opinion on other models

[saturnsl293]

I'm not thinking of getting rid of mine but was wondering what opinions were of the other models (ions, vues, etc). mainly I've been thinking of adding when/if I have the extra $ at some point and just wanted to know what to look for or avoid and why you do/n't like it.

[westwind999]

I tried to talk the wife into getting rid of the Forester and getting an 06/07 Vue V6 AWD. She didn't go for it but it sounds like a great SUV.

[acman]

I too was curious about what vehicle I would eventually replace my 1997
SL2 with so I researched the Saturn L-Series and Ion. Both models have
poor ratings in a number of different categories and seem best to avoid.

I think that GM quality will be in the garbage after all of this bail-out stuff.
The government never does anything very well, and GM is now part of the
government.

My wife drives a 2004 Subaru Outback, which has given us excellent service.
In the 84,000 miles that we have owned this vehicle, there have been absolutely
no problems. I think I'll be looking at a Toyota or some other Jap car when
it comes time to replace my Saturn.

[mr18436572]

Newer cars dont really appeal to me

[2NDSOUT]

From experience, my wife and I leased a 2005 VUE...

That was a GREAT vehicle let me say. We really did love that VUE. Unfortunately, it got toasted when it was raining really bad back at beginning of April 2008, and there was a blue tarp on the highway that my wife didn't see because it was torrentially raining...so much so that she couldn't see maybe 15-20 feet in front of her...by the time she realized what was happening, the tarp that was on the highway had tangled up in the rear axle and flung the VUE all over the highway... Truck was totalled, and we were in the early stages of buying the VUE off of the lease.

Luckily my wife and 13 month old son (at the time...he's almost 3 years old now)...were not injured and both walked away from the wreckage with just some minor scratches.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...ndsout+wrecked

Many people that we talked to from the body shop and insurance all said that she and my son were lucky to walk away from the wreck. If you are interested in seeing pics, look up the thread that I wrote on it...I think it was titled, "Wrecked 2005 VUE not sure what to do now"

In all seriousness though, we really did love that VUE, it was a great SUV, and we still periodically look at online ads to see if the prices have come down, as my wife really wants to get another one. The 97 SW2 that we have replaced the VUE.

Would I buy another VUE? In a heartbeat. But only the 2005 model year, as it was the last year made in Spring Hill before production moved to Mexico and they made minor body style changes.

I wouldn't buy anything prior to 2005 due to the CVT transmissions and issues they had. I think 2005 was the probably the best year for the VUE, but I am biased because that was what we had. We had 68K miles on that SUV and it was 68K trouble free miles. We did have the shifter bushing go out on us, but it was only $132 to get it replaced at the dealership.

The only thing we have left from the truck after the accident is the owner's manual, spare key and one of the headlights....(They are in the garage and serve as a reminder of how fortunate I am to have my wife and son.)

[adventureoflink]

If and when I do replace the Saturn, it's gonna be one of the following (I hope):

Mercury Grand Marquis
Buick LeSabre or Pontiac Bonneville of same generation (77-85)
Chevy Van 20/30 or GMC Vandura

if I had to get another Saturn, I'd pick the Aura, simply for the option to shift gears manually and automatically.

[Saturninin]

Originally Posted by 2NDSOUT

From experience, my wife and I leased a 2005 VUE...

That was a GREAT vehicle let me say. We really did love that VUE. Unfortunately, it got toasted when it was raining really bad back at beginning of April 2008, and there was a blue tarp on the highway that my wife didn't see because it was torrentially raining...so much so that she couldn't see maybe 15-20 feet in front of her...by the time she realized what was happening, the tarp that was on the highway had tangled up in the rear axle and flung the VUE all over the highway... Truck was totalled, and we were in the early stages of buying the VUE off of the lease.

Luckily my wife and 13 month old son (at the time...he's almost 3 years old now)...were not injured and both walked away from the wreckage with just some minor scratches.

http://www.saturnfans.com/forums/sho...ndsout+wrecked

Many people that we talked to from the body shop and insurance all said that she and my son were lucky to walk away from the wreck. If you are interested in seeing pics, look up the thread that I wrote on it...I think it was titled, "Wrecked 2005 VUE not sure what to do now"

In all seriousness though, we really did love that VUE, it was a great SUV, and we still periodically look at online ads to see if the prices have come down, as my wife really wants to get another one. The 97 SW2 that we have replaced the VUE.

