New to Vue forum - should I consider one?

[Taxman]

I've had three Saturns and currently have a 2006 ION QC3 2.4 5 sp. I lurk around over at the ION forum.
One of my leases is up soon - Audi Allroad.
Up to now, I've managed to resist the "SUV" movement.
My wife wants to continue to have a "station wagon" type car with AWD and I want to continue to have a performance type variant of the same.
There are few reasonable options out there - the Allroad was an expensive impulse I won't repeat.
The Vue Redline seems to fit the bill. The Acura RDX seems to be in the same size and price range and also has nice features.
What is the buzz on the Vue Redline? How do you like the vehicle? good stuff/bad stuff?

[FGCA_XRL]

I love mine, but you're probably looking at the new 08s. Those are totally different from our generation.

To be honest, the Acura is gonna be a way more luxurious car. They'll be relatively close in performance, but the RDX gets worse gas mileage. There's a lot of sporty SUVs in the $30k range, Muranos are nice as well.

What factors are most important to you? Speed? Gas Mileage? Luxury? Safety? Those and what your wife is gonna want is what you need to think about.

And don't forget that the new Vues are just that, brand new and so are RDXs. And Honda doesnt do turbos, so who knows how well they'll hold up. I can barely imagine what its like to hit boost and VTEC at the same time...

[TheSlayer]

Hey Taxman! Im a recent Vue owner myself. I have the original AWD V6 2002, and a 2004 AWD V6 Redline. I must say they are very nice vehicles. Are you looking for th3 2002-2003 3.0L V6 181 HP or the 2004-2007 style with the Honda 3.5L 250 HP? Or maybe your looking for a 4 cyl Vue with AWD. I like the size of the Saturn Crossover. Easy to drive, easy to park, and dent resistant panels...ya gotta love that. As for the Redline, there are currently 3 body styles. First you have the 2004-2005 Style which is mine, check my pics to see that style. The 2005 has a blue exterior color available and footwell lighting as well as the ebony leather and suede insert seat package. If I had known the differences I would have got the 2005. The 2006-2007 Vue Redline had some visual changes on the front grill and the back hatch. The interior was different as well. Red is also a color option. And now you have the 2008 Vue Redline. It is totally redesigned. In my opinion it looks more like a Nissan Murano. You can go to the saturn website to check the 08 out. I hope I gave you some insight, but there are others who know a lot more than me about the Redline. Some have had theres since 2004. And I am seeling my 2002 Orange Vue AWD V6 so if you know someone who wants it let me know! That goes for all who read this too! Thanks!

[sblarson]

Very happy with my 2004 Redline. The only issue I've had in the 3.5 years I've owned it was a broken CD player. My biggest complaint would be the cheap interior, but that has been addressed in the new model.

What didn't you like about the Allroad?

[Taxman]

Thanks for the replies.
I am looking at the new Vue design - an 08 Redline model.
I have a soft spot for GM and Saturns since I come from a GM family and these are about the only GM vehicles I can relate to.
The Allroad is a great car just too expensive - I said it was an impulse - and the next generation A6 Allroad is even more costly.
You look around and there aren't that many sport wagon options - Subaru Outback 2.5 XT LTD could be one option.
My plan is to try and find a Redline model and spend time with it.
I'm not in a rush.

[burnout]

One thing to keep in mind is that the AWD on the vue is going to be horrid compared to what the Allroad had.

If the AWD is a major deciding factor in your buying decision, the Turbo Subaru sounds like a good alternative.

Have you seen the new Forester "Sports" XT's? They're like the "forester redline" of subaru, but may be too small for your needs.

[Kooler King]

Originally Posted by burnout

One thing to keep in mind is that the AWD on the vue is going to be horrid compared to what the Allroad had.

The AWD system on the 2008s is completely new and has received favorable reviews. I am told it shares more in common with the Outlook drive train than it does with the previous generation Vue.

The 2008 RLs are even now starting to show up at dealerships, which is a nice surprise given the slow start to what was supposed to have been a "Spring '07" intro for the 2008 Vues. However, prepared to open you wallet, the AWD version I saw at our local dealer stickered out at over $29k, and that was without the DVD navigation system!

[Taxman]

Drove a 2008 Vue this wekend - XR AWD V6, cloth - and was not that impressed.
First, I am a fan of Saturn in general and am looking for reasons to stick with the brand.
I was not impressed with the interior bits and pieces - lots of cheap feeling/looking/sounding plastic.
The weight penalty of this vehicle compared to its competition is serious. An Acura RDX is 400 lbs lighter. A Subaru Oback 2.5 XT (turbo) is 800 lbs lighter and carries more stuff.
Acura gets a high enough premium to nearly eliminate it from the competition - haven't driven that yet.
The Subie is a known quantity for me, priced about the same and is my first choice so far.
My dealer is expecting a Red Line in a few days and they know to call me and I'll come by to see that in the flesh.
It will need to be a lot nicer than the XR.