4 cylinder Vue 5 spd, under powered?

[almies]

Looked at a 2004 Vue tonight with 106k on it and I am not sure if I am expecting too much or if there was something wrong with it. The exhaust was loud, so I am assuming there may have been a hole somewhere in the baffler that is reducing power of the engine.

When pressing on the gas it seemed like in order to get it moving the RPMs needed to be at 3500 or better to get it really moving and with the loud exhaust it made it seem like it was working hard to get going.

Is this the case with the 4 cylinder Vue? Does it pick up and go? I really think the loud exhaust was messing with my senses and giving the illusion it was laboring to get going. I have an SL now that I am comparing the performance to since I don't have another Vue to compare it to.

[tomster]

Well it weighs over 3200lbs so it won't go like your SL. I have a Cobalt with the same basic engine *(or close) and they seem very different. The VUE is sorta like a small truck, but FWD/unit body. It has truck wheels/ground clearance aerodynamics/ with gearing to match.It reminds me of a 2.0 Izuzu pickup I had in terms of power/weight. But with the hauling ability it has it is impressive that you can get more than 30mpg and while noisy it is pretty comfortable otherwise. I have had mine for 4-5 months now and I like it the more I get used to it.

Are you getting a good price?

[Saturninin]

For me:

my Wagons..... heck even my dad's SL1 feels like it gets up and goes a lot better than my vue

reason has all ready been stated the S-series is a VERRY LIGHT car so it feels like it gets ups and goes faster (at least imo) especially when compaired to the VUE

[john95SW2]

Its just like any other small 4 cylinder multivalve motor, you've got to get the rpms up to get moving. I suppose it all depends on what you're used to. My last ride was a SW2 and I don't notice that my Vue is any more or less easy to get up to speed than it was- I might be surprised if I actually timed it but to me its not a huge difference...And its a heck of a lot smoother than the SW2 ever was. The 1.9 seemed like it was upset when you wanted to get close to the red line...the Vue will do it all day smoothly and without complaint.

The loud exhaust note might have blurred your senses a bit. The 4 cyl does fine in the Vue IMHO...

[SC2BuzzBomb]

The 4-banger VUE is simply underpowered. Just look at the HP/LB and you'll get a better understanding of how the 4-cyl plagues its performance. If you don't mind leisurely acceleration and want decent fuel economy then buy that little bugger, but 2004 also offered a marvelous Honda V6 that is much more rewarding and practical. You don't want a 4-banger hanging its tongue out while you try to accelerate.

[Tom92SCm]

I have a 4 cylinder 5 speed AND drive in the thin air of Denver (meaning it's even more down on power than those driving at sea level). It does fine. Sure, you need to spend some time in the upper RPMs while accelerating quickly, but this motor can do that all day long. And a VUE is not a racecar so don't expect it to be fast- even the V6s. I've driven it up to 12,000 feet and have had no problems maintaining the speed limit. And the beauty of the 5 speed is that you are in control of the gears, and therefore the RPMs.

The exhaust should not be very loud. Do you live somewhere that has a lot of rust?

I just got 31.7 mpg on my last tank. And never came close to getting run over from behind.

[almies]

I live in Upstate NY, so yeah, rust comes with the territory.

I guess I was shocked by how much I was spending in the higher RPMs to get it moving. I wish there was another around to compare to. I plan to have a mechanic take a look at it, check compression levels, etc.

Another thing I noticed was that the oil dipstick seemed after market. All saturns I have encountered have had the same dipstick, yellow handle, bottom of the dipstick had "SAFE" with hash marks between 2 lines. The VUE had a dipstick with 3 or 4 notches where oil would pool into that I believe indicate the oil level. Is this the OEM dipstick that came with the engine? Anyone have a picture of theirs?

[caveeagle]

I just got 31.7 mpg on my last tank. And never came close to getting run over from behind.

Is that with the A/C running?

I just ran through the secon tank of gas in my new '05 5spd VUE. I only seem to be getting aroung 23MPG. At sea level.

I did just do an oil chg with synthetic and replaced the air cleaner. I just want to get the best possible mileage with this car.

[Tom92SCm]

Originally Posted by caveeagle

Is that with the A/C running?

For maybe 20 miles of the 403 miles on that tank. Most of the time the windows are part way down- another benefit of living in CO. In the mornings turning the heat on is considered.

It was just driving a bunch of 55 mph, but with some light stop'n'go mixed in.

I was a little surprised that the tank only took 12.7 gallons, but the handle kept clicking off- even after bumping the VUE to make sure there wasn't any issues with the tank or fuel filler neck.

I guess this tank will tell. Find out in about 2 weeks.

