Looking at an 06 Saturn Vue. Any experiences?

Oh Haha · 01-29-2011, 06:38 AM

My wife found an 06 Vue AWD that she really wants. Doing some research I found that the V6 is a Honda engine!! How's that for ironic?

Anybody here own one or have any experience with them?

(I wasn't really wanting to change vehicles AGAIN but, being a good husband

, I gave in and accepted that she wants another SUV.)

masraum · 01-29-2011, 06:50 AM

My mother was recently in the market for a new vehicle. I drove a late model low miles V-6 Saturn Vue. It was an attractive seamist blue/green color with factory dual exhaust. The motor was impressive, it felt torquey like a V-8. The car seemed pretty nice. I think it was an '08 or '09, so I'm not sure if the one that you're looking at would be similar.

It did have 1 issue that made me think that most women and some men wouldn't like it. Because of the huge torque and the fact that the torque converter felt like it locked up at 1000 rpm, there was a very invasive low frequency hum. It was ever present because unless you were at highway speeds, the engines rpm was always low enough to create this NVH if you were on the throttle at all. I'm not sure that they are all like that, and the one that I looked at was an '08. If you were a young father looking for a family hauler, it might be just the ticket because you could feel like you were in a hot rod and still have room for the family.

kaisen · 01-29-2011, 06:58 AM

2004-2007 Saturn VUE V6 used Honda's 3.5L V6 engine and transmission (in exchange for Honda using GM diesels in Eastern Europe)

That's good and bad. The engines are very good, but use a timing belt you have to consider. The Aisin 5 speed automatic clutch-to-clutch transmissions have been problematic in the Odyssey and Ridgeland, but they're heavier. Still, they have issues in Acuras and Accords, and sometimes VUEs too. Still a great drivetrain. Very powerful, smooth, and great fuel economy.

The newer VUEs (2008-death) are not even close to being the same as the older ones. Not plastic. VERY heavy. Pure GM drivetrain. A 'global' vehicle with heavy DNA from Korea (GM DAT) and Europe (Opel).

Stay far, far away from the pre-2008 4 cylinder all wheel drive models. Those CVT transmissions were pure garbage.

Oh Haha · 01-29-2011, 07:26 AM

Thanks guys!

I have been looking over reviews and some test drive video. We will be giving up the Grand Caravan for this.

What is really surprising is the MPG. It's listed as 20/27 for the V6. I can't complain about that as it may be even better than the GC.

I think we experienced the NVH low speed hum on the test drive. I told the dealer that it needs to be looked into before we commit. I thought it felt like a wheel bearing or brake caliper sticking.

kaisen · 01-29-2011, 08:02 AM

Wayne-

I should mention that I ran the used car operations for a dealer group (Rydell) that owned five Saturn dealerships. I have more experience buying (and driving) VUEs than you can shake a stick at (whatever that means).

By 2006 Vues were pretty well screwed together. There weren't many issues. About the only two issues I can think of are the intermediate steering shaft and the torque converter. The shaft will develop play around the joint which feels clunky. They can either repack it (TSB kit) or replace it. Not a biggie, but you'd feel it. The TC (Honda/Aisin) can make that low rpm flutter. Again, Honda/Aisin/GM's fix was an updated heavier duty TC as used in the 2008-up Ridgeland and Odyssey. But I wouldn't fret, worry, or plan for a transmission or TC failure. They were just plain rare on the lightweight VUE.

On that note, any 2007 Saturn (not 2006) would have GM's 5 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. It might be worth checking out the price difference to move up a year.

Either way, a 2006 or 2007 VUE V6 AWD is a fantastic CUV for the money. You'll love it.

Oh Haha · 08:55 AM

Once again, Pelican rocks!!!!

Thanks for your input, Eric. I appreciate you sharing your experience with me.

My wife REALLY likes it so most likely it will be ours come Monday.

This does mean that the next vehicle we get will be my choice. Hmmmmm......

9dreizig · 01-29-2011, 08:41 AM

I just picked up a 2007 Vue AWD with the V6 two weeks ago. Bought it in Reese MI.. Way cheaper than the west coast.. Had 42 k miles on it. I drove it to Reno love it.. driving 75-80 in heavy winds got 22 MPG... Really rides well

Oh Haha · 01-29-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

I just picked up a 2007 Vue AWD with the V6 two weeks ago. Bought it in Reese MI.. Way cheaper than the west coast.. Had 42 k miles on it. I drove it to Reno love it.. driving 75-80 in heavy winds got 22 MPG... Really rides well

Reese is just 10 miles from me!!

In fact the wife of a coworker is the receptionist at the GM dealer there.

9dreizig · 01-29-2011, 10:56 AM

My brother lives in Frankenmuth (I grew up in Bridgeport). I got a smoking deal $15k out the door including MI sales tax!

Oh Haha · 02-03-2011, 05:45 PM

We went ahead wih the purchase of the Vue. The dealership was true to their word and looked into the front end vibration I felt as well as a shudder in the drivetrain. It was very noticeable when taking off in snow.

They replaced the front rotors and pads as well as replacing the RDM drum.
The total was almost $1500!!!! No cost to us as it was under warranty.

Now I am very pleased that I insisted on those items being looked into before taking the vehicle.

Thanks for the advice and opinions, guys.