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Comments
How long have you had it and what else can you tell us about it? Do you have a CVT or V6? What do you think of the interior? If you owned an SUV before, how does it compare?
Sorry for all the questions, but we are starved for real-world information here! Thanks--
We are hoping to replace our '93 Explorer with the VUE-- so any info you throw into the mix is much appreciated. I, too, will be very interested in what your MPG averages on the V6. Have a Saturn L300 which has a V6, so know what my mileage is on that-- and certainly know what we've been getting with the Explorer. Am intrigued with the CVT-- but wonder about power. Anyway, rest assured, any info you post will be read with much interest!
ps-- what exterior/interior colors do you have? cloth or leather? any options included?
thanks!
I hope that Saturn hasn't put any restrictions upon what you can or cannot say (within reason). I do think that Saturn will have absolutely no difficulty selling the scheduled production. This vehicle is reasonably priced and quite roomy.
The 5 speed automatic trans. in the VUE works very well with the engine.
Dimension (in inches) Jeep VUE
Headroom-front 37.7 40.4
Headroom-rear 38.0 39.9
Leg room-front 41.4 41.2
Leg room-rear 35.0 36.4
Shoulder room-front 54.7 55.4
Shoulder room-rear 54.7 55.4
Also
Wheelbase 101.4 106.6
Overall Length 167.4 181.3
Width 69.4 71.5
Height 66.8 66.5
Curb Weight lbs 3353 3470
Tires Wheel size P225/70R16 P235/65R16
______________________________________________________________
To read my earlier message properly, it should read for instance:
Headroom Front JEEP 37.7 inches, and VUE 40.4 inches
Dimensions (in.): Cherokee ... Liberty ... VUE
Headroom-front - 37.7 ... 40.7 ... 40.4
Headroom-rear - 38.0 ... 42.1 ... 39.9
Leg room-front - 41.4 ... 40.8 ... 41.2
Leg room-rear - 35.0 ... 37.2 ... 36.4
Shoulder room-front - 54.7 ... 56.5 ... 55.4
Shoulder room-rear - 54.7 ... 56.5 ... 55.4
Also:
Wheelbase - 101.4 ... 104.3 ... 106.6
Overall Length - 167.4 ... 174.4 ... 181.3
Width - 69.4 ... 71.6 ... 71.5
Height - 66.8 ... 70.9 ... 66.5
Curb Weight lbs - 3353 ... 4070 ... 3470
Tires Wheel size - P225/70R16 ... P235/70R16 ... P235/65R16
One other point, I looked at the horsepower to weight ratio between the Liberty and the VUE and found them to be nearly identical (torque to weight ratio too). From my perception, that means I can drive a Liberty now and get a feeling for how responsive the VUE will be on the road.
So IMHO, additional key factors to consider will be: towing capability (Lib wins), gas mileage (VUE wins), perceived quality (the jury's out), usability of interior space (VUE wins), exterior looks (VUE wins), interior looks (Liberty wins), spare tire usability (Liberty wins - full size), spare tire storage (VUE wins - out of the way), price (VUE wins), environmental friendliness (VUE wins), and finally, off road capability (Liberty wins - low range gears, etc.).
If you really want to get into it, you'd recognize that different trannies will also be more or less effective at getting power to the wheels. Most range between 15-20% but the more complicated the tranny, the most chances there are for losses due to friction. Then, if the power gets to the wheels, you have to take the size and quality of the wheels into effect (but I'm getting really anal now). :-)
The brochure covering all models only lists fabrics for seat coverings. I have heard elsewhere, and I thought an earlier post on here noted it, that leather was to be available.
Is this an option that will be added on later?
I love both the new CR-V and VUE, but the CR-V will not have leather....thus, I won't be buying that one. Does anyone know if leather is a definite option when they come out in Dec?
The Saturn dealership here (Roswell, GA) said they will have one in the showroom mid Nov. and they will be for sale and on the lot mid. Dec.
However if you have a good retailer they can put in a custom leather interior. We do them all the time...
On a similar note, I spoke with a sales representative of Saturn of Brandon this week, and he told me that they are expecting 5 VUES in three weeks. I hope this is the case since my lease is due at the beginning of December and I need a replacement vehicle ASAP.
I will let you all know what I find out about the VUE this weekend.
-M
Thanx for the offer!
I read the posting re: retailers having the option to sell the Vue at GMO/GMS pricing which would the V6 much more accessible for me. But, when I talked to the manager of my local dealership, he said he hadn't heard anything about it so I'm wondering if that's a US only thing or if I'm just dealing with the wrong dealership. Also, if anyone has an idea on whether Saturn will offer a 0.9% financing option, I'd be happy to know.
PS. I found an decent (although slow) video link showing the Vue in motion plus interior details if anyone is interested:
www.theautolink.com/votw/2002_satrun_suv/2002_saturn_vue2.htm
They had two models there with what seemed to be the same options. One model was the black silver color, and the other was just silver. The black silver was very nice since the body of the vehicle matched some of the black cladding on the lower portion of the SUV.
