Its been a couple weeks since I posted but the VUE is holding up very well, people are constantly stopping me and asking how I like it and if it drives nice. I now have over 1000 miles on it and the motor seems to be loosening up some and deliverying even better power than before. I will keep you posted.
I just got an e-mail from my local Saturn dealer (Budd's Saturn Saab Isuzu) and he told me they will have a VUE available to see and possibly drive on Thursday all day and Friday morning. I am very excited to say the least. I really hope I can drive it and I will report my findings to everyone here.
am looking at buying SUV. have narrowed search to Hyundai Santa Fe and suzuki grand vitara.Now I'm waiting to look at and test drive Vue. Any past experiences with these vehicles?
Suzuki is ok, but it's not very refined and a bit small inside. You can probably get a good deal on one though. Santa Fe is a Hyundia which still lags all Japanese/ American and European brands in reliability. I don't like it's front end bubble looks, but that's a personal opinion. Vue is not out yet, but I'll let you know how my drive goes at the end of the week.
Carnut- Is you want to be specific- DRIVING LAMPS are the white lights in the bumper of MOST vehicles today, and they are used to enhance your nightime vision. These are on the VUE, but I called them "foglamps" for ease of understanding in this forum. If you vehicle has Orange or Yellow lamps in the bumper, THOSE are foglamps and are supposed to be used in foul weather.
We test drove a Santa Fe recently and I was not impressed. The one we drove seemed underpowered and didn't have a good tranny match. I had just gotten off a freeway and was trying to go up the overpass. It couldn't get any speed going up the overpass, and ended up downshifting to a lower gear (sounded terrible). It would be useless for us - we live in the mountains.
Later that day we test drove a Honda Insight. I was very impressed with its CVT, and so am waiting patiently to test drive the Vue with one.
carman30 -- Whether they are 'driving lights' or 'fog lights' as the VUE refers to them, my only point is that too many drivers use the fog lights excessively - head lights plus fog lights. There is a reason why there are separate switches for fog lights as well as for that matter, the bright lights. It's that many drivers just don't know when they need not use the fog lights. There are times when neither the fog lights nor the bright lights should be used. The VUE, of course, has the automatic daytime running lights feature.
I think using fog lights has more to do with making the car/truck look cool at night than anything else. Almost everyone in a BMW seems to do it that's for sure.
Traction Control will be available only on the FWD 4 cylinder version. It will be packaged with the Anti-Lock Brakes. The price is going to be $595.00.
Ok I drove the VUE and the competition (Santa Fe - CRV - RAV4 - and Escape all 2001 models) last week. Have been to busy to put together an intelligent post ... don't really have the time now either but here are some brief thoughts...
First of all the VUE is very roomy - much more head room than the L. The Escape and Santa Fe are comparable with the CRV and RAV being much smaller.
The seat is very easy to get into and out of, although I didnt sit in it long enough to tell if it would be comfortable on long trips. The Escape and Rav4 were also good in the seating.
The CVT is very smooth and has good power once it gets going. Off the line it really has no punch. This was a pre-production car so I don't know how or if this will change.
The 6 cyl is VERY quick - much like the L300. The Escape was a little quicker off the line but in the midrange the VUE overtakes the Escape. The others were not comparable in accelleration.
Interior is nicer than the L IMO and there will be the ability to get a brushed alluminum look. The interior of the RAV4 was my favorite - with VUE and Santa Fe tied for second. Escape and CRV tied for last.
The moonroof is very large in the VUE.
The electronic steering was not as good as the C-spring steering in the L which I really like but it was good overall. Unfortunately I didn't get to take a long drive and its pre-production - but I have a good feeling about this steering system.
The handling and ride quality was very good - the CRV does handle a bit better IMO but the VUE is much better than the Santa Fe or the Escape, and of course the 2001 CRV which I have never liked. Bear in mind this is a 2001 CRV.
The versatility of the cargo bay and seating is a big plus - again overall a better design than the competition for a variety of reasons. The others have some serious weaknesses when compared back to back. The Rav4 is too small. Escape you have to remove the rear seat rests to fold down the seats. The CRV you have to close the glass before closing the hatch in the rear.
Overall I personally found the VUE to be better than the competition over all - and in most cases better in every category.
Still I fear the 2002 CRV is the biggest and badest competition.
Retailers should have the VUE in showrooms anywhere from a couple days to a week depending on where they are located.
Thanx for the update. I think you are right, the main competition will be the CR-V, though I think people looking for a V6 will be cross shopping the Tribute/Escape.
I am going to see and test a V6 Vue at lunch today. I am very excited. I also pick up my X-box this morning. Whoo hoo!
