2008 VUE... I drove one today :)

[SaturnSales]

Today was a blast! I went up to the Tacoma dome for a ride and drive event... the event was mainly focused on the OUTLOOK, but we also had the AURA GL, and the 2008 VUE there as well.... I will post my impressions of the AURA GL in the AURA forum.... the 2008 VUE in one word... WOW! What an improvement! We started the class with the VUE covered up... I knew what it was but had to wait to see it... about 30 minutes into class they finally pulled the cover back to reveal a beautiful deep blue 2008 VUE AWD XR... The pics I have seen online so far have not been very flattering... but it was stunning in person... Pricing and Fuel economy are not yet available... and they could not tell us when we might be seeing them in the showroom... all they told us was "sometime this spring" but they said the 2 that were at the event were 2 of the first 4 to roll off the production line. At this point I wasn't sure if we'd be allowed to take pictures... so I kept my camera in my pocket... we got to go up to the VUE and sit in it and check it out... I could tell just by looking at the interrior it was a BIG improvement... After lunch we finally got to go out and take one for a drive... WOW... the one available to drive was a Orange AWD XE V6... it handled great... IMHO it handles MUCH better than the current VUE.... I was able to get pictures of both VUE's before the end of the day... I have posted them in the members area...

[junie]

Today was a blast! I went up to the Tacoma dome for a ride and drive event... the event was mainly focused on the OUTLOOK, but we also had the AURA GL, and the 2008 VUE there as well.... I will post my impressions of the AURA GL in the AURA forum.... the 2008 VUE in one word... WOW! What an improvement! We started the class with the VUE covered up... I knew what it was but had to wait to see it... about 30 minutes into class they finally pulled the cover back to reveal a beautiful deep blue 2008 VUE AWD XR... The pics I have seen online so far have not been very flattering... but it was stunning in person... Pricing and Fuel economy are not yet available... and they could not tell us when we might be seeing them in the showroom... all they told us was "sometime this spring" but they said the 2 that were at the event were 2 of the first 4 to roll off the production line. At this point I wasn't sure if we'd be allowed to take pictures... so I kept my camera in my pocket... we got to go up to the VUE and sit in it and check it out... I could tell just by looking at the interrior it was a BIG improvement... After lunch we finally got to go out and take one for a drive... WOW... the one available to drive was a Orange AWD XE V6... it handled great... IMHO it handles MUCH better than the current VUE.... I was able to get pictures of both VUE's before the end of the day... I have posted them in the members area...


How was the acceleration with 215 HP engine?

[BobbyP]

How was the acceleration with 215 HP engine?

I'm sure it's better than the current Ecotec VUE. Probably will get better hwy mileage.

[lordkosc]

I can't seem to find the pictures you mentioned, where did you post them? :xeye:

[SaturnSales]

Junie... the acceleration was great... I put my foot down and it went... I didn't get to go too fast though... we were just on a small course in a parking lot....

lordkosc... not sure how to link to them... but just read the faq on how to put them in a post... so here goes...
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0287.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0287.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0288_exposure.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0288_exposure.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0286.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0286.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0285_exposure.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0285_exposure.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0283.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0283.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0282.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0282.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0281.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0281.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0280.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0280.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_02791.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_02791.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0275.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0275.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0276.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0276.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0277.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0277.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0279.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0279.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0274.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0274.JPG)

[lordkosc]

thanks! :)

lol looks like the wiper on the back window is broken or at least not level... I don't like the interior without the chrome accents, so i guess its the XR for me...

Also don't care for the 2 color body on the XE, it looks better with the whole SUV the same color, IMHO....

And what is that little badge on the drivers side door in the bottom corner near the vents? is that the Saturn badge? If not, is their a saturn bade on the sides of the new Vue? The old one had them on the sides.....

I can't wait to test drive one, this is the only reason I haven't bought a Mazda CX-7...

[junie]

Junie... the acceleration was great... I put my foot down and it went... I didn't get to go too fast though... we were just on a small course in a parking lot....

lordkosc... not sure how to link to them... but just read the faq on how to put them in a post... so here goes...
http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0287.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0287.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0288_exposure.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0288_exposure.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0286.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0286.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0285_exposure.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0285_exposure.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0283.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0283.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0282.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0282.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0281.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0281.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0280.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0280.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_02791.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_02791.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0275.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0275.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0276.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0276.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0277.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0277.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0279.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0279.JPG)http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/thumbs/100_0274.JPG (http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/data/500/100_0274.JPG)

How was the driver head room, leg room .... your height? Thanks.

[GR898SL2]

And what is that little badge on the drivers side door in the bottom corner near the vents? is that the Saturn badge?



That little silver badge flanking the vent is the General Motors corporate logo, aka "the Chiclet". It's on both the driver and passenger side doors.

:flag:

[Spazie]

I'll be doing a Ride & Drive on Feb 16th. I'm looking more forward to the Aura GL than the 08 VUE but I'm interested to see what the VUE will be like. I'll try and grab some pics also. :)

[SaturnSales]

thanks! :)

lol looks like the wiper on the back window is broken or at least not level... I don't like the interior without the chrome accents, so i guess its the XR for me...

Also don't care for the 2 color body on the XE, it looks better with the whole SUV the same color, IMHO....

And what is that little badge on the drivers side door in the bottom corner near the vents? is that the Saturn badge? If not, is their a saturn bade on the sides of the new Vue? The old one had them on the sides.....

I can't wait to test drive one, this is the only reason I haven't bought a Mazda CX-7...

The wiper may have been broken... remember this is a pre-production vehicle... somtimes with pre-production the vehicle isn't quite right.... BTW the interior pic is of the blue XR not the orange XE.... wood on the XR brushed aluminum on the XE...

[lordkosc]

just wondering , what color are the gauges / dash controls / steering wheel controls when they light up? also.... is their a light around the key ignition slot , to find it easily at night? and one last question whats between the vents on the outside of the car by the front doors, the vent is divided by something , is it an turn signal?