The upholstery was a little cheaper than the regular clothe seats in the Trailblazer LS, but that was not a big surprise. My girlfriend noted that fabric reminded her of the 98 Pathfinder we used to drive. Despite the material, the seats seemed firm and supportive. The front legroom and headroom were great. The rear seats had enough space for me (I am 6’), and felt comfortable enough for a longer drive. I could see where you would think they sit a little high, but I did not find this to be a problem.
The dashboard and the center stereo area seemed pretty tight. This area does not seem to have the gap and cheap plastic problems I have in my 99 GMC Jimmy. I liked the layout of the stereo and the automatic shifter (although the shift button seemed sort of odd). It is an intelligent design that allows for quite a bit of space to put things between the two front seats. I like the idea of separate arm rests for the two front seats since I am often stealing arm space away from my co-pilot. The steering wheel was a disappointment. They definitely need to make a leather wrap option available for the steering wheel for better feel.
The rear compartment was large enough, but the floor paneling was awkward and loose. The storage area organizer felt like it was cheap plastic from an old GI Joe toy. It seemed like an option that I wouldn’t have missed if it were left out. A sturdy cargo net would do the same trick as the organizer, and would have looked quite a bit better. Getting to the spare under the organizer was a little difficult also since I felt like I was going to break the floor panel when attempting to lift it to get at the tire.
I would write more, but this is getting a bit wordy. If you have anything specific then let me know and I would be glad to reply. I am not an expert on this vehicle, but I know that not many people have had the opportunity to even sit in the truck. My review may sound bad, but the vehicle was actually quite impressive considering what I expected. The exterior and price will definitely win over a lot of people. I need to drive one to make a final decision on whether to deposit my cash on a VUE or go for a Trailblazer LS instead.
-M
P.S.
The salesperson working the exhibit told me that GMS would not be available on the VUE until January. I am going to call around to other dealers in the area to see what the say about it. The reasons he gave me for not having GMS available did not make much sense. Not going to go in to it unless somebody would like me to explain.
shellymeister noted that the rear seats sat a little too close to the floor. What is your take on that? I've seen this vehicle in real life at the auto show, and unlike you, we were not allowed to probe the interior. It looked almost as big as my old Blazer.
- Cheaper interior plastic than most small SUVs. Same goes for the fabric. At least it doesn't look and feel tacky like most GM products.
- Nice interior layout and lotsa headroom & legroom.
- Front passenger seat folds flat.
- Seats are low, I'm only 5'8'' but once I opened the door I actually had to "sit down" instead of climbing up like other SUVs. Dig that.
- Nice instrument, not outstanding, but nice.
- OK tactile feel for switches and knobs.
- Looks different than most SUVs and perhaps this could be a strong selling point.
It was a nice overall package, now I only need to testdrive both the CVT and V6/Auto to see if the price justifies the gain in horsepower. Can't wait.
A backseat ride in my father in laws '98 88 is a painful affair for this 6 footer. I have to splay my legs terribly to the side and the seats are so unsupportive......my brother in laws Bonneville SSE is a little better. My dad's Seville SLS is decent. But overall not as comfy as other makes.
You sit low in an Intrepid, but at least you've got leg room in those LH cars, unlike the new Bonne and Aurora. My Taurus is way more comfy in the backseat than those cars.
haiduc : I think the V6 will be the choice motor, but the CVT L4 is what I will likely get to save money on purchase price and gas. It will also be a good feature for showing off to friends and family. ;-)
Right now I am shopping for a mid sized sedan but I must admit I am intrigued by the VUE. I usually like Ford products so I thought when the Escape came out I thought I'd like it, but its too trucky for me.
I was hoping the Vue would be more car like and less trucky and really just be a "tall sedan" kind of vehicle. I really like the simplicity and utility of the L series car but I think in some instances I would like a slightly larger version of it.
So if the VUe is that kind of wehicle I may very well like it.
What color did you drive?
carman30 : Your comments are very encouraging. I am very eager to drive one myself. Anyone tried a 4 cyl model yet?
I forgot..The Fog light are really bright and light up the road well!
http://osx.wieck.com/pv/HON/2001/09/01/HON2001090149801_pv.jpg
As a foot rest, it was helpful when my sister had surgury on her knee. She needed lots of legroom and we put her in back with the passenger seat flatened. It's also a big help if you need to carry long planks, moldings, or pipes. I've fit lengths up to 10 ft. in my CR-V. I'm sure that the Vue's design will offer similar benefits.
I looked through the Ford Escape at a dealer three or four months ago, but I do not remember how functional its cargo space was, so I can not give an accurate comparison of the two vehicles at this time. I will have to stop by a Ford dealer and check the vehicle out again to see how it compares to the VUE while the Saturn is still fresh in my mind.
Hope Saturn does the same in December.
"I have foglights, can you see them?"..
Is pricing out for a the 02 CR-V yet?