Rented AWD Vue

Discussion in 'Saturn VUE' started by scott, Feb 7, 2007.

  1. scott

    scott Guest

    I just returned from a snowboarding trip to Denver area, and we rented
    a V6 AWD Saturn Vue. I really liked the vehicle ride, size, style,
    and we did need AWD because of blowing snow, but I was a bit
    dissappointed with the GM versatrak AWD system. It seemed to be a bit
    psychotic, sometimes giviing understeer, other times oversteer. I had
    read where the system needs front wheel spin to deploy to AWD mode,
    but although you couldn't feel it engage with any clunk or anything,
    it wasn't seemless AWD I was hoping for. Has anyone had similar
    feelings on this system from GM?

    I'd like to be able to "toss" a car rally style into a snowy turn and
    power through the turn in a four wheel drift if I want to. Although
    the 07 Vue didn't appear to have stability control, the psycho nature
    of the AWD system did not really lend itself to such spirited
    driving. If you "grandma'd" the vehicle, it would go really well in
    the snow, but don't ask for high performance from Versatrack in my
    experience.

    I am a GM fan, but its dissappointing to compare the Versatrack system
    to the one in the Toyota RAV4 we rented a few years ago in Canada.
    Although the RAV4 was too small, had a sewing machine engine and was
    straining to exceed 100kph, its AWD system was freakin' amazing. I
    belive it used a viscous clutch sort of transaxle and was always
    engaged. It would pull with all 4 wheels instead of 2 or 3 that
    appears to be the normal of Versatrak - and it handled really well.

    Perhaps one could find the wire to the system engagement and rig a
    manual switch to leave it turned on when you wanted, like a 4x4
    system?

    Scott
     
    scott, Feb 7, 2007
    #1
  2. scott

    Steve Guest

    I have the AWD Vue and my wife is on her 3rd RAV4. I can tell you the RAV is
    an order of magnitude better in AWD behavior. I just had the chance to put
    the VUE to the test after Cincinnati received 6+" of snow during evening
    rush. About the only thing GMs AWD system seems good for is to help walk you
    out AFTER you get stuck. We take the RAV out whenever we want to go
    sightseeing after a big (relative) snow and have never worried about getting
    it stuck or have it plow around unpredictably like the VUE.

    Steve

    P.S.: I wonder if Honda's AWD system is any better?
     
    Steve, Feb 8, 2007
    #2
  3. scott

    BläBlä Guest

    A V6 was mentioned for the Vue but not the slightest peep as to if the
    Rav4's being compaired are I4's or a v6's. Ever think TORQUE is a
    factor? Guess we wont know with omitted info.


    3rd already??? Lol
    Funny how you were touting this AWD system as being a so great...up
    until you found out it wasn't made by Honda it seems.
     
    BläBlä, Feb 8, 2007
    #3
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