I thought the XR had chrome around the air ducts in the car, hmm..... i dont see chrome, lol.... :no:

[DsC2]

Have an interest in purchasing one of these as my next vehicle. And the question that I have is what are the interior color choices? In the pictures that I have seen it seems the choices are that tan color and I have seen gray on the Saturn web site are these the only interior colors?:?:

[MarvC]

The car looks so very small compared to the 07 VUE in your opinion are the cars the same size or the 08 slightly smaller?
The dash/controls really do not look like anything to write home about really bland interior.
I was really considering the 08 VUE but now I will just have to see it in person. From these shots the 07 blows the 08 away in exterior/interior looks. This looks like a tinker toy Cutie of a SUV not even a SUV more of a cross over.
The Honda CRV went this route to get the crowd to buy the auto.

MarvC

[s-seriesguy]

Whoah, LOL! The exterior of the new Vue is ugly. Looks like a pacfica and murano got together.

[BobbyP]

I just realized where are the roof rails? All the roof top utility of the VUE is gone...

[mattio781]

So when is this pre production gonna be hitting the local dealerships, would like to personally check it out

[Spazie]

So when is this pre production gonna be hitting the local dealerships, would like to personally check it out

Probably won't be. The Ride & Drive events are for sales consultants and sales managers only.

[SaturnSales]

just wondering , what color are the gauges / dash controls / steering wheel controls when they light up? also.... is their a light around the key ignition slot , to find it easily at night? and one last question whats between the vents on the outside of the car by the front doors, the vent is divided by something , is it an turn signal?

I thought the XR had chrome around the air ducts in the car, hmm..... i dont see chrome, lol.... :no:

Gauges were amber just like on the aura and outlook... light on the ignition switch? I didn't notice.. it was daytime... and yes that is a turn signal/side marker light... as for chrome around the air ducts... remember these are pre-production.. things may change....

[SaturnSales]

Have an interest in purchasing one of these as my next vehicle. And the question that I have is what are the interior color choices? In the pictures that I have seen it seems the choices are that tan color and I have seen gray on the Saturn web site are these the only interior colors?:?:

sorry I don't have that info yet... I would GUESS... tan, gray and possibly black... the one I saw was grey.... of course it also depends on the exterior color... and the black interior might be reserved for the redline... i really don't know...

[SaturnSales]

The car looks so very small compared to the 07 VUE in your opinion are the cars the same size or the 08 slightly smaller?
The dash/controls really do not look like anything to write home about really bland interior.
I was really considering the 08 VUE but now I will just have to see it in person. From these shots the 07 blows the 08 away in exterior/interior looks. This looks like a tinker toy Cutie of a SUV not even a SUV more of a cross over.
The Honda CRV went this route to get the crowd to buy the auto.

MarvC

The 07 and 08 are about the same size... you do lose a little in cargo room because the rear is slanted in the 08 and not a box like in the 07... but the vehicle is almost identical in size...

The dash controls are pretty similar to the current Vue...except the window and mirror switches are now on the door where most people think they belong... and you can get the single zone automatic climate controls, same as on the Aura.... and you can get the nav system.... one neat feature of the nav system is when the vehicle is in park it can be used to watch a DVD movie... my overall impression of the 08 is that it is a big step forward compared to the 07.... wait till you see it in person to judge for yourself.... honestly I did not like the vehicle until I saw it in person....

[SaturnSales]

I just realized where are the roof rails? All the roof top utility of the VUE is gone...

Luggage rack side rails will be standard on XR available on XE... the picture of the blue XR is a little dark... but they are there... the orange one is a XE and does not have them on it....

[montrealvue]

change of subject..............

Anyone know what colors will be offered?

Are they the same as the Antara colors?

[SaturnSales]

there will be 10 exterior colors... they are
Sunburst Orange
Sea mist green
Ruby red
Mystic blue
Deep blue
Polar white
Black onyx
Golden cashmere
Silver pearl
Techno gray

Interior colors are
XE,XR and greenline
Grey or Tan

Redline
Black w/ suede inserts

[junie]

Have the Saturn dealers been told when Autobook will be updated with ordering info and when the initial orders for the Vue can be placed?

[SaturnSales]

Have the Saturn dealers been told when Autobook will be updated with ordering info and when the initial orders for the Vue can be placed?

not that I am aware of...

[junie]

not that I am aware of...

GM AutoBook updated today with ordering info, specs, etc for the Vue...no pricing of course.

[montrealvue]

The sales manager at my local Saturn dealer tells me the '08 is due in December '07....:hmm: ....I hope it arrives sooner.

[lordkosc]

The sales manager at my local Saturn dealer tells me the '08 is due in December '07....:hmm: ....I hope it arrives sooner.

ah well the longer it takes them to come out, the bigger down payment i will have saved.... :) strange it would take them that long to get to the dealers, especially if they are starting production in april/may....

[SaturnSales]

What they said at training was SPRING of 07... of course they couldn't tell us when... so they should be on the lot before summer..

[tvn]

Oh I would definitely buy the Vue '08 if it arrives early this summer (June - July). Otherwise I have to go with another SUV.

[tvn]

Quick question: I don't see the Water Temp gauge anywhere ?

[thatjerryguy]

It seems every post-Aura Saturn has a nicer looking interior than the Aura. Saturn better get restyling.

:us:

[SaturnSales]

Quick question: I don't see the Water Temp gauge anywhere ?

I don't remember seeing it.... then again I didn't look for it.... I was just so happy to drive it :) If it doesn't have a guage then it will be a light....

[lordkosc]

On the 08 vue, are the taillights LEDs ? I can't tell from the pictures :(

The 3rd brake light , along the rear roofline looks like it is LED, but what about the right and left lights?

If the new Aura got LED taillights I would hope all the new saturns do... I like em!

[SaturnSales]

On the 08 vue, are the taillights LEDs ? I can't tell from the pictures :(

The 3rd brake light , along the rear roofline looks like it is LED, but what about the right and left lights?

If the new Aura got LED taillights I would hope all the new saturns do... I like em!

I really didn't pay that much attention.... so I opened the original pics I have on my hard drive.... used the zoom feature on my image viewer... looking at the pic from the rear of the vehicle with the person driving it stepping on the brake pedal... it would seem you are correct.... it looks like the CHMSL is LED, but the rest are regular bulbs.... I agree with you though... I prefer LED's... they use less energy, and last longer, and look better.... if i could find a LED setup for my Camaro that looked good I'd probably buy it....