Would I buy another VUE? In a heartbeat. But only the 2005 model year, as it was the last year made in Spring Hill before production moved to Mexico and they made minor body style changes.

I wouldn't buy anything prior to 2005 due to the CVT transmissions and issues they had. I think 2005 was the probably the best year for the VUE, but I am biased because that was what we had. We had 68K miles on that SUV and it was 68K trouble free miles. We did have the shifter bushing go out on us, but it was only $132 to get it replaced at the dealership.

The only thing we have left from the truck after the accident is the owner's manual, spare key and one of the headlights....(They are in the garage and serve as a reminder of how fortunate I am to have my wife and son.)

I love the VUE too

We had the 2003 and clocked the milles on it, did have to have brakes and ac worked on but nothing that much more

We lost it the night before my prom, when a dan drunk driver rear edded us (going 80 in a 40) and sent us up into a fence, (which if it was not there we would of rolled it), the rear end had the indent, whole front end was worse than yours+ passergside was compleatly gone, we walked from the wreck with some wounds BUT ALIVE

we went out and bought an outlook, but it's auto, i want the VUE (manual)back, it was a great car, only conplaint is that the passergerside seat does not recline

2ndScout Wow it was the samething for us with the tires except like a week before

[groingo]

I buy cars based on the need, so if I am driving locally at speeds unde 50 I go for a puddle jumper like my Geo Metro LSI.

When I need a bit more kick (speeds to 65) then I grab the SL2.

Need to go a long distance quickly or take some friends then I use the L200.

Bottom line, get the car you need to do the job.

Now, if I want the car that will do it all, then I'd have to go with the Tesla S.

Just remember, gas prices aren't going to stay low for long, by November or before they will again be $4.00 and above, so fuel mileage needs to part of the equation.

Best advise before buying any car, rent one for a weekend then decide.

[saturnsl293]

I guess my main reason for asking is if I were to get another car for what ever reason which ones to go for or avoid if by chance I decide to not get another s series or need something else. thinking like if I get tired of sitting low (kinda am) if the Vue is any good (appears so) or if I wanted/needed a van if the Relay was any good (sounds like some issues that may cause to rethink) not sure if I'd want an Outlook but would depend if its more suv or van.

I've looked on some of the other sections but didn't notice any sticky relating to "common problems" or whatever. I was just wanting to get an idea from others who have had experience with some of the others so I could know what to or not go for.

[2NDSOUT]

Originally Posted by saturnsl293

I guess my main reason for asking is if I were to get another car for what ever reason which ones to go for or avoid if by chance I decide to not get another s series or need something else. thinking like if I get tired of sitting low (kinda am) if the Vue is any good (appears so) or if I wanted/needed a van if the Relay was any good (sounds like some issues that may cause to rethink)not sure if I'd want an Outlook but would depend if its more suv or van.

I've looked on some of the other sections but didn't notice any sticky relating to "common problems" or whatever. I was just wanting to get an idea from others who have had experience with some of the others so I could know what to or not go for.

Skip the Relay entirely. A bad plan by GM/Saturn in the first place...it was built in Doraville Georgia alongside the Chevy Venture, Pontiac Montana, Chevy Uplander...Reliability on those is in the garbage can, and it is nothing more than a clone of the others that I mentioned. When my friend worked for Saturn as a mechanic, he saw more electrical problems than you could shake a stick at with these pieces of junk...too little too late.

The Outlook, while it is newer; is a direct clone of the GMC Acadia. My wife and I rented one....can you say "SPACESHIP"...that thing was so friggen HUGE that the 3rd row made you feel like you were sitting a mile away. Too many buttons and switches on the interior of the cabin for my taste. We only rented it for a day, and I felt uncomfortable just backing it in/out of the driveway!

[PurdueGuy]

Originally Posted by 2NDSOUT

But only the 2005 model year, as it was the last year made in Spring Hill before production moved to Mexico and they made minor body style changes.

They built the Vue in Spring Hill through the '07 model year.