[tiger862]

Mine loves rpm. I have the auto and does good with acceleration. I will not go into city miles since if you read my post on this it is all short distances. I had a family emergency about a week ago and it flew there. Red line all the way through the gears and it didn't phase it. On hwy I get 32 mpg. I run synthetic oil since I idle lots and with new motors have closer tolerances with new fuel delivery systems and manufacturers are now looking at better oils to handle situations.

[Midnight13]

I would never believe a Craigslist ad that tells you to "trust me". Not only that, the "no rust" in the ad is just stupid!!! It's mostly plastic!! Why would there be body rust. You clearly can hear the loud exhaust meaning the underside is rusty.

There's a reason that Vue is the "cheapest on CL". They're obviously looking to dump it off cause it's got problems and that's why they want a new car.

Go test drive another Vue 5sp if this one is sending you red flags. Only way you'll really know for yourself.

[almies]

Originally Posted by Midnight13

I would never believe a Craigslist ad that tells you to "trust me". Not only that, the "no rust" in the ad is just stupid!!! It's mostly plastic!! Why would there be body rust. You clearly can hear the loud exhaust meaning the underside is rusty.

There's a reason that Vue is the "cheapest on CL". They're obviously looking to dump it off cause it's got problems and that's why they want a new car.

Go test drive another Vue 5sp if this one is sending you red flags. Only way you'll really know for yourself.

Huh? Where did you see this ad?

[BobbyP]

Originally Posted by Tom92SCm

And a VUE is not a racecar so don't expect it to be fast- even the V6s.

Huh???

Originally Posted by Tom92SCm

I just got 31.7 mpg on my last tank. And never came close to getting run over from behind.

Great mileage! You must have been doing a lot of rolling downhill...

[Midnight13]

Originally Posted by almies

Huh? Where did you see this ad?

Maybe i'm wrong, but it sounds like an Ithica ad. a very shady one at that to be dropping the price like that from 4800, to 3900 with the Nav system and PS2


http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/3034366998.html
http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/3046951489.html

[almies]

Originally Posted by Midnight13

Maybe i'm wrong, but it sounds like an Ithica ad. a very shady one at that to be dropping the price like that from 4800, to 3900 with the Nav system and PS2


http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/3034366998.html
http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/3046951489.html

That would be it. Where are you from?

[pdough]

Mine doesn't get up and go until it hits 3500. During normal driving I shift around 3000 to 3500. When I want some kick I let it get up to 6000. I've driven it enough to know the car can handle what some might think is a beating, but it always starts in the morning after a rough run' and its had many.

Its not fast; to get it moving you have to be in the 3500 or better range... just how it is with this one.

[pdough]

If you're near the Jersey area; I'd be glad to give you a ride in mine for comparison. But from the way it sounds, its pretty typical. Underside rust is not something mine has to worry since I've gotten some miles and then some, so I can't comment about what you should expect.

[DJTricky]

Originally Posted by Tom92SCm

a VUE is not a racecar so don't expect it to be fast- even the V6s.

dont lie to me :P it has potential. the ecotec is a very formidable engine, there was a car show/dyno day ofer im my area not long ago. and there were a bunch of cobalts, na/turbo/and supercharged. and the lowest output of them all were the NA 2.4 ss's, but they were playing with the 300's. there was a 5somthing hp cobalt, just on 20 psi. . . it has the eco 2.0 :P we have a 2.2 hahaha

just mod ur *****z. lol its fairly easy on this engine.

[john95SW2]

Originally Posted by almies

Another thing I noticed was that the oil dipstick seemed after market. All saturns I have encountered have had the same dipstick, yellow handle, bottom of the dipstick had "SAFE" with hash marks between 2 lines. The VUE had a dipstick with 3 or 4 notches where oil would pool into that I believe indicate the oil level. Is this the OEM dipstick that came with the engine? Anyone have a picture of theirs?

yes OEM...we 4 cylinder owners are all stuck with this lousy dipstick...no pic required.

[tiger862]

I know not the most accurate way to gauge fuel mileage but I only put 20.00 in and it last me for 2 weeks. It always ends up on edge of red just before light comes on. I can't afford to fill up each time at 45.00 since not in budget. I just decided to see what I get and I just got best ever. 207 miles mostly city with couple of country roads never breaking 55 mph. Do the math. Only 6.1 gallons which makes it 33.93 mpg. AC is on all the time with lots of city driving. I do this every time since pay is every 2 weeks. I am scared something is going to break soon with this mileage although I am glad at same time. Will be taking a 350 mile trip in couple of weeks so I will have a better idea on highway mileage.


2006 VUe
2.2L
Auto
98212