[lordkosc]

I really didn't pay that much attention.... so I opened the original pics I have on my hard drive.... used the zoom feature on my image viewer... looking at the pic from the rear of the vehicle with the person driving it stepping on the brake pedal... it would seem you are correct.... it looks like the CHMSL is LED, but the rest are regular bulbs.... I agree with you though... I prefer LED's... they use less energy, and last longer, and look better.... if i could find a LED setup for my Camaro that looked good I'd probably buy it....

ummm CHMSL ? man I feel like a noob.... :(

[lordkosc]

Gauges were amber just like on the aura and outlook... light on the ignition switch? I didn't notice.. it was daytime... and yes that is a turn signal/side marker light... as for chrome around the air ducts... remember these are pre-production.. things may change....

so the gauges looked like this :

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c41/lordkosc/desktop7_1024.jpg

that amber/ white / blue combo is sexy! ( pic stolen from the aura gallery on saturn.com )

[SaturnSales]

ummm CHMSL ? man I feel like a noob.... :(

sorry... CHMSL = Center High Mount Stop Lamp

[SaturnSales]

Check the future vehicles section on Saturn.com and there's a pic of the IC... when i said it was amber like the Aura/Outlook I was talking color of lighting...

[uboys]

It seems every post-Aura Saturn has a nicer looking interior than the Aura. Saturn better get restyling.

:us:
That is a good observation of an encouraging trend.
GM needs to get better and better with each vehicle.
It cannot afford to hold new vehicles back.
All this means it that future Aura upgrades will make it an even better car.

I wonder when the 2008 Vue will get here?

[guyatherton]

Thanks SaturnSales for the interesting info.
Do you know when the Red Line is due out? Will it be the same time as the XE/XR models or later.
Will the RL will have the flappy paddles as the Aura XR has with the 3.6L?
Does the XR or RL have the hydraulic power steering or is it all electronic - just thinking Aura XE/XR had different power steering setup.
Thanks

[piney]

Looks like GM's stylists talk to each other...

[lordkosc]

Check the future vehicles section on Saturn.com and there's a pic of the IC... when i said it was amber like the Aura/Outlook I was talking color of lighting...

Grrr damn saturn, the Vue's gauge needles are red... the aura's are blue! why can't they allllllll be blue!!!! :cry:

[guyatherton]

A couple of other questions ;

Is the new Vue wider than the current Vue?
Was there any visible transmission tunnel in the rear and was the rear fairly spacious? I ask since I am soon to have a child and need a car that can easily fit a rear facing car seat as well as two adults comfortably. Was in an Acura RDX and that had sufficient rear space and I know the current Vue is a similar size (if a little narrower).

[mikec]

Thanks for the pics SaturnSales. I think it looks good. The shape is alot like the crV. I believe it will sell.

[SaturnSales]

Thanks SaturnSales for the interesting info.
Do you know when the Red Line is due out? Will it be the same time as the XE/XR models or later.
Will the RL will have the flappy paddles as the Aura XR has with the 3.6L?
Does the XR or RL have the hydraulic power steering or is it all electronic - just thinking Aura XE/XR had different power steering setup.
Thanks

Sorry, I do not know if there will be a delay on the Redline. YES the XR comes with EITHER Electronic Range Selection OR TAPshift. The redline comes standard with TAPShift. In my other post I messed that up and said the Redline comes standard with the ERS system. The 4CYL XE and the GL will both come with EPS, the V6's will come with Hydraulic PS. Many of these answers can be found in my other thread "2008 VUE features as of 1-26-07" But I'm always happy to answer questions about this vehicle. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[guyatherton]

Thanks SaturnSales, your infomration has been very informative as I am looking for a practical and fun car June time so the new Vue fits right in (especially if RL is available).

[SaturnSales]

A couple of other questions ;

Is the new Vue wider than the current Vue?
Was there any visible transmission tunnel in the rear and was the rear fairly spacious? I ask since I am soon to have a child and need a car that can easily fit a rear facing car seat as well as two adults comfortably. Was in an Acura RDX and that had sufficient rear space and I know the current Vue is a similar size (if a little narrower).

Sorry I don't have the specs on the length/width... from my impression it was about the same size as the current VUE. I didn't really look for the transmission tunnel, but I did sit in the back seat, I'm 6'2" 300lbs, I was comfortable. As soon as I have an answer for you I will post it though.

One thing I did notice that a LOT of people have complained about on the Aura.... there are grab handles at all 4 doors! Forgot to look for a armrest in the back seat though... sorry... it was a busy day, only got to drive it around the track once and the main focus of the class was the Outlook. I really wish I had had more time with the VUE to answer all your questions.

[DesertPuma]

Sorry, I do not know if there will be a delay on the Redline. YES the XR comes with EITHER Electronic Range Selection OR TAPshift. The redline comes standard with TAPShift. In my other post I messed that up and said the Redline comes standard with the ERS system. The 4CYL XE and the GL will both come with EPS, the V6's will come with Hydraulic PS. Many of these answers can be found in my other thread "2008 VUE features as of 1-26-07" But I'm always happy to answer questions about this vehicle. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I saw this coming from a mile away...unbelievable.:rolleyes:

[lordkosc]

I saw this coming from a mile away...unbelievable.:rolleyes:

is that bad? ( begin the noob bashing ) :xeye: or rather whats the difference between the two types, I have VERY little vehicular knowledge..

[Ronbo202]

Sorry I don't have the specs on the length/width... from my impression it was about the same size as the current VUE. I didn't really look for the transmission tunnel, but I did sit in the back seat, I'm 6'2" 300lbs, I was comfortable. As soon as I have an answer for you I will post it though..

The 08 Vue is being described as a more compact SUV/CUV compared to the 07's and prior, at least on the outside, according to an article I read on Edmunds. 07's and before have been described as mid-sized SUV's. Presumably, Saturn's new Outlook will fill the niche for the people looking for a mid to large sized vehicle and the Vue is supposed to down-size a bit to fill the compact niche. I would be curious to see if the interior dimensions will change significantly because we are really happy with the current interior configuration on our Vue. I don't think I'd like it to be any smaller.

