VUE Road Trip

[DebsVUE]

Took a road trip with my 2003 VUE...saw three VUEs on the road (1-black silver and 2-black). I have not seen another white VUE on the road yet.

Getting to my destination I averaged 19mph..I was driving 65-70mph into the wind (40-45mph winds) and was not using cruise. On my home I averaged 22mpg...I was driving 72mph using the cruise with little or no wind. I have 680 miles on the VUE...so the mileage isn't too bad.

I have the rear deflector and was going to get the sunroof deflector but decided against it...underneath the deflector itself I noticed this morning that the pads that hold the deflector to the car were coming unglued...can't see it from just looking at the deflector, you have to look underneath to see....am concerned about what the cold will do to the glue that holds the deflector...that is why I decided against the sunroof deflector since it is also glued on. At least it held up to the 40-45mph winds yesterday when I was on the road.

The VUE really sails nice at about 75mph...but since speed limits in Wisconsin are 65 and Minnesota is 70 one doesn't want to push it.

Overall I am very satisfied with the performance of the vehicle...

[NueSaturnVue]

We did a roadtrip when I just got my Vue ....whata blast!
I live in California to give you an idea where we went...


Went into Aridzona, to the Grand Canyon but the scenic route...I drove the 66 as much as possible, the road is not well maintained in spots so the syuspension got a workout. We off roaded to get photos of a pair of helper locomotives cruising back to their yard, it wasn't major off road but still. (major came later near home, and Skyvue took it better than we thought he would!), we finally got to Williams,Az late at night because of the fun driving we had. Then we drove thru Sedona Az, where there is a YUMMY steak house there, and then drove thru some beautiful areas down to Phoenix. And finally after spending the night there, on to the 10 west and to home.
Skyvue performed just as he should.

We also took him up to Frisco & San Jose....stickshift on Frisco hills are a pain!!!!!!!


Anyways, the Az trip was in March....got Skyvue March 1.

His milage is at 11k something.....i like to drive.
We take my Vue everywhere.........

[John1096]

My roadtrip summary:

Down route 95 ...average speed 75 (varied between 60 and 90)

The VUE is very comfortable at these speeds. The VTi works well when at 75 MPH and need to get around a truck. You move to the left as you step on the gas ..it smoothy accelerates past the slower vehical (no downshift, no jolt)

At 80 MPH, the 4 cyl engine is turning at 2875! (and hence quiet)

OK.. now for the mileage....24 MPG...It is what I expected at this speed. Perhaps if I went at a constant 60 MPH, it would pick up 10% and put the mileage at the 26-27 range.

Hit a few thunderstorm downbursts.. the VUE did not seen to mind the water on the surface and the wipers kept up with the sheet of water. (I felt very comfortable and secure at 65 to 70)

The driver's seat was comfortable no complaints.

As for the rear seat, my two teenagers complained .."there is no way to get comfortable no matter how you sat" (they were used to seperate "benches" in the Caravan)

Road noise acceptable (function of surface) and the CD (playing Allman Brothers) covered any road rumble.

Have had this vehical 2 months and have 6500 miles..this speaks for itself!

PS the traffic really moves in SC and GA. Not many highway patrols out. I understand they are looking for "aggressive" drivers..those moving in and out of the constant 80 MPH flow.

[OhioVueBoy]

I ahve taken a trip to Southern Kentucky, and another trip to Southern Tennessee.. both of these have been towing the jetski, mostly I-75 south running between 65 and 100 MPH, and some backroads hilly mountainious driving, and the VUE has been awesome. I regularly drive 40 minutes 1 way to work, and the VUE does great on that trip also.
~D.J.~

[jb007]

Hey guys,

I just finished a massive road trip/move, taking the 40 from Calif to North Carolina, loaded to the brim with boxes -- you learn to use your mirrors real fast that way Five days sitting in the Vue was more comfortable than I thought, and have gotten quite a few compliments along the way. My favorite -- "Caleeefournighaaay -- that's quite a machine you got there." Cruised most of the time at 75, and averaged 23 mpg. Now that the car is unloaded (and going the speed limit), it's getting 26 mpg. I love this car

[rpoz27]

"Deb"
As for the front and rear wind deflectors, I had the same problem with the double sided tape coming off. I removed the factory tape and bought a "permanent" tape from 3M at Home Depot. So far it has held strong, even in speeds up to 100MPH on the NY Thruway. I forget the exact part number, but it clearly states on the package " warning, not for removal once applied"
I was surprised too at the way it was fastened.

Regards,

[jb007]

Let me second that idea for purchasing other tape (left it out in the previous post). I bought some 3M 'exterior tape' from Home Depot because my hood deflector came off after two weeks...3500 miles, 6 thunderstorms later, everything is still on great. I'm a little afraid of what would happen if I tried to take it off, but it's doing a great job so far.

[DMK's Vue]

Well I also took my first road trip up to North Eastern PA from the DC area. Without the a/c I was only getting ~23mpg. I was driving approx. 70 - 75 mph. Not as good as I wished for highway miles. I have over 4,500 miles on the 4-eco fwd Vue. Any ideas on how much longer I should wait for the break in period?

