Article Comments - 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line Follow-Up Test

13 messages, Last post on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:06 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn VUE Red Line, SUV

Follow-Up Test: 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line - Bottom Line:
If you're going to get a Vue, get the Saturn Vue Red Line. (more)

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#4 of 13 Edmunds Tests by bearcrkrd Nov 15, 2007 (8:34 pm)
The Edmunds car reviewers are VERY picky. The verdict of this follow-up test is nothing but a success.
#5 of 13 Approach/departure angles VUE by batman47 Nov 27, 2007 (8:34 am)
The VUE Red line differs from VUE XR in only 3-points: 6-speed Shiftable automatic, 18” wheels and non available skid plates. However, I am afraid that the approach angle and departure angle for these two models vary. Why are skid plates not given as an option on both models? I am also afraid that the suspension system has been altered. What I do not know is whether or not the suspension has been lowered or raised (i.e. Red Line). Could someone elaborate further on this, please? If the suspension has been lowered then what happens with the ground clearance of this model (i.e. 7.8”). Replies to this message: saturn_comm (Nov 27, 2007 10:40 am) asa (Dec 07, 2007 1:05 pm) saturn_comm (Dec 10, 2007 6:33 am) and 1 more...
#6 of 13 Re: Approach/departure angles VUE [batman47] by saturn_comm Nov 27, 2007 (10:40 am)
Replying to: batman47 (Nov 27, 2007 8:34 am) Both the Vue Red Line and Vue Green Line have suspensions lowered by an inch. Not sure about your reference to skid plates. The optional front and rear chrome moldings are more decorative than functional. Kyle Johnson Saturn Communications Director Replies to this message: asa (Dec 07, 2007 1:05 pm) saturn_comm (Dec 10, 2007 6:33 am) asa (Dec 11, 2007 5:07 pm)
#7 of 13 Six-Speed STICK ? by asa Dec 07, 2007 (1:05 pm)
Replying to: saturn_comm (Nov 27, 2007 10:40 am) Will a true 6-Speed manual tranny (w/ clutch pedal) be offered in any North American versions of the new Vue? Other than a handful of other contestants (Forester, Santa Fe, ?), most of the smaller upscale SUVs lack a stick. My wife and I really enjoy the driving involement of a true manual transmission. The current generation of automatics with manual mode give us no joy. We stopped at our Saturn dealer; the salesguy said he wasn't aware of any manual tranny versions of the new Vue. Thanks. Replies to this message: saturn_comm (Dec 10, 2007 6:33 am) asa (Dec 11, 2007 5:07 pm)
#8 of 13 Re: Six-Speed STICK ? [asa] by saturn_comm Dec 10, 2007 (6:33 am)
Replying to: asa (Dec 07, 2007 1:05 pm) A manual transmission is not in the current plans for the Vue. There aren't enough customer like you who enjoy a manual. It was a difficult decision to discontinue the manual transmission when the new body style was introduced. Sorry. Replies to this message: asa (Dec 11, 2007 5:07 pm)
#9 of 13 Re: Six-Speed STICK ? [saturn_comm] by asa Dec 11, 2007 (5:07 pm)
Replying to: saturn_comm (Dec 10, 2007 6:33 am) It was a difficult decision to discontinue the manual transmission when the new body style was introduced. Thanks for your reply. Honda too dropped the manual tranny with the introduction of the '08 CR-V; it's just the trend it seems. It's frustrating to visit European automotive sites on the web and see European versions of U.S. models all offered with manual transmissions. Sigh. Saturn must follow the trend of what most U.S. buyers want. You'd sell at least 1 Ea of a 6-Speed U.S. Vue to my wife tho.
#10 of 13 Re: Performance SUV-an oxymoron [zim65] by kbtillo Dec 15, 2007 (9:34 am)
Replying to: zim65 (Nov 09, 2007 10:11 am) I think many would prefer the styling of this SUV over most any wagon. The performance is basically the same as the FWD XR, which is about $5K less in price.
#11 of 13 Re: Performance SUV-an oxymoron [zim65] by myob Feb 27, 2008 (8:39 pm)
Replying to: zim65 (Nov 09, 2007 10:11 am) I think you're mistaken. I drive an E90 3 series sedan and while some technical specs on size may be similar, things like external visability, ability to haul bulky items (a 3 series trunk is not big), spaciousness in feel, a more upright driving position, and the ability to use rougher roads, hop curbs, handle a gravel driveway, etc do matter to many drivers. I often find myself unable to load items in our car that were no problem in a hatch or SUV. Another thing with SUV's vs sport sedan/wagons is tires. I have gotten 20,000 miles a set on the 4 luxury sedans I've owned. SUV/truck type tires get 30-40K and usually cost a little less. That alone probably negates the fuel economy issue (financially, at least) You are also forgetting that an Edmunds test drive in a performance oriented vehicle is not typical use. While it's not as good as we'd like , keep in mind that they had the throttle on most of the time and if you check many of their test drives give subpar results in fuel economy. Some vehicles also do better early on than others, while some need a breakin period to get great numbers (Our Saab got 36mpg on a recent 75mph 7 hour highway trip, it's rated at 30) EPA tests aren't fixed, they are what they are. Every car I've owned (many) has achieved within 10% of rated numbers, some higher, some lower. Driving styles vary widely. One man's "I baby it" is another's "lead foot". I once complained about a Dodge Ram getting 13mpg around town. But the sticker said 12. It said 17 highway, I got 15.5. 14.7mpg in this test was almost certainly not while cruising country roads or in typical commute conditions. It doesn't have to be a $31K car. It's a $25,000-$28,000 vehicle if you lay off the options and don't load up a modestly priced car with luxury items and take advantage of real world market prices and rebates. I've driven a BMW X3 for extended periods as a loaner. Fine SAV. But it costs about $45,000 to get it off a dealer's floor. For those who are willing to trade off a little performance and quality for $15,000 to $17,000 in the bank the Vue is a nice compromise. BMW's are excellent. But you pay for it. With exchange rates what they are you actually overpay for it. And for those owning past 50,000 miles watch out. I'm on my 3rd and maintence and fixing minor problems can easily run $1,000/year after that. The fuel economy difference might cost you $250/year vs the current 3 series wagon (22mpg mixed vs 18 mixed on the Vue) if you're driving 15,000 miles a year, since the BMW requires premium fuel. Over 5 years that's $1250. The additional interest alone on a BMW equivilent would be roughly equivilent. Finally, your 3 series wagon today would run about $38,000 roughly if equipped comparably to the Vue redline. It wouldn't be an slam-dunk choice but financially the Vue would make more sense for many. I like wagons myself. A used BMW might be a good value vs a new Vue. But they're not selling used Vues, the're selling new ones.
#13 of 13 Saturn Vue Redline by chucklet Aug 31, 2008 (12:06 pm)
I have just completed a 2000 mile trip in my new Redline and find your review right on. My main complaint about the car is that the speedometer is deep in a dark well. In daytime driving you can't just glance at the speedo because of its dark location. It takes a few seconds for your eyes to adjust during which time your are not looking at the road. The car is very thoughtfully designed so I am surprised that Saturn missed this bug.