[SaturnSales]

The 08 Vue is being described as a more compact SUV/CUV compared to the 07's and prior, at least on the outside, according to an article I read on Edmunds. 07's and before have been described as mid-sized SUV's. Presumably, Saturn's new Outlook will fill the niche for the people looking for a mid to large sized vehicle and the Vue is supposed to down-size a bit to fill the compact niche. I would be curious to see if the interior dimensions will change significantly because we are really happy with the current interior configuration on our Vue. I don't think I'd like it to be any smaller.

You won't notice much, if any change in passenger room.... cargo room has been sacrificed a little though... because of the slope of the roof you do lose some cargo capacity....

[DsC2]

Saturnsales: Thank you for being resourceful in giving us information on the 2008 Vue. I ran across an interesting tread containing information on the 2008 Vue. I was wondering if you could confirm this. The link is:
www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15245

Looking forward to seeing the Vue this summer:)

[uboys]

Looks like GM's stylists talk to each other...
:whoa:
I am trying to figure out what you see as similar between the two.

[mikec]

Daewoo had a hand in designing the 08 Vue. I see similar lines to the Aveo but you are comparing Apples and Oranges here.

[piney]

:whoa:
I am trying to figure out what you see as similar between the two.

The tall, narrow but rounded look. A Daewoo is a Aveo with a different nameplate, perhaps that is the influence.

[nakman]

I'm going to have to reserve my final opinion until I actually see one for myself. :|

Looking at the pics, it could pass for a Hyundai or Kai. :xeye: I love my VUE because people check it out and wonder what it is. It's not a RendeVUE or Torrent, and it has a nice, classy presence. ;)

The 08 looks to blend in with the other CUTes. :tear:

Hope my inital impression converts to be more positive. :yes:

[SaturnSales]

Saturnsales: Thank you for being resourceful in giving us information on the 2008 Vue. I ran across an interesting tread containing information on the 2008 Vue. I was wondering if you could confirm this. The link is:
www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=15245

Looking forward to seeing the Vue this summer:)

Looks right to me... don't have all my info with me right now (I'm at home not work) but from what I recall yeah that looks right...

[BobbyP]

I hope the pictures are not representing the 2008 VUE very well. I agree it looks too much like a KIA Sportage. I'll like to see and drive it. It would have to be pretty spectacular for me to want to buy it.

[SkyVue]

Does the rear window open separately like the Ford escape?

[GearGuy]

First off, thank you for sharing the information!
It's an interesting vehicle with quite a few add ons from the current model.

As you've stated, the back is more sloped and I think that is unfortunate. That's where I would lose interest. I use my Vue to haul quite a bit of random stuff. There's just enough room to fill it up with the family and stuff for a long weekend at my parent's in CT. Utility to me is important in a CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle). But tat's just my need. I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there won't mind the loss of space.

How did the 6 speed seem on your limited test drive?

The 'D' ring emergency brake handle seems odd. I would have preferred they kept it simple.

What is above the center vents on the dash? Is that a covered storage compartment?

The center console cubby ahead of the shift looks far more useful.
The seats look better bolstered.
Individual front seat armrests are replaced by a single center console top cushion?
Are the OnStar buttons still on the rear view?
Dual exhaust. Paddle shifts. Nice...

From the Cheers and Gears link...
Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.
Standard front seat side thorax air bags.
Standard first and second row head curtain side air bags with rollover sensing system.
Disengaging collapsible pedals.
Active head restraints.
Flip down second row armrest.
Ample covered, flocked and damped storage including large locking glove box.
Sliding storage bin under the front passenger seat.
Available DVD based navigation system.
Available remote start.

Some nice and interesting additions.

How does the active head restraint work? I've got some odd images in my head of what it could be...

It'll be intersting to see the pricing and vehicle weight.

[GearGuy]

Here is a link to Charlie's 2008 VUE Specifications November 29, 2006 (http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/VUE/2008/2008vuespecs.shtml)

If these hold true...

The 19.5 gallon fuel tank for the FWDs is great!
Nice to see that they put the extra space to use.
16.9 for the AWD.

I am a fan of the 6 speed on paper.
More gears. Yet weighs less that the 4T45-E 4spd auto.
103.8 lbs wet vs. 187.6 lbs wet.

Here is a Comparison list...
'07 info. from Saturn.com
Bold is bigger
'08 vs. '07

Curb Weight (lbs)
FWD V6 = 4076 vs. 3544
AWD V6 = 4325 vs. 3691

Length (in)
180.1 vs. 181.3

Wheelbase (in)
106.6 vs. 106.6

Width (in)
72.8 vs. 71.6

Height (in)
67.0 vs. 66.3

Track Width, Front (in)
61.4 vs. 61.0

Track Width, Front (in)
61.8 vs. 61.0

Head room (in) front/rear
40.2/39.3 vs. 40.6/40.4

Shoulder room (in) front/rear
56.0/55.9 vs. 54.7/54.7

Hip room (in) front/rear
52.6/52.9 vs. 51.8/52.6

Leg room (in) front/rear
40.7/36.9 vs. 41.3/36.5

Cargo-area Volume (cu. ft.) Seats up/Seats down
26.5/54.3 vs. 30.8/63.4

Trailer towing maximum is the same.

[SaturnSales]

Does the rear window open separately like the Ford escape?

No it does not.

[SaturnSales]

First off, thank you for sharing the information!
It's an interesting vehicle with quite a few add ons from the current model.

As you've stated, the back is more sloped and I think that is unfortunate. That's where I would lose interest. I use my Vue to haul quite a bit of random stuff. There's just enough room to fill it up with the family and stuff for a long weekend at my parent's in CT. Utility to me is important in a CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle). But tat's just my need. I'm sure that there are plenty of people out there won't mind the loss of space.

How did the 6 speed seem on your limited test drive

seemed good... short parking lot course, didn't get much speed.

The 'D' ring emergency brake handle seems odd. I would have preferred they kept it simple.

