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Comments
I was pretty well impressed with the vehicle, taking into consideration its size, quality of ride, standard equipment and price vs the competition, I think this could be a winner.
The reality is, only time will tell, If Saturn have done everything right and there are NO major recalls to scare people away, its a hit.
While I was at the dealership, even with the rain there was a lineup of people waiting to test drive the VUE, I wonder without any major advertising how all these people found out about this vehicle, I can understand in the US, but up here in Canada, hmmmmmm!.
At this point I think I will test drive an actual production model and then make my decision, at this point though I am about 90% sold.
Don't underestimate the marketing that's already going on, not to mention all the teaser articles I've seen in local papers and magazines. Saturn has been pushing this thing since last winter's auto shows so most people in the market are well aware of the Vue. They have also been direct mailing current Saturn owners from what I've heard. This truck is hyped!
We were passing this link around the CR-V forums, but I noted that the 2.4L VUE also did very well in EPA emissions rankings. The overall ranking is based on the lower of the fuel efficiency and emissions categories, so you need to have high scores in both categories. The 2.4L VUE did pretty good. Oddly enough, for ranking purposes, they put the V6 VUE in the "Medium" class.
http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/suv-02.htm
dindak....from the review, looks like you might save a few bucks and stick with the FWD VUE (and buy a good set of snows) as the AWD doesn't seem to be that effective.
I will be going for a 2WD, no doubt about it.
Saw today in the Toronto Star that the Vue officially went on sale today. Local dealer's Vue inventory is all gone though.
In the website they want to see people's opinions on the Urban and Outdoors models. Gee it doesn't take a brain surgeon too see these are what should be offered now... not 2 years from now.
Just MY opinion! All I'm saying is that if you don't give a car a little pizazz (something most cars lack for the last 20 years) don't expect me to have interest.
Anyway I'm leaning away from CR-V though I like it. Vue, Tribute and Escape seem to be the front runners now and the new Vibe/Matrix may have a shot if the price and space are good.
On Direct TV and Dish Network, the show is aired at 4pm Eastern on Saturdays. You may also be able to see it on Speedvision, although I've yet to locate it myself. See www.motorweek.org to find the channel and time it airs in your area.
By the way, is there an "official" release date for the Vue? Is Saturn waiting for Santa to help deliver them to the dealers?
I can't wait. The CR-V is no doubt a fine one, but it doesn't look substantial, it also has a very
boring and dated dash board. Simple, and not exciting at all. I don't care much for the high-mounted tail light (like the Focus hatchback), and the column shifter either. Check out the
Escape and RAV-4 for comparison.
Still have not seen detailed pricing for the Vue. I thought that would have been available by now.
Interesting that cruise control and a CD player are standard on the Canadian models. Noticed that a strait AM/FM is standard in the U.S. and cruise control is part of the power package.
Our store has 10 open order slots currently.
Email me if you want one and have telepathy and can figure out what my email is ;-)
Any current Saturn owners here? If so, are you planning to buy antoher Saturn?
I'm looking for a small SUV. The leading candidate is the Honda CR-V. Currently I'm driving a '93 Civic VX. Saturn was the other finalist when I bought the Honda.
Finally, anyone know the U.S. pricing? Edmunds doesn't seem to have it yet, as I didn't see the VUE even listed under Saturn.
saturn.com still has nothing.
Yachtie
I found US specs at www.kbb.com
PDF brochure is available at saturncanada.com
They are on sale now so I would love to hear some comments.
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/48110/article.html
Our dealership has one-- took a look at it yesterday and am planning to test drive this afternoon-- it is a silver V6, priced at $24 K plus (with certain accessories)-- very interested to see how it
handles. Doing my homework for possible future purchase or lease.
Let us know how it goes. Tested and V6 a few weeks ago and loved it. No 4 cyl models available yet here.
A wonderful way to create demand.
I can hardly wait for mine to arrive. And I haven't seen one.
The one I drove was a pre-production model.
Doesn't mean we won't get one in time, but feel no urgency at the moment. Like you, would like to test the VTi 4 cyl for power comparison. The V6 certainly has excellent power and is very smooth.
I was able to test the VUE on freeway, street, and windy hills. And it was a rainy day.
My impressions-- it feels bigger (looking out over the front end)
from the inside then it looks from the outside. Felt a bit boxy to me. (Coming from an Explorer-- so certainly felt shorter, but seemed just as square). Expected it to feel more like the Honda CRV. Didn't seem to take the "bumps" as smoothly as the CRV-- kinda rolled (but nothing like our Explorer).
I think its a nice vehicle-- most of my disapointments are with the "creature comforts"-- and the model that I drove was equipped with none of the things I prefer (some of which are not as yet available, like leather and heated seats), and a bunch that I would never lay out $$$ for (front bush bar; wind deflectors, which I found distracting on driver window; side step rails). The cloth used on the interior is a nice quality-- but I can't imagine keeping it clean for long. Believe it had a 3-point center seat belt in back seat-- a plus. Only one storage pocket (behind driver's seat)-- with plastic panel on back of passenger's seat-- because of folddown option (but Explorer does same thing, and keeps the pocket-- I prefer this). Two cupholders at back base of console for backseat passengers-- probably the best location.
