A few weeks back, my old 1990 dodge sedan died and we started looking for something to replace it. With our growing family of 5 (and the extra stuff one must haul as a result) we decided on a smaller SUV and went to a local Saturn lot that had a good mix used models from various makers. The Subaru and Honda models were rated the best, so that is what we were looking for. We discovered that with the current $3500 in incentives, we could get a new Saturn Vue (4 cylinder manual) for about the same price as a used Subaru or Honda SUV. After some test drives and after doing a little research, we decided to go for a new 2004 Saturn Vue and bought the automatic (VTi) 4 cylinder version (my wife could not handle the manual version). The VTI transmission was a little wierd, and the seats were not quite as comfortable as other models we tested -- but the kids liked the sunroof, mom loved the color (electric blue) and I was more-or-less happy with the purchase. I though I had the car I'd be driving for the next 10 years. Then the regrets set in. After reading the glowing reviews of the new V6 from a number of defferent sources, I began to wonder what I was missing out on. So I went back to the Saturn lot and test drove a FWD V6. Well, to quote Will Smith in one of his blockbuster movies... "Wow, I got to get myself one of these!" Thank goodness for Saturn's 30 day/1500 mile exchange policy -- what a deal! After convincing my wife that the exchange was necessary for my happiness, we went back to Saturn, found the V6 FWD model we could afford, and a few hours later I had the car of my dreams. We had to give up a few options (such as the sunroof, side door beams, and color) and still paid approx $1800 more for the car, but it was worth every penny. I didn't realize that the V6 models come with so many extra options as standard equipment -- better wheels, Anti-lock breaks, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel/accents in addition to the awsome V6. My 2004 Vue is now a classic Silver, lighning fast, and has the cool CD/MP3 player (the only option above the base price that I got). And, guess what? My wife likes it better too. However, but the kids are upset at losing the sunroof. But I have no regrets. The 2004 Vue is probably not the best small SUV on the market, but with the Honda 3.5L V6, it has to be the spunkiest. It may not have as many bells and whistles as some of the better rated models, it may be a little less comfortable, and may not handle quite as well -- but I do feel I got a lot of bang for the buck (especially with the $3500 in incentives). And as far as safety is concerned, the Vue has ranked as one of the safest in its class. So all-in-all, I am really happy with this car thus far. And to the reviewers/testers of the Vue point out the excessive plastic on the interror as a negative... with my kids and their sticky fingers -- cleanining plastic is a whole lot easier than cleaning uphostry. Now I only hope that the 2004 Vue proves to be a reliable choice. After reading dozens of owner reviews on the MSN site, it appears that the 2004 Vue is vastly improved in this area, compared to the 2002/2003 models. Time will tell. I have 3 recommendations: 1) If you are looking to buy a small to mid-size SUV, consider the 2004 Vue. With the incentives, I feel it is a good value for the dollar. The $3500 in incentives are over at the end of this month (May 2004). 2) If you are looking at the 4 cylinder 2004 Vue, be sure to test drive the V6 just to make sure you can live with the difference. 3) If you recently bought a Saturn of any kind and have some regrets, take advantance of the 30 day Saturn Exchange policy. It takes some time (about the same as buying the car in the first place), but the Saturn sales staff were really nice about it and didn't appear to mind being put through all that extra paperwork. No other car dealership gives you this flexibility to correct a mistake -- so take advantage of it if you do get a serious case of the "regrets" as I did.
Sounds like you have a great dealership too! I work for Saturn and get to drive the VUEs all day long with my guests. The V6 is definately a winner and with the VTi, the ride is as smooth as any expensive luxury vehicle, without the cost. Personally, I don't care for SUV's but the VUE is definately the exception for me, being safer, environmentally friendly and economical too and still having a powerful engine. Congratulations on your new Saturn. Now whaddya doing here? Go out and enjoy your new VUE! marx404 www.saturnofstuart.com
You guys need to remember that there are 2 v6's used by saturn in the Vue. One a 3.0L engineered in hell and a 3.5L engineered close to hell but not so much. If you want the V6 get the Honda 3.5L. I felt that should be cleared up for anyone reading this thread. Personally I really like the thoughtful engineering that went into the Inline 4 EcoTec's but 4 cylinders arent usually a good choice for large vehicles since they tend to get overworked. However the ecotecs a good engine choice for the L300's and perfect for the Ions.
Is the Honda V6 only in model year X and newer - or can you get either in a new VUE? ...depending on who had the better snacks, that gives you both Honda and Saturn as a source for oil/filter changes! They still have donuts and popcorn at my Saturn dealer.
Yeah they dropped the 3.0 in the vue but I'm not sure what year, 02' maybe. Dealers still deal in used vehicles and there are Vue's with the 3.0. I'm just saying avoid those.
AFAIK, the old unreliable v6 was dropped in 2003 and is no longer available as it has been replaced by the NEW V6 built in Honda America's Ohio plant. A very reliable engine for 2004 with 250hp and better torque. * perhaps "all day" was a tad colorful, but the VUE (4 and 6) is quite popular here and I do get to drive it frequently every day. marx404 www.saturnofstuart.com
We had to give up a few options "Side door Beams" ... the can be an option? ... is that the beams inside the door? If so, how would you know if a used one had them?
er...ALL Saturns have side door beams, thats part of the door construction, not an option. Always been there. marx404