What is above the center vents on the dash? Is that a covered storage compartment? Sorry... I don't remember.... looking at the original pic I have and zooming in it looks like a mesh surface... maybe a center speaker? sorry i don't remember. The d-ring... while it may look different... not really a big deal... kinda neat to change it up really...

The center console cubby ahead of the shift looks far more useful.
The seats look better bolstered.
Individual front seat armrests are replaced by a single center console top cushion?
Are the OnStar buttons still on the rear view?
Dual exhaust. Paddle shifts. Nice...
Yes for all except the OnStar buttons... they are now up in the headline by the dome lights.

From the Cheers and Gears link...
Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system.
Standard front seat side thorax air bags.
Standard first and second row head curtain side air bags with rollover sensing system.
Disengaging collapsible pedals.
Active head restraints.
Flip down second row armrest.
Ample covered, flocked and damped storage including large locking glove box.
Sliding storage bin under the front passenger seat.
Available DVD based navigation system.
Available remote start.

Some nice and interesting additions.

How does the active head restraint work? I've got some odd images in my head of what it could be...

It'll be intersting to see the pricing and vehicle weight.

I'm not sure exactally how the Saturn active head restraints work... when I worked at Audi they had them on the new A6 and A3 (those were the new ones at the time) What Audi said was that when the vehicle gets into an accident the head rests snap forward and lock, keeping you from snapping your neck back too far....

[DesertPuma]

is that bad? ( begin the noob bashing ) :xeye: or rather whats the difference between the two types, I have VERY little vehicular knowledge..

Depends on who (whom?) you talk to...IMO, it's bad.

[lordkosc]

Depends on who (whom?) you talk to...IMO, it's bad.

lol, ok i know its bad, but what are the benefits/negatives of each?

[Dante]

lol, ok i know its bad, but what are the benefits/negatives of each?

Some people hate EPS (Electric Power Steering) because they think it is "vague" or "numb" or whatever. In truth, it's all down to tuning/programming of the controller unit. EPS costs less in various ways. It's simpler to manufacture, has less moving parts, etc., but purists insist hydraulic steering is the only way to go. The current Vue (all varieties) have EPS, and it has never bothered me, and I've driven the snot out of my Vue (track time and all).

[lordkosc]

Some people hate EPS (Electric Power Steering) because they think it is "vague" or "numb" or whatever. In truth, it's all down to tuning/programming of the controller unit. EPS costs less in various ways. It's simpler to manufacture, has less moving parts, etc., but purists insist hydraulic steering is the only way to go. The current Vue (all varieties) have EPS, and it has never bothered me, and I've driven the snot out of my Vue (track time and all).

Oooh I understand now, I also got more in depth knowledge from wiki-pedia on power steering. Thanks Dante :)

[Dante]

Oooh I understand now, I also got more in depth knowledge from wiki-pedia on power steering. Thanks Dante :)

You bet. Search the forums here and you can get a more contextual discussion of EPS.

[BobbyP]

The newest twist to EPS is the hybrid-EPS systems. They use an electric motor to turn a hydraulic pump. This way you can have your cake and eat it to... The purist will get the hydraulic feel, and the frugal will get the higher gas mileage from the hydraulic pump only being powered when needed.

[lordkosc]

The newest twist to EPS is the hybrid-EPS systems. They use an electric motor to turn a hydraulic pump. This way you can have your cake and eat it to... The purist will get the hydraulic feel, and the frugal will get the higher gas mileage from the hydraulic pump only being powered when needed.

Thanks, wikipeida also helped give me a little more detain!

The more you know! The better! :yes:

[DsC2]

I'll be doing a Ride & Drive on Feb 16th. I'm looking more forward to the Aura GL than the 08 VUE but I'm interested to see what the VUE will be like. I'll try and grab some pics also. :)

Spazie: During the Ride & Drive could you get a few interior pics especially of the rear seat area and behind the front seats and even some with the hatch opened if allowed! thanks in advance.:)

[slv01sc2]

Does anyone know anything about the 08's AWD system? I hope it is different from the old Versatrack system from the current Vue that goes through RDMs.

[lordkosc]

Does anyone know anything about the 08's AWD system? I hope it is different from the old Versatrack system from the current Vue that goes through RDMs.

:yes: I want to know also!

[slv01sc2]

Anyone at all who is out there know anything about the 08 AWD? HELLOOOO!

[lordkosc]

Anyone at all who is out there know anything about the 08 AWD? HELLOOOO!

I've read so far that it is new compaired to the current AWD system in the VUE, and that it is also on DEMAND... :|

[crj19]

I have to think that the performance of the 2008 VUE will suffer dramatically because of the big increase in weight and no increase in power.:usa:

[jdmessner]

Ok, correct me if I'm wrong.

The 2008 Vue FWD V-6 is 1.15 times heavier than the 2007 FWD V-6 and the engine produces just 84% the power of the current 3.5 liter V-6? The 2008 Vue has just 86% of the cargo capacity of the 2007 Vue? All kidding aside, this is supposed to be an improvement????? It's a big step in the wrong direction.....

This thing is supposed to compete directly with the likes of the CR-V or the Rav-4? Both the CR-V and Rav-4 are lighter (3598 and 3675 lbs MAX respectively), have more powerful base engines (166hp for both Vs. 164hp from the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder), the toyota has a more powerful V-6 (269hp vs. 212 hp), both the Toyota and Honda have 25.7% more total cargo room (73 cuft Vs. 54.3 cuft) and 27% more rear cargo room (36.4 cuft vs. 26.5 cuft).

I really hope the data provided by gear guy is mistaken. I can't believe that GM would put this much into a new model and deliberately levae it so far short of the competition!

I'll reserve judgement until I see a 2008 Vue in person and can compare it side by side with a CR-v. But if the numbers provided are correct, my lord, what a disappointment!

[BobbyP]

Ok, correct me if I'm wrong.

The 2008 Vue FWD V-6 is 1.15 times heavier than the 2007 FWD V-6 and the engine produces just 84% the power of the current 3.5 liter V-6? The 2008 Vue has just 86% of the cargo capacity of the 2007 Vue? All kidding aside, this is supposed to be an improvement????? It's a big step in the wrong direction.....

Sounds like you're describing a Honda Pilot... :)

This thing is supposed to compete directly with the likes of the CR-V or the Rav4?

