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Saturn VUE Green Line - Real World MPG Numbers

84 messages,  Last post on Jan 12, 2009 at 2:47 PM

You are in the Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE, Hybrid Cars, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), SUV


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#38 of 84
Re: 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid MPG [kenmaternick] by camks
Aug 24, 2008 (6:08 pm)
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Replying to: kenmaternick (Jul 05, 2008 5:02 pm)

I live in Orlando and I average 26 mpg w/ a good mix of HWY and rural driving and I certainly use my AC!
I should mention I have a 2007.
#39 of 84
Re: 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid MPG [camks] by chmsomm
Aug 25, 2008 (6:00 pm)
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Replying to: camks (Aug 24, 2008 6:08 pm)

I live near Philly and my commute is a mix of stop and go and highway. During the summer I use the AC in the non-eco mode full time. I get approximately 26 mpg. This will go up to approximately 28 mpg when the summer ends. I have a 2007 Hybrid-Vue.
 
FYI, I find the eco-mode AC irritating, as it shortens the engine stop.
 
I use the charge/assist method of driving, which seems to work out well.
 
My wife, who has a 2008 non-hybrid Vue AWD gets about 17 mpg under the same conditions.
#40 of 84
Wow, TWO 2007... by stevedebi
Aug 26, 2008 (11:48 am)
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Hybrid Vue that are still driving. Did you folks have any wiring harness work done?
#41 of 84
Battery Harness Update.... by hybridvue
Aug 27, 2008 (5:51 am)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Aug 26, 2008 11:48 am)

I got the Battery Harness Update almost one year ago and the Hybrid has not missed a beat. 20 Months of ownership and I could not be happier.
 
Here are some lifetime numbers:
 
52,260 Miles
116 Fill Ups
32.289 mpg
Cold Weather November thru February - 30.73 mpg
Warm Weather March thru October - 32.999 mpg
101 Fillups over 30+ mpg
64 Fillups over 32+ mpg
27 Fillups over 34+ mpg
6 Fillups over 36+ mpg
24 Fillups over 500 miles
#42 of 84
Re: Battery Harness Update.... [hybridvue] by trucktricks
Sep 04, 2008 (1:20 pm)
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Replying to: hybridvue (Aug 27, 2008 5:51 am)

Interesting numbers. I just read where Consumer Reports (Oct issue) did a big comparison of 12 hybrids and the Vue came out on top!!! They say it saves $4550 in 5 years as compared to the non-hybrid model. The Prius comes in 5th with a $2000 savings. It is interesting that they are using their own MPG test numbers (28 mpg for the Vue) rather than the EPA numbers.
 
So the obvious advantage of the Vue is the lower overcost as compared to the "full hybrids".
 
Very interesting also is that three hybrids were money losers after 5 years and they were all Toyotas. Yankee ingenuity prevails again!!!
#43 of 84
Re: Battery Harness Update.... [trucktricks] by chmsomm
Sep 04, 2008 (2:24 pm)
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Replying to: trucktricks (Sep 04, 2008 1:20 pm)

One thing to note is most articles compared the cost of the Hybrid Vue to the 4 cylinder model, and calculate the years to pay off based on that.
 
When the cost of our 2007 Hybrid Vue was compared to a 6 cylinder front wheel drive XE it was $2000 less, which I think is more realistic. The Hybrid Vue easily outperformed the 4 cylinder model I drove. I think it is more appropriate to compare the cost to the 6 cylinder XE model. When that is done there is no "hybrid surcharge".
 
My wife saw a 2008 Hybrid Vue in a parking lot here in PA. I have yet to see a post on the 2008 model, discussion of potential harness or battery problems. Any word on those? I wouldn't credit GM ingenuity until there is word on fixing those rather serious problems.
#44 of 84
Re: The MPGs Keep Rising..... [kenmaternick] by grumpy21
Sep 24, 2008 (3:13 pm)
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Replying to: kenmaternick (Jun 25, 2008 10:23 am)

I just purchased a 2009 Hybrid Vue about 1 mth ago. I am extremely disappointed in the MPGs. So much so I'm trying to see if they will take it back. I know they probably won't, but I want them to know how ticked I am.
 
It is advertised using the new EPA avgs as 25/32. I am only getting 16 and that is with about 25% freeway driving (with moving traffic). I traded in my V8 Tahoe that got about 10-12 thinking I would at least get 20 city. Getting only 16 was a shock to me.
 
