2008 Vue Gas mileage - I need help!

[lordkosc]

Gas mileage is very important in regards to the purchase of my next vehicle, especially with prices at 2.99 a gallon where I live ( and we might almost see 4 dollars by labor day! :tear: ), the fact that I drive over 25k miles a year for work/pleasure doesn't help as I already use a lot of fuel.

Here is what I know:
2008 Vue RX
16 city / 23 highway :upset:

20% improvement
2008 Vue GL
19.2 city / 27.6 highway :)

45% improvement
2008 Vue GL 2-mode hybrid (Out in 2008)
23.2 city / 33.35 highway :drool:

My questions are, what is the MPG of the base XL model of the vue? I could have sworn I saw it was 18/25 but I can't seem to find where I saw that. And do the numbers for the GL and GL 2mode hybrids look right? My math skills aren't the greatest...

As it stands 23 MPG for highway travel isn't going to cut it for me. (waves goodbye to his dream of owning a Vue RX :no:
Now 33 MPG highway travel would be great! :yes:

I need a small SUV this time around... Due to hauling needs, safety on the PA Autobahn (I mean turnpike), the crappy PA winters, and room for my golf clubs ( they BARELY fit in my Mazda 3).

I love the new CX-7 from Mazda but the MPG for it is also 18/24 and not going to cut it. As it looks if the Vue GL doesn't get the numbers I put above I might have to get a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid that gets 36/31 mpg, I like the look and feel of the Ford, but worry because it is a FORD, and I know a few people who were happy to get rid of theirs...

I limit myself to FORD/MAZDA/GM vehicles as I get supplier pricing on them.

Thoughts, feelings, is my fuzzy math correct? Suggestions are welcome! :yes:

[SaturnPlanet]

One thing to consider is that these numbers reflect the new testing requirements by the EPA. Not sure if they helps at all, but at least you can factor that into the equation.

[lordkosc]

thanks, yeah i didn't really think about that, as my mazda's mpg numbers were actually better than what i saw on the sticker...

its hard to believe that for some vehicles they were off by so much...

buying a new car is supposed to be fun, this time around with all the needs i want it to fulfill and hope to get 30 mpg its becoming a hassle... :(

[BobbyP]

Gas mileage is very important in regards to the purchase of my next vehicle, especially with prices at 2.99 a gallon where I live ( and we might almost see 4 dollars by labor day! :tear: ), the fact that I drive over 25k miles a year for work/pleasure doesn't help as I already use a lot of fuel.

Buy a 2007 VUE.

Better price, better gas mileage, proven product, built in USA...

GM has always had problems with first year models. Reading the posts from the Aura, and Outlook owners show that this is still the case. Search the internet and read about the GM plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. There's many horror stories posted about that facility.

The only positive facts about the 2008 VUE is the better interior, more safety equipment, and more available bells and whistles...

[mellissam]

I agree. What's with the gas mileage? I thought improving gas mileage was a prime concern of automakers, and that every iteration of the next model would improve on the last, not take a step back, not get 500lbs heavier. Up in the Great White North, it is going to be a hard sell with gas at $1.25/l (CDN). I appreciate all the bells and whistles, but it's a cute-ute, it's supposed to be fuel efficient. If they are trying to upscale the model, they could have done even better...it is like they were torn between offering a entry level SUV or a mid-level SUV....
Well, the reviews are generally positive in light of it's weight gain....and poorer gas mileage (cannot see a 2.4l performing better than my lighter 2.2l).
I am quite excited to see how the 'new' customers take to this variant...when I saw my 2.2l rated at 28/40 (old Canadian numbers), I was gobsmacked...have my cake and eat it too...:cake:

[junie]

This weight gain thing is getting way too much negative reaction. The standard Vue with the 2.4L / 4 spd XE FWD is 3825#. Its only until you get into the AWD with the 3.6L 6 spd XR is it over 4300#. Without AWD it's under 4100#. No big deal. A 1 mpg here or there versus anybody is hardly worth even noting.

[cdp326]

Buy a 2007 VUE.

Better price, better gas mileage, proven product, built in USA...

GM has always had problems with first year models. Reading the posts from the Aura, and Outlook owners show that this is still the case. Search the internet and read about the GM plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. There's many horror stories posted about that facility.

The only positive facts about the 2008 VUE is the better interior, more safety equipment, and more available bells and whistles...
Safety equipment is considered an "only?"

Stability control is considered one of the most important recent safety improvements. Side airbags are proven to help reduce injuries.
I don't think the Aura/Outlook first year issues are any worse than you'd find on their competition. The 2007 Toyota Camry V6 had problems with its transmission as well, for example. I think you're exaggerating that because you're unhappy with the other results of the '08 VUE. Yes, first year issues are usually a fact, but that's with every manufacturer--it's unfair to single GM out. Your '92 SC was a totally new model only a year prior, from a new, unknown brand with a small dealer network.

[SaturnPlanet]

This weight gain thing is getting way too much negative reaction. The standard Vue with the 2.4L / 4 spd XE FWD is 3825#. Its only until you get into the AWD with the 3.6L 6 spd XR is it over 4300#. Without AWD it's under 4100#. No big deal. A 1 mpg here or there versus anybody is hardly worth even noting.

Most of the people commenting have probably not even driven one or seen one yet, so don't worry too much about. good point though.