This "thing" is the 2008 Saturn VUE. I know you won't give it a chance, but the preliminary numbers do look bad. Maybe it's mis-information for the competition.

Both the CR-V and Rav4 are lighter (3598 and 3675 lbs MAX respectively), have more powerful base engines (166hp for both Vs. 164hp from the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder), the Toyota has a more powerful V-6 (269hp vs. 212 hp), both the Toyota and Honda have 25.7% more total cargo room (73 cu ft Vs. 54.3 cu ft) and 27% more rear cargo room (36.4 cu ft vs. 26.5 cu ft).

The CR-V and RAV4 are "popcorn SUV's" with thin doors, tar in the wheel wells, noisy choppy rides. Probably unsafe in a real world collision from gaining all that extra space from a smaller package. Despite what the numbers say they aren't that quick, the ones I drove accelerated like an old Cavalier. They suffer from torque steer, and traction problems so badly you have to buy them with AWD and lose the gas mileage and performance. With the RAV4 you'll have the possibility of an engine full of sludge.

I really hope the data provided by gear guy is mistaken. I can't believe that GM would put this much into a new model and deliberately leave it so far short of the competition!

I'll reserve judgement until I see a 2008 Vue in person and can compare it side by side with a CR-v. But if the numbers provided are correct, my lord, what a disappointment!

JD - I also hope the numbers are wrong. It's definitely a step in the wrong direction. They should be the same weight or less because of the steel body. Keep in mind there is two V6 options. The 3.6L has more hp than the L66.

[cdp326]

Ok, correct me if I'm wrong.

The 2008 Vue FWD V-6 is 1.15 times heavier than the 2007 FWD V-6 and the engine produces just 84% the power of the current 3.5 liter V-6? The 2008 Vue has just 86% of the cargo capacity of the 2007 Vue? All kidding aside, this is supposed to be an improvement????? It's a big step in the wrong direction.....
Cargo capacity alone isn't everything--the usability makes a big difference, too. The cargo capacity of the new CR-V isn't changed much over the old one, but it's more useful what with the new shelf.

This thing is supposed to compete directly with the likes of the CR-V or the Rav-4? Both the CR-V and Rav-4 are lighter (3598 and 3675 lbs MAX respectively), have more powerful base engines (166hp for both Vs. 164hp from the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder),
The VUE is supposed to offer a manual transmission too, something Toyota and Honda deleted.
There is no powertrain upgrade to the CR-V, either. You've got the

the toyota has a more powerful V-6 (269hp vs. 212 hp),
Um, no, the comparable '08 VUE V6 would be the XR, with a 3.6L V6. It's still short on power next to the RAV4 (250 hp for some reason in the VUE), but the VUE has a 6-speed automatic to the RAV4's 5-speed auto.

both the Toyota and Honda have 25.7% more total cargo room (73 cuft Vs. 54.3 cuft) and 27% more rear cargo room (36.4 cuft vs. 26.5 cuft).
The RAV4 cheats with its spare tire hanging on the back door. This is good for interior cargo room, but it can be an inconvenience (back door swinging out means no covering in loading/unloading cargo) and it doesn't take much to create costly damage for that. The spare tire is your first defense in any sort of rear collision, not the bumper as in the CR-V or VUE.

I really hope the data provided by gear guy is mistaken. I can't believe that GM would put this much into a new model and deliberately levae it so far short of the competition!

I'll reserve judgement until I see a 2008 Vue in person and can compare it side by side with a CR-v. But if the numbers provided are correct, my lord, what a disappointment!
The numbers may be a disappointment, but the VUE also offers a lot more in terms of comfort and convenience features. The CR-V doesn't offer automatic air conditioning or remote start; the RAV4 doesn't have a navigation system, IIRC, nor does it have front seat active headrests; neither offers rain sensing wipers or heated windshield washer fluid.

[jdmessner]

Both the Toyota and the Honda have active head restraints as well.

Most people don't like them, because of the position that their head rests on the head restraints. Alot of women complain, especially when their hair is up that they can't get comfortable. That's a problem with the feature and is not limited to one manufacturer or another.

I figured out where the competition get's their extra cargo capacities from. The vehicles are all roughly the same outside dimensions, so it has to come from somewhere...
The back seats sit on adjustable rails (like the fronts) allowing the owner to slide them forward about 6 inches. It doesn't make the rear-seat passenger very comfy, leaving only about 8" of leg room between the back of the front seats and the rear, with everything at it's maximum travel. By contrast, the 2007 Vue's back seat is fixed. That accounts for the extra cargo capacity. Not so useable a space when you have passengers though....

The overall cargo capacity comes from the way they seats fold down. In the Vue, the seat backs simply lay forward, creating a more or less 'flat' cargo floor.
The competition's back seats not only fold flat, but also tumble forward against the front seats. This exposes a much lower flat floor on which cargo can be placed. Some people call it cheating, others call it engineering. Whatever the moniker, the seat configuration makes a big difference in the overall cargo capacity of the vehicle. With the Vue, alot of capacity is sacrificed by the seat stowage and the height of the cargo floor. If they'd taken a page from the competition's design book and lowered the floor and altered the seat stowage, they'd have alot more useable space.

That space is at even more of a premium in the 2008 model. Those swoopy, European lines may look nice, but they'll seriously curtail the ability to carry anything but groceries.

What are SUV shoppers drawn to? Capacity, functionality, comfort. If they have a choice between a small SUV with 54 cubic feet of cargo space or a small SUV with 73 cubic feet of cargo space, they're going to be drawn to the bigger of the two. That's the difference between hauling a small freezer or a love-seat in one and having to rent a truck with the other. The whole reason people want their SUV's is capacity. Again, if the numbers bear out, the 2007 Vue is going to have more capacity than the 2008. That's a big step backwards, especially compared to the competition.

As for the other features? Gadgets sell few cars. Once the 'wow' factor wears off, they're just another component of the vehicle. Most people in the market for a small SUV want functionality, not gadgets.

Will the new Vue sell? Yes. Probably not as well as the current one, but it will sell none-the-less. Will it be able to stack up to the competition and earn Saturn a more favorable reputation in the publications? Only time will tell.

