Another Great '08 Vue Review

[Charlie]

Wards Auto World recently published their take on the new Vue with some good tidbits of information that you may not have read about previously.

The Saturn Vue cross/utility vehicle undergoes an impressive metamorphosis as it emerges from its chrysalis as an all-new for '08 model. The result is worth the wait: a CUV that delights the senses, from its striking good looks to its fun-to-drive quotient.

Built on General Motors Corp.'s Global Compact Crossover Architecture, the new 5-door Vue was co-developed in North America and South Korea, with engineering input from GM's Australian and European subsidiaries, and is being built at GM's Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.

GM Compact Crossover Vehicle Chief Engineer Bob Reuters says the more than 500 engineers who participated in the Vue program over the course of time used the "best and brightest execution practices."

The freshly emerged CUV reflects its international DNA admirably, including a softer, more-cleanly sculpted profile than the previous-generation’s boxy utilitarian look and boasting a stiffer suspension with handling characteristics worthy of Europe’s autobahns.

Click here (http://wardsauto.com/testdrive/vue_grows_up/) for the full article.

Enjoy,
Charlie

[beanheadz]

:) Wow, what a great write-up!! They pretty much liked just about everything, with just minor complaints. Very Nice. That should impress the fans of the old VUE! (just kidding, they won't be impressed no matter what).

[Ritz]

:) Wow, what a great write-up!! They pretty much liked just about everything, with just minor complaints. Very Nice. That should impress the fans of the old VUE! (just kidding, they won't be impressed no matter what).

It bears little/no resemblance to the old VUE. Personally, I think it would sell better if it was sold under the Opel name. There's a lot more cachet in a German engineered car assembled in Mexico than a Saturn (already a black mark for a lot of Americans) that's assembled in Mexico. I'll be curious to see how well it sells. If Aura sales are any judge......

Best,

[cdp326]

It bears little/no resemblance to the old VUE. Personally, I think it would sell better if it was sold under the Opel name. There's a lot more cachet in a German engineered car assembled in Mexico than a Saturn (already a black mark for a lot of Americans) that's assembled in Mexico. I'll be curious to see how well it sells. If Aura sales are any judge......

Best,
Opel has no brand recognition in the U.S. right now. Some people will try to say that they sold Opel in the U.S. 40 years ago, but how many people remember that? :no:
The Aura is a new nameplate in a tough market. The VUE is a fairly established nameplate in a tough market. Even with some negative connotation to it, it's at an advantage over the old model. It'd be foolish to use Aura sales as a judge.

[mellissam]

Wards Auto World recently published their take on the new Vue with some good tidbits of information that you may not have read about previously.

Click here (http://wardsauto.com/testdrive/vue_grows_up/) for the full article.

Enjoy,
Charlie

Thanks Charlie! I was reading this blurb you quoted from them. "including a softer, more-cleanly sculpted profile than the previous-generation’s boxy utilitarian look." :dazed:
A cleaner profile? Are they on drugs? The current 06/07 Vue couldn't get any cleaner - it's a box with soft corners!
The new Vue (08) has ridges, sharp cut lines, fake gills, nooks and crannys; more so than the 06/07 version.....
I can wash Silven in minutes...I bet it would take me longer to wash to the new Vue.....
While I appreciate the 'refinement' of the new Vue (quality, and fit and finish), the thing is not cleaner, inside or out.....

[sherwool]

Here's yet another favorable review of the new Vue. The Times was particularly impressed with the safety of this vehicle.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/autoweekend/20070607-013840-7121r.htm

[John10]

Opel has no brand recognition in the U.S. right now. Some people will try to say that they sold Opel in the U.S. 40 years ago, but how many people remember that? :no:
The Aura is a new nameplate in a tough market. The VUE is a fairly established nameplate in a tough market. Even with some negative connotation to it, it's at an advantage over the old model. It'd be foolish to use Aura sales as a judge.

I agree. While Opel had a well regarded car or two in its lineup 40 years ago, its overall reputation in the US was not good when GM tried to sell them out of Buick retailers. Saturn VUEs have a decent utilitarian brand image and if this new version is really as good as its reviews indicate, that reputation can only be enhanced.