Really look at the Prius - I'm sorry I didn't go that route since I was looking for something I could be my labs in and just use around town. Our other car is a truck so we don't need 2. I got the VUE thinking it had more space and I really like the looks - the MPGs just aren't good enough.
#45 of 84
Re: The MPGs Keep Rising..... [grumpy21] by greenroger
Sep 24, 2008 (4:08 pm)
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Replying to: grumpy21 (Sep 24, 2008 3:13 pm)

Grumpy when I bought my 07 hybrid vue I only got 18 mpg, the salesman told me to just drive it and it would get better. It did I get at least 34 mpg now with almost 40,000 miles on it now.
Yes like you I liked the suv space and looks.
You should also look at the information on this site:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/cmps_index.php?page=hypermiling
or do an internet search for "hypermilling". I have had as high at 47 mpg on one tank and I'm working on getting more.
I also use a solar charger and am looking at adding different battries and an ac (grid) charger to boost mpg. You might look at this site to get ideas for things that you can do to a mild hybrid to improve mpg's.
http://www.afstrinity.com/
Good luck and keep track of your mileage and post it here. Love to know how it does...
#46 of 84
Tips for Better Gas Mileage on the Saturn Vue Hybrid by hybridvue
Sep 26, 2008 (5:09 am)
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Replying to: grumpy21 (Sep 24, 2008 3:13 pm)

First off - I think you purchased a 2008 Saturn Hybrid Vue. The 2009 models which will be a full Hybrid are not out on the market yet.
 
Second - the first tank may not have been filled up to the top and hence your poor mpg numbers. So wipe the slate clean, fill up to the top and then compute the mpg numbers for the next and all future tanks.
 
Third - have you tried any of these Saturn Vue Hybrid specific driving tips that I have put together?
 
- Before you travel - consider your commute. The mild hybrid system is not the best choice for heavy stop-and-go traffic or very short trips.
 
- Don't warm up the Hybrid. Turn on the ignition and go.
 
- When accelerating or coasting - I have gotten the ECO light to turn on between the speeds of 19 - 79 miles per hour. Keeping the RPM's low when accelerating is a big key. The key is to easy off the gas pedal, get the ECO light to turn on and then back on the gas pedal. I think I have gotten the RMP's to 3500 once or twice - when jumping into fast moving traffic.
 
- When breaking - I can get the ECO light to stay all the way on until I am stopped. Just make it a smooth stop and it will even go into Auto Stop.
 
- When driving at a constant speed - if you notice that the Hybrid is neither charging or assisting and the green ECO light is on - press the gas pedal more. You will notice that the additional accerlation will come from the battery and not the gas. The green ECO light will remain on and your battery will give you that added boost.
 
- When driving on a long downhill - let the Hybrid coast to regenerate the battery. You will find that when you press the gas pedal the assist will really kick in. If you drive resting your foot on the gas pedal you are not taking advantage of the regenative featurs of the hybrid battery.
 
- I rarely use the cruise control. I find I can do a much better job smoothing my ride than the cruise control can. The only exception is a completely flat drive.
 
The Key is to get the Saturn Hybrid Vue to do its job by getting the assist/charge function to kick in. By using the above techniques I have been able to have a lifetime average of 32.37mpg over 55,500 miles.
 
As for adding a pluggin system in the Hybrid that is great for some, but it requires an added expense. My numbers for my 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid have been achieved by driving smart and using the technology already in the Hybrid Vue. And for those that think I am crawling in the left lane - I drive at or +5 mph above the speed limit in mainly the right hand lanes.
 
One last note, while the above techniques may sound like alot of work - they will come naturally once you practice them. Enjoy the Saturn Hybrid Vue - I certainly do.
#47 of 84
Saturn Receives Praise.... by hybridvue
Oct 09, 2008 (11:31 am)
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Seems I am not the only one that thinks the Saturn Hybrid Vue makes financial and eco sense.
 
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/autos/0810/gallery.hybrid_suvs/2.html
 
Another tip
- When stopped at a light or stopped in traffic - allow about 7-10 feet of space from the car in front of you. The Auto Stop will kick in and last anywhere from a few seconds to 90 seconds. If the Hybrid comes out of Auto Stop, inch a few feet and then press the break. In my experiences it will go back into Auto Stop. This is useful for those really long traffic lights. Like 5 or 6 way intersections.
 
Best wishes.

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