[BobbyP]

The numbers may be a disappointment, but the VUE also offers a lot more in terms of comfort and convenience features. The CR-V doesn't offer automatic air conditioning or remote start; the RAV4 doesn't have a navigation system, IIRC, nor does it have front seat active headrests; neither offers rain sensing wipers or heated windshield washer fluid.

That's two words that never get put together, CR-V or RAV4 and comfort.

This afternoon some kid pulled up to me in a new 2007 CR-V and wanted to race. I looked at him and laughed... The current V6 VUE has no problem outperforming any SUV Honda builds. It's ironic all the credit goes to Honda.

[SaturnSales]

The VUE is supposed to offer a manual transmission too, something Toyota and Honda deleted.


As I said in an earlier post, the trainer at the ride and drive informed us that there will be NO manual transmission offering in the 2008 VUE.

[mellissam]

.........Will it be able to stack up to the competition and earn Saturn a more favorable reputation in the publications? Only time will tell.

Of course it will, as all the complaints levelled at it will be gone.....The polymer threw people off, and they looked for any excuse to slam it (ex. wide gaps between panels). Now, they appear to be sticking to the tried and true formula...sporty euro-esque look with reasonable hp and stiff body....Plus, the euro interior appeals to the writers (read: men). I bet it will take an award here and there...

I really don't think folks are going to get fussy over a couple of cubic feet of space, the drivability, and looks are what sells....also read an article that surveyed Canadian folks, and their number reason for buying a particle vehicle was PRICE.... If the VUE comes in several grand cheaper than the competition, and they learn how to market a car.....:)

[montrealvue]

I really don't think folks are going to get fussy over a couple of cubic feet of space, the drivability, and looks are what sells....also read an article that surveyed Canadian folks, and their number reason for buying a particle vehicle was PRICE.... If the VUE comes in several grand cheaper than the competition, and they learn how to market a car.....:)

I have to agree, the passenger area of the '08 Vue will be about the same as the present gen., the exception being the cargo area due to the shape of the rear hatch.

Canadians have less disposable income compared to the U.S. (damn you conservative government! your taxes are still killin me!) therefore price is extremely important. On a brighter note, the tax break for hybrids just went up to $2000 here so the full hybrid version of the '08 Vue ('09 MY?) is starting to look really good! :D

[nakman]

Of course it will, as all the complaints levelled at it will be gone.....The polymer threw people off, and they looked for any excuse to slam it (ex. wide gaps between panels). Now, they appear to be sticking to the tried and true formula...sporty euro-esque look with reasonable hp and stiff body....Plus, the euro interior appeals to the writers (read: men). I bet it will take an award here and there...

I really don't think folks are going to get fussy over a couple of cubic feet of space, the drivability, and looks are what sells....also read an article that surveyed Canadian folks, and their number reason for buying a particle vehicle was PRICE.... If the VUE comes in several grand cheaper than the competition, and they learn how to market a car.....:)

Mel,

You're absolutely correct on price. And the Canadian scribes haven't stopped with how much they love Hyundai. I gotta tell you, I checked out the new Santa Fe. I looks pretty sharp so, thought it was worth a look. I just openned the door. It felt like cheap. Sat in it and the disappointment continued. I don't know how they keep praising this company. The switch gear and interior quality was junk. This coming from my experience from my 03 which was sparse itself. However, they will sell a bunch of these things.

OK. They have an 08 VUE for display only. I does look smaller. The beige colour wasn't the most flattering in person. Really like the Outlook, just too much machine and cost for my needs. Afterall, that's why I when with a new VUE.

By no means am I a Saturn loyalist, but from my intial comparison, it holds it's own against the RAV4 and CRV. I like the look the RAV4, it was just a bit pricy for the V6 and I don't like the swing rear gate. The CRV doesn't appeal to me. Although I do like the Pilot. Again, its a bit too big and cost more. It also doesn't feel as light handling as the VUE.

Hope the 08 VUE does well and Saturn and GM continue to roll out good products.

[cdp326]

Both the Toyota and the Honda have active head restraints as well.
The Honda does indeed have them, which is why I specified Toyota in the comparison. The RAV4 doesn't have the headrests; they aren't listed on the features page for the RAV4 on ConsumerGuide Auto nor are they on the safety feature page of the RAV4 on Toyota's site: http://www.toyota.com/rav4/models.html

Most people don't like them, because of the position that their head rests on the head restraints. Alot of women complain, especially when their hair is up that they can't get comfortable. That's a problem with the feature and is not limited to one manufacturer or another.
Our Hyundai has headrests that ratchet forward and backwards. (They are the active kind, too.)
The latest trend is to reinstall headrests backwards. It's not just the active variety, it's any headrest.

I figured out where the competition get's their extra cargo capacities from. The vehicles are all roughly the same outside dimensions, so it has to come from somewhere...
The back seats sit on adjustable rails (like the fronts) allowing the owner to slide them forward about 6 inches. It doesn't make the rear-seat passenger very comfy, leaving only about 8" of leg room between the back of the front seats and the rear, with everything at it's maximum travel. By contrast, the 2007 Vue's back seat is fixed. That accounts for the extra cargo capacity. Not so useable a space when you have passengers though....

The overall cargo capacity comes from the way they seats fold down. In the Vue, the seat backs simply lay forward, creating a more or less 'flat' cargo floor.

<snip />

That space is at even more of a premium in the 2008 model. Those swoopy, European lines may look nice, but they'll seriously curtail the ability to carry anything but groceries.
The 02-07 VUE isn't a very space efficient design. IIRC, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, which also don't have an outside hanging spare tire (and thus are a closer design), have more cargo space while being smaller.

What are SUV shoppers drawn to? Capacity, functionality, comfort. If they have a choice between a small SUV with 54 cubic feet of cargo space or a small SUV with 73 cubic feet of cargo space, they're going to be drawn to the bigger of the two. That's the difference between hauling a small freezer or a love-seat in one and having to rent a truck with the other. The whole reason people want their SUV's is capacity. Again, if the numbers bear out, the 2007 Vue is going to have more capacity than the 2008. That's a big step backwards, especially compared to the competition.
Funny you should mention comfort--the VUE currently is not very comfortable. The front seats are shaped odd, and the rear seat is horrible for an adult. It's far too low and unshaped.
How many people really sit down and compare numbers like that? I think the appearance of the cargo area will make a bigger impression.

