Going to Look at the 08 VUE.

[MarvC]

My Son just called from Saturn of Arlington. The first VUE came in although it is an XE the physical size should be about the same size of the XR.
Although I just purchased the Rav4 3 weeks ago you are still curious.
Alex has driven the V6 Rav4 so I picked his mind about the new VUE, he has mixed emotions about the 08 VUE maybe because it is just the XE model but want to see for myself.

[MarvC]

The Saturn dealership had five 08 VUE's in the back lot. They are not for public display or sale until late this month.
There were four XE and one XR,
I believe this an SUV you will either like or walk away from.
The interior build quality is much improved from the previous VUE’s. The soft touch dash is very nice, interior fit is mostly seamless (except for a couple trim issues between the drivers seat console.
The front and rear seats are a massive improvement in comfort and quality with ample room front and rear.
That room comes at a cost it is very disappointing the amount of cargo space lost in the rear, that is going to be a concern with a family of four, I guess that is used for front and mid seat comfort.
One thing I enjoyed was the height of the rear seat, they got it just right vs the 07 VUE we owned.
They say it is not downsized but the interior space went somewhere to me it is nowhere as spacious as our 07 VUE.
The exterior (I am sorry just me as well as my Son) did not leave an impression as has been described this is going to be up the individual it may be eye candy to some but something else to others.
One of the major upgrades is the quality of the interior, the units had the thermostat controlled AC systems, dome area storage area, and ample storage space in the SUV, the standard radio head unit is about the same as previous VUE’s.
Controls are within easy reach and laid out very well, I did not like the look of the bland instrument cluster; maybe this will be updated at the next model level
The interior lighting is very nice many a light to illuminate the car and Cargo hatch areas. It does have the once missing OH Crap bars those are nice!
The XR is nicely trimmed I wish they did not use the hard plastic on the interior pillars, and side panels in some areas but that is just me.
Personally from driving the 07 VUE the ride of the 08 is much improved on par with the Rav and Honda in my opinion for the short distance I was able to take the car.
The area I am going to disagree on with the reviews of the car and please no flames this is only my opinion from an owner of three Saturn’s, Hondas and currently the 07 Rav4, the initial build quality of the car is not at the level of Hondas and or Toyotas. Looking at the exterior door pillars the gasket insulation is very thin.
Window molding side and front should be better cosmetically, the interior pillars have the hard plastic that in places showed trim which should have been removed (these cars were not dealer prepped at this time).
The leather is in a way more substantial than the 07 Leather we had but still not on par with the leather used in other SUV’s at this price range.
The rear hatch opens with a type of sensor under the Saturn badge you reach under the lip and pull the hatch up. It just feels lacking in proper mass and flimsy with the two hydraulic shock assemblies on each side of the hatch.
It is probably just me as I said this is an SUV you will like or completely dislike and that is ones choice.
Build quality it is a very nice improvement over the 07 VUE the decision is going to be up to the individual.
I do believe Saturn has a winner that they can now begin to improve on.
Go check one out as soon as you can and see if it fits your needs.

Many Thanks and please remember these are my opinions yours may vary!
:sneeze: :sneeze:

[SaturnPlanet]

I too was impressed with the F/F of this vehicle. little details definitely stand out. I think it looks great (better than the old style).

But, it is to no avail, because my wife doesn't think they are 'cute' anymore. it doesn't matter that I get employee discount or anything. I would rather have my wife drive the 08's for safety reasons, but then again, what does reason have to do with anything (and all the married men nodded their heads....):dizzy: