Saturn Vue Review Suggest Manual Version is coming

CrunkedRL · 10-17-2007, 02:53 PM

This article comes in care of MSN auto who gave the 08' Vue an overall score of 7 out of 10 which is still good considering where it came from. The review gives the typical pros and cons blah, blah, blah. But interesting enough burried towards the end of the publication it details a manual version will be forthcoming. I just thought it would be note worthy for all those manual lovers out there. I've seen several last gen manual Vues out in the wild over the years so I guess there is still a demand for them.

Expert Review

The new, European-style compact Saturn Vue SUV is a big improvement over its predecessor, but loses Saturn's traditional dent-resistant body panels. It's also heavier than major rivals, which isn't a plus because weight eats into fuel economy.
At least the Vue's new steel body panels fit better than its old plastic panels, and it's similar to the European Opel Antara from General Motors' European operation. It thus has much better steering, ride and handling, thanks to a European-style suspension that doesn't allow sloppy handling.
Good Roadability
The Vue drives like a well-mannered large sedan. Steering is fast, and agility is no problem. The ride is supple, and the brake pedal has a progressive action, with reassuring stopping power.
The new Vue is about the same size as the old one. It comes in entry XE, higher-line XR, hot-rod Red Line and hybrid gasoline/electric Green Line trim levels. The Green Line debuts in 2008 and isn't priced as of this writing in late 2007. All Vues except the Green Line, which will come only with front-wheel drive, are offered with front- or all-wheel drive (AWD).
Added Features
Prices range from $20,770 to $28,770. They're higher than those for 2007 models, but once-optional popular features have been made standard. They include head-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, XM satellite radio, 16-inch alloy wheels and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
All Vues have automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt wheel with radio controls, split-folding rear seat and power windows, outside mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry. The XR adds a power driver's seat and larger 17-inch (vs. 16-inch) wheels with wider tires. The Red Line has heated front seats, sport suspension, automatic transmission with manual-shift capability and even larger 18-inch wheels with wider (55-series) tires.
Extras include an $800 power sunroof and a Premium Trim package for the XE and XR with leather covered seats and heated front seats. A $505 Convenience Package includes a remote start system and rain-sensing wipers.
I tested an XR with AWD and a $26,270 base price. But such options as those above-mentioned packages, a $325 advanced audio system and $2,145 navigation system raised the bottom line price to $30,320.

Manual Gearbox Coming
The base 4-cylinder engine works with a dated 4-speed automatic transmission, although Saturn says this version will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox later in the model year. The hybrid will be equipped with a modified 4-speed automatic
Only the 4-cylinder Vue has fuel economy numbers to e-mail home about, leaving that version and the upcoming Green Line for those with more than average concern about mpg ratings.
Using the EPA's downrated (from 2007) 2008 fuel economy figures, estimated economy of the 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive Vue is 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways—or 15 and 22 with the 222-horsepower V6 and AWD (There is no base 4-cylnder AWD trim level.) The front-wheel-drive 257-horsepower XR provides 16 city, 23 highway, while the AWD XR I tested delivers 16 and 22.

continued at link....
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/je...turn&model=Vue

Hunid Racks · 10-17-2007, 04:46 PM

http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/VUE/2...edmanual.shtml

MSN Autos reports that Saturn will make a five-speed manual transmission available on the 2008 Saturn Vue later this model year. The news was embedded in a review of the 2008 Vue written by Dan Jedlicka. "The base 4-cylinder engine works with a dated 4-speed automatic transmission," wrote Jedlicka. "Saturn says this version will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox later in the model year."

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/je...turn&model=Vue

big swede · 10-17-2007, 04:53 PM

Kind of an odd vehicle to introduce a manual to. All the manual fans will rejoice and GM will probably sell 200 of them. Just put a 6 speed auto in all of the Vue models to simplify everything.

megeebee · 10-17-2007, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big swede

Kind of an odd vehicle to introduce a manual to. All the manual fans will rejoice and GM will probably sell 200 of them.

Exactly!

HoosierRon · 10-17-2007, 05:03 PM

I call a black XR.

199 left.