As for the other features? Gadgets sell few cars. Once the 'wow' factor wears off, they're just another component of the vehicle. Most people in the market for a small SUV want functionality, not gadgets.
Nice excuse.
Is that why the CR-V offers a navigation system and the RAV4 Limited has dual-zone automatic climate control? Is that why the RAV4 has that fancy glovebox where you push a button to both open and close it? It's not electric, but it's a gadget.
The small SUV market is like the midsize car market--not everyone wants a bare bones model. People don't criticize the Mazda 3 for offering rain sensing wipers--it's generally appreciated more for it, it seems. Remote start and heated washer fluid have a practical side as well.

Will the new Vue sell? Yes. Probably not as well as the current one, but it will sell none-the-less. Will it be able to stack up to the competition and earn Saturn a more favorable reputation in the publications? Only time will tell.
A lot of people were put off by the VUE's styling. The 02-05 models only appeal to Saturn traditionalists; the general public didn't really care for it. The VUE wasn't a quiet vehicle nor had great seat comfort. Any of this is reflected in the early reviews the VUE had. The electric power steering didn't help either (sorry DesertPuma :D).

As I said in an earlier post, the trainer at the ride and drive informed us that there will be NO manual transmission offering in the 2008 VUE.
That's why I said supposedly, as the press releases on this site said it would be a late '08 intro. GM offering a manual transmission in something other than a small car is a rare event, so we'll see. The original VUE 5-speed seemed fairly successful.

[BobbyP]

Funny you should mention comfort--the VUE currently is not very comfortable. The front seats are shaped odd, and the rear seat is horrible for an adult. It's far too low and unshaped.
How many people really sit down and compare numbers like that? I think the appearance of the cargo area will make a bigger impression.

I find the RL's front seats very comfortable. Judging car seats are very much like judging a mattress, there's a wide latitude what people like and feel is comfortable. You're spot on about the VUE's back seat. This could be improved on. It's not very comfortable for adults for an extended period of time. This is true with most compact SUV's. The description of the seats in the CR-V sounds like a lawn chair, probably just as comfortable.

[cdp326]

I find the RL's front seats very comfortable. Judging car seats are very much like judging a mattress, there's a wide latitude what people like and feel is comfortable.
You cheated though--you have a Red Line. :p Which doesn't represent the majority of VUEs sold.

You're spot on about the VUE's back seat. This could be improved on. It's not very comfortable for adults for an extended period of time. This is true with most compact SUV's. The description of the seats in the CR-V sounds like a lawn chair, probably just as comfortable.
"Could" improve isn't an option for GM/Saturn when it comes to that rear seat. :no:

[mellissam]

Mel,

....... And the Canadian scribes haven't stopped with how much they love Hyundai. I gotta tell you, I checked out the new Santa Fe. I looks pretty sharp so, thought it was worth a look. I just openned the door. It felt like cheap. Sat in it and the disappointment continued. I don't know how they keep praising this company. The switch gear and interior quality was junk. This coming from my experience from my 03 which was sparse itself. However, they will sell a bunch of these things. .......

Yeah, the Hyundai was the first SUV I checked out, as I had 1982 Pony to trade-in..LOL...it was my Great Aunt's and she kept it in flawless condition...it had something like 40k km on it. Ran like a top, but I felt like I was sitting in a tin can...oh the road noise!! Anyway, I thought why not check out thier new stuff...I got the exact same impression you did, except on the Tuscon...and going back to the number #1 consideration Canadian folk have when buying a car, 'PRICE'; it was several grand more than a similarily equiped VUE....with no room for negotiation, as they were selling like hot-cakes....I get the sense that Hyundai is trying to move upscale (become another Toyota), but thier Tuscon (06) didn't impress me at all. I've forgotten the cargo comparisons, but the VUE just seems bigger than the competition...I'm tall, and the VUE gives me plenty of elbow and head room, unlike the Tuscon, Sorrento, CRV, RAV...I know they are similar in dimensions, but perception played a big role with me...:)

[montrealvue]

I had the same impression of the '07 Santa Fe, looks fantastic on the outside (especially in black) but once I sat in it it was a different story. The steering wheel position wasn't right for me, the seat didn't go far back enough and if I wanted a few options they were in separate option packages (cha-ching $$$:upset: ). The price goes from $25,000 to $33,000 very fast. The materials were nice, but the competition has nothing to worry about. Lots of plastic (the cheap kind) and average upholstery. The size of the vehicle is great but the indicated gas mileage shows Hyundai hasn't gone high tech with their engines yet. GM has a leg up on mileage and ergonomics. I am looking forward to the '08 Vue, I think it will be a big step in the right direction.

[cdp326]

I had the same impression of the '07 Santa Fe, looks fantastic on the outside (especially in black) but once I sat in it it was a different story. The steering wheel position wasn't right for me,
If Canadian Santa Fes are like U.S. ones, did you tilting and telescoping the steering wheel?

the seat didn't go far back enough and if I wanted a few options they were in separate option packages (cha-ching $$$:upset: ).
Hey, it works for Toyota.

The price goes from $25,000 to $33,000 very fast. The materials were nice, but the competition has nothing to worry about. Lots of plastic (the cheap kind) and average upholstery.
In our Hyundai the plastics are pretty nice. The interior as a whole is good quality, and things like the control stalks have great movements to them (better than our '05 VUE for sure).
The cloth upholstery is odd. It's not especially soft, but it's not rough and it's fairly grippy. It's kind of like what Nissan's used before.

The size of the vehicle is great but the indicated gas mileage shows Hyundai hasn't gone high tech with their engines yet. GM has a leg up on mileage and ergonomics. I am looking forward to the '08 Vue, I think it will be a big step in the right direction.
Our Entourage's mileage estimates are right in line with other minivans. They're not quite as advanced, but they are pretty close. I'm a fan of GM, but it's not like GM's really been a leader in high tech engines.