Went down to the dealer around 11am and tested an AWD V6 fully loaded pre-production VUE. First of all, I was very impressed with the space and layout. Saturn has done a good job here, no doubt about it.
The guy told me some things may be a little different on the production models and that some pieces were not fitting right because it was pre-production. Aside from the heating knobs everything seemed solid to me.
Things I like : Good seats and positioning, good leg room (front and back), excellent dash layout, smooth drive and a very peppy V6 engine.
Things I didn't like : Back seat is a little skimpy (but I'm not surprised), flimsy cargo organizer, materials could be better.
That all said, the materials are comparable to other trucks in this category. I have not driven an 02 CR-V yet, but Honda better have some good stuff because the Vue is better than the current CR-V. For V6 buyers, the VUE should be your number 1 choice. It's simply better than the Escape IMO.
The guy said all the allotment for December is sold and the earliest I could take delivery is mid January. I'm looking at spring, so it's not an issue anyway. Overall I'm impressed, but I need to drive a CVT to be sure this is what I want as the V6 is out of my price range.
hey, dindak......you're keeping us in suspense! greetings from the other side of the GTA, btw. You know, in reading your other postings, I think we're basically looking for the same vehicle; under 30K, spacious but not too big, good performance balanced with good fuel economy, all-wheeldrive etc. etc. We're a small family so don't really need (or want) a minivan, so CR-V, VUE, TRiscape, Santa Fe, Forester etc. are all on our list too. We like the VUE.....the 4 cyl/CVT combo looks to be the best fit economically as the 6 is over 30K.....hope to be checking out both the VUE & CR-V shortly....we don't have to buy until spring so plan to check out the Matrix and Vibe too....I've got about 10 years on you so their "youthfull image" may not be a great fit but price-wise, they will. Anyway, can't wait for your report......
Thanks for your comments. Could you please elaborate as to why you think the VUE is better than the Escape? Did you test drive the Escape as well? I'd like a V6, so the new CRV isn't an option. Thanks.
that was strange.....when I first logged in, I saw your "Tested" posting but no report....when I'd finished typing my response and went back, there it was! Anyway, how were the noise levels? Did you take it on the highway? Is the 26K 4cyl/CVT fairly well equipped? I guess we could live with a scrimpy back seat as it would mostly be our 9 year old son sitting back there....although he may complain in a few years!
artdecho : For kids or a smaller adult, the seats are absolutely fine. A bigger person might find the rear uncomfortable for a long trip. Rear leg room is very good, it's just that the seat is a little on the low/short side, similar to the old style Blazer back seat. I took it on the highway and the ride was very car like and smooth. The V6 brought me up to speed pretty much like any V6 sedan would. You are right, we are likely shopping for the same vehicle. Santa Fe is out on looks, but I like the looks of the new CR-V and the Escape/Tribute is still on the list. I'll take a peek at the Vibe also.
wannascape : Don't get me wrong, I like the Escape/Tribute. I just think the VUE seems to have a better ride and better layout on the dash. VUE also seems more spacious. I tested an Escape about 6 months ago, so I will certainly re-test before I lease.
Call your local Saturn dealer and ask them if they will have a VUE available for testing soon. The one I drove is off to Mississauga tomorrow for testing at another dealership.
Saturn estimates first-year sales of the 2002 VUE compact sport-utility to reach 50,000 Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I think Saturn will sell more than 50K of these if they can make them. It's going to be a hot seller. Driving around Oakville today, I was getting a lot of looks in this SUV. Seems to me they are underestimating demand on purpose.
Can anyone remember when a product of GM has been so highly anticipated? I know this is a Saturn, but GM has to be dancing in the streets. From the information out there, the VUE seems to be hitting the mark.
The Pontiac Vibe seems to have a big buzz also. GM is finally putting out some more exciting and very affordable cars which is something they really need badly.
the VUE doesn't have the initial quality issues and multiple recall issues that Ford has had. I saw the VUE at the auto show last night and was very impressed with the looks of the exterior and the interior. There is plenty of room and the quality of interior materials is good. The VUE I saw was the AWD, V6, 5 speed auto, in a really cool exterior color: "black silver." It looked really nice under the lights.
Anybody test drive one yet? I've tried to get to sit in one for over 6 months to no avail. The only vehicles that are comfortable for me (pedal placement and driving position) are the Pontiac Aztec, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, PT Cruiser and Toyota Rav 4 all equipped with leather and power seats. I already have a PT but need another vehicle...one with all wheel drive and space to put bikes inside standing up. Everything else doesn't work. Hopefully a Saturn Vue works...the other Saturn models are to small for my big feet (LOL).
email the dealer in Columbus OH, to test drive the vue ,a representative email me back with quote "we suppose to get 50, but they have been already sold,will get a couple for test drive only,so you can order if you like it". What in the world !,I just cannnot believed this is the most anticipated vehicle ,when toyota came with the highlander nobody created such a band wagon for the vehicle ,how can I buy this vehicle without previous test drive( saw it in cincinati autoshow,was not allowed to seat in) .It sounds good ,the reviews are favorable but I cannot believe they are gone like hot cakes ,after the escape fiasco ( I was close to buy one this year )I'm not sure of buying a vehicle with my eyes close (sorry I could have done this with a honda or toyota but still wouldnt place my hands on fire for gm or ford products)Is saturn trying to hype this up?
