Article Comments 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Follow-Up Test

16 messages, Last post on Jun 14, 2008 at 5:27 AM

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Article comments for Follow-Up Test: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line - At the track, our test driver found that this front-wheel drive hybrid was "painfully slow," taking 10.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. (more)

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#7 of 16 Re: Not exactly an awe-inspiring review [larsb] by gagrice Sep 25, 2006 (2:38 pm)
Replying to: larsb (Sep 25, 2006 8:46 am) I was disappointed that the vehicle did not have a "real-time MPG meter" You set that as a deal killer for the Vue. That it was somehow less of a hybrid because of that omission. If hybrids are ever going to become mainstream they will have to offer a model for the masses. So far that is not the case. Maybe the Saturn Vue will change that. My view is that all hybrids are a poor longterm vehicle. I am contemplating putting mine on the market while the feeding frenzy for hybrids is still warm.
#8 of 16 Its not that bad by starbird Sep 30, 2006 (1:22 pm)
I test drove the Vue Hybrid a couple of weeks ago. I thought the interior was a bit shoddy compared to some of the other vehicles in its class (such as the new Honda CRV and the RAV4), but the aceleration seemed fast enough and it didn't take too long to get up to speed. Noise in the cabin wasn't bad. There are only two things stopping us from buying one, the first is that the car we would replace it with is depreciating so quickly, we wouldn't get much money for it at the moment to put down for a deposit, the second is that the Vue is being replaced by a new model next year, and although they say that the Hybrid would be around for a couple of years, I suspect that the 2008 Vue will get a hybrid quite quickly. Waiting for that model would give a bit more style, hopefully a better interior, and allow some real data on reliability to come out. Replies to this message: stevedebi (Jan 22, 2007 2:25 pm)
#9 of 16 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Follow-Up Test [KarenS] by onlyharley Oct 10, 2006 (8:06 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Sep 22, 2006 7:21 am) Its unfortunate that 1 person's view is this debilitating towards the vue. My husband is pro for the enviroment and first saw this vehicle at the auto show. He was impressed with alleged mpg. Long story short. We were unable to test drive the hybrid vue at our local dealer but test drove the gas 4cyl. We both liked the comfort and smoothness of the ride. We did not notice any irregularites in the rattling..but I'd like to say his current car is a toyota xb lowered and boy is this thing bumpy. We did not see that with the vue but again its not the hybrid one. Husband put the deposit on it and we will see when it comes in and the drive. If its that much of a difference between the gas 4cyl and his toyota xb then forget it....but I tell you the XB is bumpy rattly tin tin tin'y when closing the door. I did not see this in the vue... Replies to this message: stevedebi (Oct 13, 2006 3:16 pm)
#10 of 16 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Follow-Up Test [onlyharley by stevedebi Oct 13, 2006 (3:16 pm)
Replying to: onlyharley (Oct 10, 2006 8:06 pm) Oh, I think many reviewers are disappointed in the relatively small gain in MPG. Most hybrid "purists" would most likely prefer to spend the extra 3K and get a "full" hybrid. The Vue engine never shuts off except when the vehicle is stopped. "Full" hybrids can run on pure electric for short distances. At present the only full hybrid with a 4Cyl engine is the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Highlander is a V6. Reports on this site indicate many owners are getting low to mid 30's with the Escape. I think that would be better than the Vue. But then, it costs more money as well. But if you haven't driven the Ford, you might check it out so you have a comparison vehicle.
