many more recalls, but reliability seems about average, so far.
Again, these are my opinions, based on information accessible to anyone.
The wife is going to get a small SUV next summer, and the VUE and the Escape are on the short list. Since she's a big Ford fan, we may lean towards the Escape, but she loved the new VUE with the Honda-sourced V6 (see my review earlier in this thread).
I'm monitoring both this board and the Escape/Tribute board to see what's being said.
Saturns have historically had better resale but maybe that is slowly changing with the rebates Saturn has offered this past year.
MP3 Player was a must,however, has anyone noticed that the sound system (CD/MP3 with the Advanced Audio package) lacks? It seems that my '01 L300 had a wonderfully matched AM/FM/CD/Tape system in the car and yet in my '04 even with the advanced audio system the rear speakers seem to have a decreased output from the front and a somewhat "tinny" sound? Is this inherent in the Vue's?
What is everyone elses experience(s) with the audio systems in the '04 Vues?
Are they standard speakers or upgrades? Stereos are only as good as the speakers.
Is anyone else experiencing the same audio problems in their VUE's?
Resale value on Saturns - in general (all models) these are quite high for the model year/mileage compared to rest-of-GM from what I've seen in Canada. That's based on asking prices I have seen in (e.g.) our local AutoMart and AutoTrader magazines.
Go to page 142 of this message board for a discussion of this problem. We are on page 149 now. There have been similar problems detected on fwd vehicles.
On occasion we still hear strange clunks coming from the port side of the vehicle, the exact location being difficult to ascertain. It's either the rear suspension or the front, we're not sure and both of us were in the vehicle at the time. The noise comes when under some acceleration and some deceleration so go figure. It has to be some suspension member not fully fastened or seated. We've not had it into the dealership over this noise, but when my wife gets more frustrated she'll take it in and get a resolution I have no doubt.
We've now logged about 3100 miles on the '04 FWD V6.
Ken
I think that would be a great addition.
That said, the VUE is pretty stable.
I got the best of everything with the Vue: power (250 horses - faster than some so-called sportscars and sportsedans); Practicality; Luxury (leather, moon/sunroof, very quiet); Safety (good crash-test results; anti-lock brakes; head-curtain airbags too!); Fuel efficiency (in
relation to the power and weight of the Vue). The real beauty of this is I didn't have to pay 30-40K to get these features. I was also impressed with the front legroom. I am 6'3 (all legs) and very comfortable in it. I have been in bigger vehicles with less front legroom! Granted, there are many fine vehicles out there, but, for the money IMHO, this vehicle is hard to beat!
Currently having fun in the snow in Alaska! The awd system performs as advertised. The steering feel is a little different, but like most things, takes a little getting used to it.
I am actually the third person on my block with a Vue. The others are 2003's both 4cyl, one is fwd.
I initially thought of the Vue as a (NO OFFENSE TO ANYONE) "female" vehicle because I had seen the majority of Vue's being driven by women. But after looking at the practicality of it (and my $$$), it was a no-brainer.
So, I went down to Saturn of Anchorage, test drove it, waited about a week for my silver nickel to come in.......and the rest is history.
I must also add that this was the most enjoyable, stressless auto purchase I have ever had. Saturn of Anchorage was top-notch through the whole process (sales, service, F&I, parts, et.al) which didn't take long. No games - just business.
I have just added crossbars, bumperpad, mudflaps, and sunroof deflector.
Thank you all for your input, as I was lurking amongst you prior to my purchase.
Sooooo, I got my Christmas present a little early! I guess I was nice this year ;^} Happy Holidays to all.
My wife just took it in to the dealership today to have them look at it. Temps here have been in the 30's and 40's so we know the system will adjust for that abnormality in the fuel mix, etc., but when we bought it the temps were in the 70's and we still occasionally had the problem. We'll see what they have to say.
;-)
I thought Honda had licked that issue. Guess not. Still, it's a nice engine. A co-worker has it in his MDX.
I assume the Saturns in Anchorage come equipped with block heaters and heavy duty batteries, etc. like most other new cars there?
Steve, Host
I am enjoying it. It's been cold, snowy, and lots of fog (the fog lights actually do a good job). Will be monitoring gas mileage. This engine does not even need "premium" fuel.
Does it have the Variable valve timing and lift electronic control? A honda dealer told me the Saturn Vue engine does not have this feature.
I bought an 04 FWD V6 model and am quite happy with it. Other than the creaking issue being taken care of by the dealer, it's been issue free. And, of course, it's Fast!
I would like to brag, tho....Finally let my right foot get the best of me at the 2000 mile mark. I'm quite happy with the accelleration and LACK of substantial torque-steer that some in the automotive press have complained about. There is some, but not bad by any means.
It's fun to chirp the tires with the entire family in the car!