Most Saturn dealers have had pre-production models in for tests. You might want to check that out. I tested a V6 AWD last week so I have a good idea of what they will be like. The local dealer is sold out until January. All Vue's coming in December are sold out.
Autoweek 26Nov2001 issue has a one-page report on the VUE - was informative but neutral . The same issue had a report on the Jeep Liberty - It rolled over twice in their slalom test. The point it seems to prove is that for drivers to take heed of the warning label in SUVs that says such vehicles do not handle like cars in emergency conditions.
Hi, all. I've looked at the Saturn web site, and have received the "outside" and "inside" brochures from Saturn in the mail. I don't see a cup holder in the pictures. The picture of the front seats is a side view. I see the console and the arm rests, but I can't see if anything is between the seats. Being a woman, I always look for a place to put a purse in the front when there is a passenger in the front seat. Would I have to throw my purse in the back in this vehicle? For those of you who have had a peek at the inside, I would appreciate knowing. Thanks for the feedback in advance.
There are two molded cupholders in the console between the two front seats. The area is cut low to the floor, in other words, it looks like the kind of place a purse would go. Unfortunately, it's the same place the cupholders are.
Saw the initial 02 CR-V pricing for Canada and it sounds a bit high. Saturn Vue is definitely competitive in terms of technology and price. If the thing is well built, Honda should loose sales to Vue. My CR-V test is tomorrow.
Does anyone know if any have been delivered yet. I have one ordered but it is supposed to be in about 4-6 weeks after they get their first one in. They were expecting it around 18 Nov... I haven't seen anything yet.
I have seen nothing locally (I drive by the dealership almost daily) and I was told early December for the first ones to roll in. It might be a week late for Canadian dealers though.
yeah, new CR-V pricing does seem a bit high. LX, both manual & auto have only increased by 600 bucks (to 26,900 and 27,900) whereas EX auto has increased by 1400 to 29,700 and EX-Leather is up 2400 to 32,200. I believe freight, AC tax etc is extra. Compare with VUE at just over 26k for 4 cyl/CVT which includes freight and AC tax.
I have also driven by my local dealer here and have not seen any VUEs. Since my vehicle lease (1999 2-Door GMC Jimmy) is done in December I had to make a decision on a vehicle now. I decided to lease a 2002 2-Door Chevrolet Blazer because
1) It was available now. 2) It was available now for GMS. :-) 3) they were running great lease numbers. 4) The car is familiar. 5) I still love the old 4.3 engine. 5) The sticker price on the TrailBlazer was WAY too much for my wallet.
I will not be looking at leasing or purchasing a VUE for quite some time now, but I love to hunt down cars, so I will definitely stop in from time to time to let you know if I see or hear anything. Good luck on your quests.
Comments
Later that day we test drove a Honda Insight. I was very impressed with its CVT, and so am waiting patiently to test drive the Vue with one.
Does the Vue have traction control?
First of all the VUE is very roomy - much more head room than the L. The Escape and Santa Fe are comparable with the CRV and RAV being much smaller.
The seat is very easy to get into and out of, although I didnt sit in it long enough to tell if it would be comfortable on long trips. The Escape and Rav4 were also good in the seating.
The CVT is very smooth and has good power once it gets going. Off the line it really has no punch. This was a pre-production car so I don't know how or if this will change.
The 6 cyl is VERY quick - much like the L300. The Escape was a little quicker off the line but in the midrange the VUE overtakes the Escape. The others were not comparable in accelleration.
Interior is nicer than the L IMO and there will be the ability to get a brushed alluminum look. The interior of the RAV4 was my favorite - with VUE and Santa Fe tied for second. Escape and CRV tied for last.
The moonroof is very large in the VUE.
The electronic steering was not as good as the C-spring steering in the L which I really like but it was good overall. Unfortunately I didn't get to take a long drive and its pre-production - but I have a good feeling about this steering system.
The handling and ride quality was very good - the CRV does handle a bit better IMO but the VUE is much better than the Santa Fe or the Escape, and of course the 2001 CRV which I have never liked. Bear in mind this is a 2001 CRV.