K-1 · 10-17-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

I call a black XR.

199 left.

It would only be offered on the 4-cyl, if anything. All XRs are 3.6L.

coaster.n3rd · 10-17-2007, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

I call a black XR.

199 left.

You will be calling a black XE. XR is 3.6 only.

This is a god send.. I have so many people who want a manual.

**nadepalma** · 10-17-2007, 05:24 PM

Too bad they won't pair it with the V6 -- that would make for an interesting ride for sure....

Oh, well -- some of us can dream at least....

JVal14 · 10-17-2007, 05:31 PM

This is probably wise to at least offer it. From what I hear the 4-cyl. doesn't move the heavy car very well, and it will help keep the price down for people who will settle for it. A 6-spd. for the RL would be a nice option I think, but I don't know how many people would take it. Even though Red Line Saturns have been around for a while and demonstrated exceptional performance prowess, I just don't get the feel that people see the Vue RL as sporty.

HoosierRon · 10-17-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

You will be calling a black XE. XR is 3.6 only.

This is a god send.. I have so many people who want a manual.

I suppose you are correct. Still, the Relay has a V-6 with an automatic. The Sky RL has a 4 cylinder with a manual. So I certainly see why Saturn would call a 4 cylinder manual Vue an XE. My mistake.

big swede · 10-17-2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

I suppose you are correct. Still, the Relay has a V-6 with an automatic. The Sky RL has a 4 cylinder with a manual. So I certainly see why Saturn would call a 4 cylinder manual Vue an XE. My mistake.

I guess 200 still left then?

HoosierRon · 10-17-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big swede

I guess 200 still left then?

No, I'll take an XE.

Wait. Where are they made?

big swede · 10-17-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

No, I'll take an XE.

Wait. Where are they made?

Don't know where they're made. I like a manual myself for increased driver involvement which usuallly leads to a more fun driving experience. In this case I think the more powerfull V6 with the auto would be much more enjoyable and the gas mileage difference in real world conditions would probably be much closer than most people would imagine in a vehicle with so much heft.

coaster.n3rd · 10-17-2007, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

No, I'll take an XE.

Wait. Where are they made?

Ramos-Arizepe(?), Mexico

jzchev28 · 10-17-2007, 10:24 PM

good stuff

10-17-2007, 02:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
CrunkedRL 3.6 Liter V6 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Columbus,OH Drives: 1998 Saturn SL2 2004 Saturn Vue RL Posts: 1,175	Saturn Vue Review Suggest Manual Version is coming This article comes in care of MSN auto who gave the 08' Vue an overall score of 7 out of 10 which is still good considering where it came from. The review gives the typical pros and cons blah, blah, blah. But interesting enough burried towards the end of the publication it details a manual version will be forthcoming. I just thought it would be note worthy for all those manual lovers out there. I've seen several last gen manual Vues out in the wild over the years so I guess there is still a demand for them. Expert Review The new, European-style compact Saturn Vue SUV is a big improvement over its predecessor, but loses Saturn's traditional dent-resistant body panels. It's also heavier than major rivals, which isn't a plus because weight eats into fuel economy. At least the Vue's new steel body panels fit better than its old plastic panels, and it's similar to the European Opel Antara from General Motors' European operation. It thus has much better steering, ride and handling, thanks to a European-style suspension that doesn't allow sloppy handling. Good Roadability The Vue drives like a well-mannered large sedan. Steering is fast, and agility is no problem. The ride is supple, and the brake pedal has a progressive action, with reassuring stopping power. The new Vue is about the same size as the old one. It comes in entry XE, higher-line XR, hot-rod Red Line and hybrid gasoline/electric Green Line trim levels. The Green Line debuts in 2008 and isn't priced as of this writing in late 2007. All Vues except the Green Line, which will come only with front-wheel drive, are offered with front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). Added Features Prices range from $20,770 to $28,770. They're higher than those for 2007 models, but once-optional popular features have been made standard. They include head-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, XM satellite radio, 16-inch alloy wheels and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. All Vues have automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt wheel with radio controls, split-folding rear seat and power windows, outside mirrors and locks with remote keyless entry. The XR adds a power driver's seat and larger 17-inch (vs. 16-inch) wheels with wider tires. The Red Line has heated front seats, sport suspension, automatic transmission with manual-shift capability and even larger 18-inch wheels with wider (55-series) tires. Extras include an $800 power sunroof and a Premium Trim package for the XE and XR with leather covered seats and heated front seats. A $505 Convenience Package includes a remote start system and rain-sensing wipers. I tested an XR with AWD and a $26,270 base price. But such options as those above-mentioned packages, a $325 advanced audio system and $2,145 navigation system raised the bottom line price to $30,320. Manual Gearbox Coming The base 4-cylinder engine works with a dated 4-speed automatic transmission, although Saturn says this version will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox later in the model year. The hybrid will be equipped with a modified 4-speed automatic Only the 4-cylinder Vue has fuel economy numbers to e-mail home about, leaving that version and the upcoming Green Line for those with more than average concern about mpg ratings. Using the EPA's downrated (from 2007) 2008 fuel economy figures, estimated economy of the 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive Vue is 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways—or 15 and 22 with the 222-horsepower V6 and AWD (There is no base 4-cylnder AWD trim level.) The front-wheel-drive 257-horsepower XR provides 16 city, 23 highway, while the AWD XR I tested delivers 16 and 22. continued at link.... http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/je...turn&model=Vue __________________ Current Fleet: 04' Saturn Vue RL 3.5L Honda V6 98' Saturn SL2 1.9L 16 Valve DOHC I4

