Saturn VUE

3783 messages,  Last post on Sep 12, 2012 at 5:29 PM

You are in the Saturn VUE Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, SUV

#1612 of 3783 Saturn VUE V6 problems by wolfiss

Jul 02, 2002 (5:03 pm)

I purchased 2002 VUE on May 10, 2002.
On June 25 I had to have the left and right strutt bearings replaced. The transmission had started clunking and they had to fix that - some kind of computer problems - gear alignment/timing off.
 
Anyone with same problem? Can I expect more?
 
I have been a loyal Subaru owner for the last 30 years, but wanted a SUV didn't want the salesman hassel.
 
I guess I am being punished for desserting Subaru.
 
Sure would feel better if it wasn't only ME having problems.

#1613 of 3783 5mph Bumper Tests for small SUVs by erunic

Jul 03, 2002 (5:20 am)

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/low_speed_smsuv.htm

It was disappointing to see the VUE didn't fair as well as I expected. Even if one compares the VUE with other vehicles in the Saturn lineup, it is a disappointment. Here is the link for Edmunds.com:

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/crashtestdata/43764/article.html

I worry about the damage amounts as I find the VUE difficult to parallel park. Now having seen the repair costs of a slight bump, I will set up a safe area to practice in a parking lot. So far the VUE is doing well with over 8,000 miles. I think I need to send a letter of disappointment to Saturn nonetheless on their bumper results. I realize the crash results for the vehicle were quite well. --Eric

#1614 of 3783 RE: Plastic Lug Covers by malificent

Jul 03, 2002 (6:18 am)

Funny you should mention this. I just had to go in to the dealer and get two covers. They were easy to replace, so I went and checked the other and a few more were loose. I am having a re-occuring problem with me V6 AWD. When I am at a standstill (stopped at a light, parked) I hear a clunking noise around the back passenger side tire. The dealer has not been able to find anything and said that this might be a problem that has to get worse before it gets better. Any suggestions from the board?

#1615 of 3783 wolfiss by vuefor2

Jul 03, 2002 (8:14 am)

I think the later the build date, the better the Vue. Our build date was in May so many of the initial kinks had likely been worked out. Like any new vehicle, you are always taking a chance I guess. We figured that Saturn would take care of us even if there were problems. We are happy to have had no issues with out Vue so far.

#1616 of 3783 wolfiss by waffler62

Jul 03, 2002 (11:06 am)

I tend to agree with vuefor2 - build date affects numbber of problems, and also Saturn is good to try to take care of things. Having said that, I returned my fwd m5 after 9 days with 500 miles on the clock because of two major issues - the sporadic and unpredictable failure of most of the power accessories to work on startup (but no problems on restart), and the sporadic and unpredictable failure of the clutch to engage/disengage the gears properly when the clutch pedal was fully depressed (again fixed by shutting down and restarting). They were very disapponted that I didn't let them try to fix them under warranty, but I had no desire to fight ghosts when I was planning to keep the vehicle for 10+ years like we have with our 91 SL1 (170,000 miles). The official reason for return was listed as "defective ignition switch", which may be partly or completely true, but I didn't want to mess around past the 30 days finding out.
 
I'm still having withdrawal from my Vue. I have tested the CR-V, Pathfinder, new Altima, XTerra, Tribute, Trailblazer, Jetta diesel, GTI, Audi A4, Passat sedan and wagon, Vibe, Suzuki VL-7, and Liberty, and for comfort, value (in base form), and just sheer fun the Vue was by far my favorite. I liked it so much, and have been pleased enough in my dealings with Saturn, that I chose to ignore the possibility of first year teething problems; after all, my SL1 was a charter year , and it has been the best car, foreign or domestic, that I've ever owned (although my wife prefers her 2000 Maxima).
 
Now, with one eye on bulletin boards like these, I plan this winter or next spring to order a 2003 Vue almost identical to my 2002, and keep it for 10+ years.

#1617 of 3783 Saturn Of Spartanburg-The Best Yet! by maxamillion1

Jul 04, 2002 (9:53 pm)

I often go to the Saturn dealership in my area, and I have got to tell you, NO OTHER dealership treats me as nice! I give Saturn of Spartanburg high praise! I am only 16 years old, yet they always treat me with the highest level of respect and courtesy. The service before the sale ALONE would make me choose the VUE over any CR-V, and my aunt works for a Honda dealership. If Saturn is reading any of these post, I want them to know that Saturn of Spartanburg just can't be beat. No body, I mean nobody is better. The Honda and Toyota dealerships are inferior to Saturn of Spartanburg. I plan to do a great deal of business with them.

#1618 of 3783 by dindak

Jul 05, 2002 (8:07 am)

All of my experiences with Saturn dealers have been excellent. There is a reason they consistently rank in the top 3 and usually number 1 on the customer satisfaction surveys. Saturn has a slew of new product coming in the fall so I suspect you will see Saturn sales rise also as the current line up (excluding the VUE) is pretty dated.

#1619 of 3783 Wax your rims: by erunic

Jul 06, 2002 (5:33 am)

I spoke with the Saturn Service department concerning how quickly the alloy rims, available on the 4cyl 5spd, become difficult to clean. The service manager suggested waxing the rims. I did as instructed two weeks ago and can say when I washed the car this morning, all of the dirt and gunk rinsed right off. For those of you that have found it as much of a pain as myself, the extra effort may be worth it as it saves time on cleaning. Saturn recommends any auto wax with carnauba wax. --Eric

#1620 of 3783 Vue v. Subaru Outback Wagon by beacher3

Jul 07, 2002 (7:31 am)

Hello everyone...kudos for a great discussion.
I am looking for a vehicle, other than a mini-van, to accomodate a growing family.
 
I have looked at many including the Tribute,CRV,Liberty and Santa Fe.
 
It's now down to the Vue 4cyl/5spd and the Outback Wagon.
 
In the Toronto area the VUE with ABS and power package is leasing for about the same amount as the Outback. I recognize that the Outback does have substantially larger by-back.
 
I would appreciate your comments on the Vue vs. Outback.
 
Also,I do have some concerns about the HP on the 4cyl Vue. I did compare it with other vehicles and it appears good when you compare weight, HP and Torque.Does the 4 cyl Vue have enough power for city and highway driving?
 
Many thanks.

#1621 of 3783 Vue vs. Outback by 5679

Jul 07, 2002 (10:05 am)

Beacher3, have you driven them both in the city and on the highway? Have you tried passing on the highway? What did you think?
I've driven the 4 cyl. Vue. I was satisfied with the 5 spd. I'd like to try it with 5 passengers and some cargo to see how it manages.
I have a 5spd SL1 (1995) so that is my only Saturn comparison. It is adequate for my needs but, over a long distance, the seats are brutal.
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