#11 of 16 Re: Not exactly an awe-inspiring review [larsb] by tpfilm1 Oct 27, 2006 (9:31 am)
Replying to: larsb (Sep 22, 2006 7:31 am) Ok. I have to attempt to defend Saturn and, possibly, gain some new Saturn fans. First of all... Just like a movie take a reveiw with a grain of salt. These people are paid to find things in cars (stereos, tvs, computers, etc) that we the public would not. They take these vehicles (usually given to them by the manufacturer) and treat worse than you or I would. As with any journalism, the writer's bias will come through. The writer is only human. You give a Saturn to a Saturn fan and give one to someone who doesn't like Saturn and you will get two different reviews. As an example of the media's bias towards Saturn notice that whenever reviewers talk about the Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent or Suzuki XL7 they never mention the VUE. The VUE was first on the THETA platform. They also fail to mention that Suzuki helped GM design and ceate the THETA platform... but that's another post! I have owned a VUE 4cyl, FWD for over a year. I have taken on road trips through the South - from the decent roads of North Carolina to the hurricane ravaged streets of New Orleans (that were pretty bad before Katrina.) I have not noticed any rattles that were not caused by loose items in the car. There was one rattle in the console that Saturn of ILM quickly tracked down and fixed. I have not noticed the "poor build quality" that every reviewer of every Saturn (polymer models) has always pointed out. It seems that these reviewers forget that plastic expands and contracts and the gaps will not always seem uniform as on a metal bodied car. Having owned 3 other Saturns, I have never had a problem with this. The roominess of the VUE and the sure, stable handling of the VUE, even at 80mph, have never caused me any concern. I have room for two suitcases, a large folded stroller and a large car seat. Add two adults and the car has never felt cramped. Now, on to the Green Line. I have driven one. Like I said earlier, refrain from making an opinion until you can try for it for yourself. The GL has better accelration than the standard 4cyl VUE and, with a lowered stance, actually handles a bit better. Keep in mind that this vehicle is an SUV, not a car. The original VUE has alomost 7 inches of ground clearance, the GL a bit less. It is not designed to be flung around corners, or for instant accelration (for that get the SKY.) The braking on the GL felt a little grabby at first until I realized that the car was just using the brakes to charge the battery. The acceleration was strong and confident. You can tell when the electric motor kicks in to assist the gas engine. The electric motor is not only there to power the accessories when the GL is stopped. It also provides addt'l power when the gas pedal is stepped-on. Power that is noticed, felt. As far as the lack of Hybrid branding. Not everyone wants to advertise that their car's a hybrid. Not every hybrid needs to have large labels and badges all over them. Nor do they need to have large, distracting gagues to tell someone what their mpg is. We have all been behind the hybrid that was going a steady 53mph and weaving a bit as they kept staring at the Hybrid gague, trying to get another .3mpg, like playing a game and trying to get the top score everytime. Me, I want a subtle car that doesn't scream: "Look at me! I care about the environment and saving gas and you don't!" So, check out the VUE GL for yourself. Check out the upcoming Aura GL. Wait for the 2008 VUE to come out with it's VUE GL (if you wait until then you won't get the great VUE we know and love today. It will be a re-badged Opal, and smaller.) But either way use your own judgement. Thank you. Your mileage may vary, and your opinion's going to be different, too.
#12 of 16 Re: Its not that bad [starbird] by stevedebi Jan 22, 2007 (2:25 pm)
Replying to: starbird (Sep 30, 2006 1:22 pm) "Waiting for that model would give a bit more style, hopefully a better interior, and allow some real data on reliability to come out." Actually, waiting for the 2008 will cause reliability to be a question mark for a couple of years; the current model has a proven track record (good or bad), but any new model is an unknown.
#13 of 16 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Follow-Up Test [KarenS] by dsauvage Jun 25, 2007 (4:07 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Sep 22, 2006 7:21 am) The Saturn Vue Hybrid I purchased is only 2 months old and I have had to replace one because parts were rattling in the door and dash and the second one already had a blowout that almost flipped the car. Onstar took forever to send someone out. They now suggest a get a spare at my expense and put it in the cargo area. So now I can smell rubber the whole ride and have lost all of my storage space. Geeh. I wanted to return it but customer friendly Saturn told me no. They told me this after 1 week of their discussing it. I have owned many new cars in my life, but have never been so totally disgusted as I have been by this purchase. By the way, I am averaging 22 miles to the gallon on open road - my old SUV did about the same. Wish I had stuck with Toyota. Instead this $24K car is made of plastic that rattles and has no tire or place for one to address safety on the road. Buyer beware. Their pledge of 100% satisfaction is bogus. I got 100% taken advantage of and want to help others so that they are not like me. Replies to this message: nuevue (Jun 26, 2007 12:40 pm)
#14 of 16 Re: Article Comments: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Follow-Up Test [dsauvage] by nuevue Jun 26, 2007 (12:40 pm)
Replying to: dsauvage (Jun 25, 2007 4:07 pm) Counterpoint: The Saturn Vue Hybrid that I purchased is now eight months old, has racked up almost 17,000 miles in business use, and I have no rattles, squeaks, or complaints with fit, finish, or performance. I work on a rough construction site, fold the passenger and rear seats up and down on a weekly basis, and have towed a 2000 lb load over 300 miles of hilly territory with fine performance and no performance or tranny temperature issues. (measured with an IR thermometer) Mileage is usually around 29, but I have seen several tanks at 31 and one at 32. It still hasn't asked for it's second oil change yet, and the oil is clear as new... I did have one warranty claim due to a cracked spark plug insulator, but the dealer service was exemplary. BTW, this is my first GM vehicle.