10-17-2007, 04:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hunid Racks 3.8 Liter V6 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 361	Manual Transmission Planned Mid-Year for Vue http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/VUE/2...edmanual.shtml MSN Autos reports that Saturn will make a five-speed manual transmission available on the 2008 Saturn Vue later this model year. The news was embedded in a review of the 2008 Vue written by Dan Jedlicka. "The base 4-cylinder engine works with a dated 4-speed automatic transmission," wrote Jedlicka. "Saturn says this version will come with a 5-speed manual gearbox later in the model year." http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/je...turn&model=Vue Last edited by Hunid Racks : 10-17-2007 at 04:53 PM.

10-17-2007, 04:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
big swede 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Midwest Drives: 07' Monte Carlo SS Posts: 3,980	Re: Manual Transmission Planned Mid-Year for Vue Kind of an odd vehicle to introduce a manual to. All the manual fans will rejoice and GM will probably sell 200 of them. Just put a 6 speed auto in all of the Vue models to simplify everything. __________________ 07' SS Monte

10-17-2007, 05:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
HoosierRon 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 6,604	Re: Manual Transmission Planned Mid-Year for Vue I call a black XR. 199 left. __________________ "The Messiah is absolutely speaking."

10-17-2007, 05:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
nadepalma GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 5,376	Re: Manual Transmission Planned Mid-Year for Vue Too bad they won't pair it with the V6 -- that would make for an interesting ride for sure.... Oh, well -- some of us can dream at least.... __________________ Email: nadepalma@gminsidenews.com "La vita è come un albero di Natale..c'è sempre qualcuno che ti rompe le palle!" "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves" -Abraham Lincoln "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried" -Winston Churchill "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress" -John Adams

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10-17-2007, 05:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
JVal14 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 994	Re: Manual Transmission Planned Mid-Year for Vue This is probably wise to at least offer it. From what I hear the 4-cyl. doesn't move the heavy car very well, and it will help keep the price down for people who will settle for it. A 6-spd. for the RL would be a nice option I think, but I don't know how many people would take it. Even though Red Line Saturns have been around for a while and demonstrated exceptional performance prowess, I just don't get the feel that people see the Vue RL as sporty. __________________ Blah blah blah....green green green....global warning....blah blah....carbon footprint....green green....blah blah....catch phrase...talking head...blah blah blah

10-17-2007, 10:24 PM	#15 (permalink)
jzchev28 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Oct 2005 Drives: 2.4l Posts: 610	Re: Manual Transmission Planned Mid-Year for Vue good stuff __________________ GM.... leaping forward.

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