The versatility of the cargo bay and seating is a big plus - again overall a better design than the competition for a variety of reasons. The others have some serious weaknesses when compared back to back. The Rav4 is too small. Escape you have to remove the rear seat rests to fold down the seats. The CRV you have to close the glass before closing the hatch in the rear.
Overall I personally found the VUE to be better than the competition over all - and in most cases better in every category.
Still I fear the 2002 CRV is the biggest and badest competition.
Retailers should have the VUE in showrooms anywhere from a couple days to a week depending on where they are located.
I am going to see and test a V6 Vue at lunch today. I am very excited. I also pick up my X-box this morning. Whoo hoo!
I will write a short report later.
The guy told me some things may be a little different on the production models and that some pieces were not fitting right because it was pre-production. Aside from the heating knobs everything seemed solid to me.
Things I like : Good seats and positioning, good leg room (front and back), excellent dash layout, smooth drive and a very peppy V6 engine.
Things I didn't like : Back seat is a little skimpy (but I'm not surprised), flimsy cargo organizer, materials could be better.
That all said, the materials are comparable to other trucks in this category. I have not driven an 02 CR-V yet, but Honda better have some good stuff because the Vue is better than the current CR-V. For V6 buyers, the VUE should be your number 1 choice. It's simply better than the Escape IMO.
The guy said all the allotment for December is sold and the earliest I could take delivery is mid January. I'm looking at spring, so it's not an issue anyway. Overall I'm impressed, but I need to drive a CVT to be sure this is what I want as the V6 is out of my price range.
greetings from the other side of the GTA, btw.
You know, in reading your other postings, I think we're basically looking for the same vehicle;
under 30K, spacious but not too big, good performance balanced with good fuel economy, all-wheeldrive etc. etc. We're a small family so don't really need (or want) a minivan, so CR-V, VUE, TRiscape, Santa Fe, Forester etc. are all on our list too. We like the VUE.....the 4 cyl/CVT combo looks to be the best fit economically as the 6 is over 30K.....hope to be checking out both the VUE & CR-V shortly....we don't have to buy until spring so plan to check out the Matrix and Vibe too....I've got about 10 years on you so their "youthfull image" may not be a great fit but price-wise, they will. Anyway, can't wait for your report......
Could you please elaborate as to why you think the VUE is better than the Escape? Did you test drive the Escape as well? I'd like a V6, so the new CRV isn't an option.
Thanks.
Did you take it on the highway? Is the 26K 4cyl/CVT fairly well equipped? I guess we could live with a scrimpy back seat as it would mostly be our 9 year old son sitting back there....although he may complain in a few years!
Thanks for the review, dindak!
Steve
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wannascape : Don't get me wrong, I like the Escape/Tribute. I just think the VUE seems to have a better ride and better layout on the dash. VUE also seems more spacious. I tested an Escape about 6 months ago, so I will certainly re-test before I lease.
Steve
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Steve
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It can't compare with the rollout of the '58 Edsel ... oh, wait! That was FORD! :-)
tidester
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How about the Chevy SSR?
http://www.ssrrs.com/
What in the world !,I just cannnot believed this is the most anticipated vehicle ,when toyota came with the highlander nobody created such a band wagon for the vehicle ,how can I buy this vehicle without previous test drive( saw it in cincinati autoshow,was not allowed to seat in) .It sounds good ,the reviews are favorable but I cannot believe they are gone like hot cakes ,after the escape fiasco ( I was close to buy one this year )I'm not sure of buying a vehicle with my eyes close (sorry I could have done this with a honda or toyota but still wouldnt place my hands on fire for gm or ford products)Is saturn trying to hype this up?
The same issue had a report on the Jeep Liberty - It rolled over twice in their slalom test. The point it seems to prove is that for drivers to take heed of the warning label in SUVs that says such vehicles do not handle like cars in emergency conditions.
Being a woman, I always look for a place to put a purse in the front when there is a passenger in the front seat. Would I have to throw my purse in the back in this vehicle? For those of you who have had a peek at the inside, I would appreciate knowing. Thanks for the feedback in advance.
LX, both manual & auto have only increased by 600 bucks (to 26,900 and 27,900) whereas EX auto has increased by 1400 to 29,700 and EX-Leather is up 2400 to 32,200. I believe freight, AC tax etc is extra. Compare with VUE at just over 26k for 4 cyl/CVT which includes freight and AC tax.
1) It was available now.
2) It was available now for GMS. :-)
3) they were running great lease numbers.
4) The car is familiar.
5) I still love the old 4.3 engine.
5) The sticker price on the TrailBlazer was
WAY too much for my wallet.
I will not be looking at leasing or purchasing a VUE for quite some time now, but I love to hunt down cars, so I will definitely stop in from time to time to let you know if I see or hear anything. Good luck on your quests.
-M