Also my front wind deflector came unglued and almost popped off. I had to stop I was so worried that it may pop off. I have seen the other posting that people had placed the double sided "industrial" tape to the deflector. I was thinking about just taking the piece of junk back. I had a deflector on my previous vehicle for over 150,000 miles without ever worrying (yes it used clips) but you would think Saturn would at least make sure it tape works (testing?) I might wait for the after market ones with clips. Anyone had long term reliability with the industrial tape?

The Vue was a comfortable ride for the front seat. Never heard a complaint from the 110lb dog in the back seat. He seemed happy to just be able to spread out. We enjoyed having the sunroof open in the early AM. as I drove. Saw three other Vues on the ride up. One silver, one Black-Silver and another Red.

Enjoying the ride thus far, I just wish these annoyances would stop. Seems every month since I hit 1500 miles I get a new "Vue Challenge".

[jb007]

Also my front wind deflector came unglued and almost popped off. I had to stop I was so worried that it may pop off. I have seen the other posting that people had placed the double sided "industrial" tape to the deflector. I was thinking about just taking the piece of junk back.

Was yours a self-install or did the dealer do it? If it was a self-install, hopefully you have better luck with the dealer than I did...they said that it could not be returned since it had already be installed, and the regional parts manager assured me that no one else has had this problem. That's the reason I went with the industrial tape.

(I could gripe more about my Saturn experience since I purchased the car, but I'll spare everyone)

[DebsVUE]

I took my VUE in this morning to have a few things taken care of and mentioned that the back window deflector was coming unglued on the sides...I mentioned maybe they should use the 3M exterior tape and he said that is what they use(??) If the tape isn't sticking in warm weather then I am sure it won't stick in below zero weather.

They did mention that they were having trouble with the front end deflectors "flying off"...so there is problems with the deflectors not sticking.

[DMK's Vue]

Originally posted by jb007
Also my front wind deflector came unglued and almost popped off. I had to stop I was so worried that it may pop off. I have seen the other posting that people had placed the double sided "industrial" tape to the deflector. I was thinking about just taking the piece of junk back.

Was yours a self-install or did the dealer do it? If it was a self-install, hopefully you have better luck with the dealer than I did...they said that it could not be returned since it had already be installed, and the regional parts manager assured me that no one else has had this problem. That's the reason I went with the industrial tape.

(I could gripe more about my Saturn experience since I purchased the car, but I'll spare everyone)

Mine was installed by the dealership in the hopes of getting the install done correctly. URGH I am quit upset at yet another issue with the VUE. I love the drive I hate the "Never Ending Issues".

Any advice?

[davmyrnis]

Are we talking about the wind deflector that sits on the front edge of the hood?.

If so, my wind deflector was screwed on by four screws and had two rubber bumpers on top of the right and left wheel fenders. No stick-on anywhere. As a matter of fact I did not like how mine looked on the red paint so I took it off and will put it back on when I go on long trips. or I may just sell it.

I do have the rear deflector and that looks glued on. will keep my eye on that when the real canadian winter wind starts to blow.

I think you guys should ask your dealers how come some are screwed on and some are glued, I would say the screw type is better and that is what you want.

[OhioVueBoy]

Well, we put the 5th wind deflector on this VUE tonight at work.. its shedding them like a 9 month old through diapers.
~D.J.~

[DMK's Vue]

Originally posted by davmyrnis
Are we talking about the wind deflector that sits on the front edge of the hood?.

If so, my wind deflector was screwed on by four screws and had two rubber bumpers on top of the right and left wheel fenders. No stick-on anywhere. As a matter of fact I did not like how mine looked on the red paint so I took it off and will put it back on when I go on long trips. or I may just sell it.

I do have the rear deflector and that looks glued on. will keep my eye on that when the real canadian winter wind starts to blow.

I think you guys should ask your dealers how come some are screwed on and some are glued, I would say the screw type is better and that is what you want.

Did you purchase your front deflector at the dealership? What type is it? I would much rather have it bolted/screwed on. My old one clipped on. Worked much better. Any information would be helpful.
thanks.

[davmyrnis]

Originally posted by DMK's Vue


Did you purchase your front deflector at the dealership? What type is it? I would much rather have it bolted/screwed on. My old one clipped on. Worked much better. Any information would be helpful.
thanks.

I bought it at the dealership, they installed it. I will have to let you know what type it is, the name is on the front of the deflector, but I took it off because I did not like the look of it on the red paint.

I guarantee the way this one is bolted on, it will not come off.

[davmyrnis]

The bolt on type of wind deflector on my 2003 VUE has written on the front "Form Fit".

My deflector was installed at a Canadian dealership, not sure that has any significance or not, but it seems that a lot of people have the stick on type and mine is bolted, only difference, Canada vs USA.?????.

Hope this helps you.

[DebsVUE]

Another weekend, another road trip with my VUE...I have had my 2003 VUE for two weeks now and have 1079 miles on it. Saw 3 VUEs (1-black sivler and 2-red).

My gas mileage is averaging 15mph in the city and 23mph (cruise on 72mph) on the highway...

My 77 year old mother and her 84 year old friend went with me on this trip and she sat in the back seat. She has severe back problems...said that she could take a long trip and ride in the back seat of the VUE...there is a lot of leg room and the back seat was very comfortable for her back.

I have not heard any funny little noises (seat appears to have been taken care of), no "strut" problem, no water on the floor from the air conditioner...I will keep my fingers crossed.

Happy VUEing!