The interior is a bit plasticky (maybe most noticeable because of the "weightiness" of the vehicle), but the aluminum-brushed molding is a nice touch. Some shortcomings did bother me: no light in glove compartment (exists in L-series); the console between the two front seats is very small (smaller than the L); arm rests a bit short and seemed like it was easier to hook seat belts by lifting them out of the way; placement of outside mirror on console cluster instead of usual Saturn spot on driver's door). Also the fact that can't open window on liftgate. The location of the spare under the cargo area seems great for storage, but looks like a very awkward location to remove from-- maybe I should ask for a demo on this maneuver next time). Foldout bins in cargo zone are great-- would have loved a picnic table, too . . . (LOL)
Again, just my general first impressions. We will wait until more models, options packages arrive. My husband will test drive then.
I think our ideal VUE would probably be the V6 with the aforementioned leather seats and heaters and for a total extravagance, a DVD player! Put price and practicality will come into play. I would certainly consider the 4 cyl for gas mileage, depending on power, of course. Anyway, that's my take on the VUE for now-- but I'm certainly open to being impressed when more of these start arriving on lots.
sandtbright : Wouldn't touch the Santa Fe for a number of reasons. Hyundia quality has gotten much better, but it's still lower than most and I have too many bad memories of my friends 5 year old Hyundia falling apart. Don't let those long warranties fool you either, they are full of loopholes. I also don't like the looks, but that's a personal thing.
I would look at Escape/Tribute, CR-V, RAV-4 and Vue as your main choices.
Regarding the competition, have ruled out the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute (too many recalls, reliability issues, and lousy Ford service); the Jeep Liberty (for basically the same reasons); and the Hyundai Santa Fe (quality-- just never again). We like the CRV in general-- except for the fact that still has no power-- and that Honda sales and service are awful.
The one thing I forgot to mention in my initial assessment of the VUE -- Saturn's customer service is a major, major plus in our opinion. Especially the service department-- and with a brand new model, I am certain that Saturn will be even more responsive to service problems than usual. This benefit will likely sway us to the VUE regardless of features we may need to compromise on. But I'm still keeping my fingers crossed about the "luxury accessories" I listed-- I believe a lot of folks would go for a VUE equipped this way.
Saturn service is great. A co-worker has an SL1 and raves about how they drop off her car when it's been serviced. Amazing. A CVT Saturn with the power package is more than likely what I want and if it drives like the V6 it's sure to be in my top three choices. I still also want to take a look at the Vibe/Matrix as an alternative.
One last thing I forgot to mention about the VUE-- very roomy in general. Back seat area comparable to Explorer. Another plus.
I'll let you know when I test one.
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/roadtests/2002/january/200201_roadtest_saturnvue.xml
The reviewer's obnoxious writing style aside, I agree with his assessment (per my earlier posts).
The one surprise for me was the match in acceleration with the Honda CRV-- the one I test drove was wimpy in acceleration and completely hopeless on hills. But that was a year ago-- maybe there have been significant improvements.
The VUE felt more truck-like than mini-vanish to me-- and less carlike than the CRV.
I do think if Saturn does dress up the interior of the VUE with affordable options, it will capture more of its market. As I recall, power issues aside, the CRV-- for example-- did not offer such options as leather interior, heated seats . . . and then there's that annoying swingout liftgate arrangement.
Will continue to read and seriously consider the VUE.
cberes : I agree on you with the side swing gate on the CR-V. It really sucks. Apparently the 02 CR-V has significantly more power than the 01 models. Have to try one to see. As for leather, none available on the CR-V, available on the V6 Vue later in the year I heard. After market leather is always an option though.
dindak, et al.-- you might have fun with this one! Click on VUE and you can design and price (altho' not sure 4 AWD data working yet).
Dindak - The Canadian CR-V is offered with leather as an option. They are refering to it as the EX-L model. They don't offer this package in the states. The VUE doesn't offer leather (yet), but the cloth seats were okay.
Gmusic7 - Saturn is still getting the bugs worked out for the CVT. You may have to wait a while, even when that model is offered. Automags almost never test the 4 cyl models (if a 6cyl is offered). Kind of a bummer, IMHO.
i hope the magazines do test the VUE 4 cyl with the CVT due to the fact that it is the first application of this tranny to a mini-ute or any ute for that matter.
varmit : I forgot about that. Strange that it's offered in Canada only? I would understand traction control, but leather?
You are right about 4 bangers not being tested much. That said, the CVT is bound to be tested like crazy given it's new technology.
I think this is a good move by Saturn (i.e. GM, standing over their shoulder) since the Tribscape and CRV both had problems AFTER they hit the lots (Ford's, of course, being much more troublesome and lasting; Honda's a serious problem but quickly and easily taken care of). None the less, I think Saturn (big bro GM) wants to avoid the bad PR.
On the other hand (I have to look at both sides now to be fair, ha ha) they have created this curiosity and demand that isn't being met overall, and with the VTi specifically.
Just my opinion.
Steve
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