#15 of 16 Question to those getting 29 mpg for green line vue by david141 Jun 12, 2008 (6:49 pm)
I to own a Saturn Vue green line (2007) and am currently very disappointed in it's fuel economy. The Hybrid control module was replaced within the first month of my ownership of it. Ever since, my fuel economy has been 25 mpg or below, yet before the replacement (three tanks of gas) I was at 27. My question is: How far does your assist pointer/ arm move when you accelerate? Does it move all the way over to the right? In my case, I realize there is no unit of measure on the gage but in my case, the gage never reads more that 1/3 assist yet it bottoms out on the charge side. Second question, how long does your "auto stop" last (assuming mild summer like day)? Again, in my case, in "Auto Stop" the engine will start again within in 30 to 45 seconds. In some cases around my location, stop lights last longer than this. I am curious what others are experiencing simply because I am tired of contacting my Saturn Dealer and getting the same cookie cutter response "We checked the computer and everything is running OK". I figure there are some parameters that are adjustable in the computer (i.e. assist output, autostop duration) that could improve performance for all those who have purchased the Vue Green line but I don't know what is normal or what other people (since I have only seen one other Saturn Vue Green Line in my area) are getting or seeing. My Saturn dealer/ service department apparently has zero experience with hybrid systems cause everytime I bring it in it seams to have problems that have never been seen before. I look forward to some useful responses. Replies to this message: chmsomm (Jun 14, 2008 5:27 am)
#16 of 16 Re: Question to those getting 29 mpg for green line vue [david141] by chmsomm Jun 14, 2008 (5:27 am)
Replying to: david141 (Jun 12, 2008 6:49 pm) Hi David141, In general, it goes all the way to the left to charge. The needle on mine very rarely goes all the way to the right to assist. Generally on a slight incline or when I need to accelerate it goes 1/4 to the right (assist). When I do need to hard accelerate it generally go 1/2 to the right (assist) for 2-3 seconds. I can feel the change when that occurs. It will, on very rare occassions, peg to the right, if for some reason I really have to hit the gas. My feeling is (no hard numbers or facts to substantiate) that the best results are obtained when the "gentle assist" is being utilized. I try to avoid hard acceleration to keep the battery charge high. I have found no difficulty in keeping with the flow of traffic by getting to 2300-2500 rpm while acclerating. I try to avoid 3000 rpm. I take every chance I get to charge the battery by using "the coast" on downhill sections and when approaching traffic lights and stop signs (without aggravating other drivers). HybridVue described this technique and I have found it very important in getting good mileage. My mileage was a little less when I first purchased it and I tried to keep the "eco" light on. I use alot of rechargeable batteries at home for my computerized telescopes, other equipment Generally it takes longer to charge them then discharge them, so this makes since to me. When I am not using the air conditioner the autostop will generally last 90 seconds to 2 min for me. 2 min is not unusual. Per my other posts I calculated my mileage to be 27.8 in suburban commuting driving with a mix of bumper to bumper to 65 mph. This will go down when I use the a/c in the non-green mode. I like to be cool in the summer. I have found the advice given in the vehicle manual is not really very good. It does take some learning to get good mileage out of the vehicle. HybridVue should make an educational video about how to get the max mileage out of this puppy. If you rely on Saturn, you will have a long wait and come up empty. Not being forthcoming on what their calibrations really mean, what they really do creates mistrust with their customers. Between the electrical problems, and the lack of real support, Saturn has probably killed a good concept through their own ineptitude. Who would buy a two-mode hybrid from them after they don't support their mild hybrid customers?