Our VUE Green Line is new (2 months, 2400 miles) and has been reliable, as one would expect. It has not yet returned to the dealer or required service. We have noticed that the door locks occasionally don't unlock upon shifting into park, but that is of little consequence.
The VUE is a perfectly sized vehicle for our needs. The back seat is roomy (though a bit low to the floor), and there is ample space behind the rear seat. The clever cargo organizer remains in the GL, and it's equipped to tow up to 1500 lbs. The only downside is the lack of a spare tire.
The Hybrid package (GM's BAS system) is quite simple in design and operation. It operates as you'd expect, with the engine shutting down at stoplights and charging the battery with regenerative braking. It is VERY smooth in its transitions, and with a lack of much hybrid instrumentation, is easy to forget you're driving a hybrid. The design's simplicity is evident in the price tag and the gas mileage, which improves about 20% over a standard VUE automatic. It's actually a very small premium when one considers the additional standard equipment, such as alloy wheels, upgraded exterior trim, and the larger 2.4 liter ecotec engine. It's one of the few hybrids that will likely make a return on your investment over a short amount of time (depending on how much you drive and how long you keep the car, of course).
The "mild" hybrid system results in "mild" improvement in mileage--we get the EPA estimates (27 city, 32 highway) --about 20% better than a standard VUE 4-cylinder automatic. However, the larger ecotec engine in the GL and electric assist provide better performance. It is not, and doesn't intend to be, a Prius or other such sophisticated hybrids. If you buy it intending to get Prius mileage, you'll be disappointed. If you buy it to get great SUV mileage for a low price, you will be delighted.
It drives and handles very well, although the seats lack supporting side bolsters. The ride is very compliant for an SUV, and the electric power steering is actually nice to use. The powertrain is quiet and smooth, and has plenty of zip for most folks. The vehicle will go into charge mode upon coasting, yielding a slightly labored coast--much like a vehicle with a manual transmission. It's easy to get used to, though, and will probably allow for greater brake lining life. The ecotec engine is a good design, and it has a traditional automatic transmission (versus a CVT) that has proven to be very reliable. All hybrid components are covered by an 8 year, 100k mile warranty, adding some peace of mind.
The only improvements I would make would be to redesign the front seat armrests (they are too high for comfort), add grab handles, and reduce wind noise. The car is actually very quiet compared to previous VUE models, but wind noise is noticeable when driving in a crosswind.
The VUE Green Line is a capable, efficient vehicle that is very well designed and built. It won't appeal to everyone, but is an appropriate combination of efficiency, simplicity, and price for the most buyers. I would highly recommend considering it, and I will continue to update this review as the vehicle ages.
An update to my review above:
We have nearly 12,000 miles on our GL now and are very happy with it. A few months ago, we had the ignition cylinder lubed because it was sticky, but the dealer was helpful and gave us a loaner overnight even though the repair only took a few minutes (we arrived after the service dept. closed). So far, that's it for any problems.
The mileage is still great--the lowest (2nd tank in the car) was 25.5 and the highest was 33.2. Range is fantastic--over 500 miles on a tank if you're on the highway. Road noise is decent and much better than our last car. The power and "smoothness" of the engine/hybrid system improved dramatically over the break-in period, and it's been smooth as butter since about 3,000 miles.
There is a campaign to install a wiring harness to the hybrid system and update the vehicle's software that was initiated by GM. We haven't had any issues with it, so we'll probably just get it done the next time the car needs a tire rotation. I'll keep updating.
Our family has owned Saturns since 1992. They've always been reliable out-performers, until the most recent one...
I took delivery of my 2007 Hybrid Vue on 31 May, 2007. From the first tankful of gas, the mileage has been woefully short of the projections - worst case was 19 and best was 32 on the freeway at 70 mph and no air conditioning. Most recently, I drove the Vue down I-95 in Florida at around 70 and no A/C. Mileage? 28.
Do the math. That's about 3 mpg better than my first Vue would have gotten. At $3 a gallon, it'll take me approximately 233,000 miles to recoup the $3000 premium I paid for the car.
If you live in a climate where air conditioning is not a means of survival in the summer, then this car might be OK.
Saturn is supposed to stand for innovation. Sorry. I don't see it.
You got 32 mpg on a car rated (using the old EPA methods) at 32 mpg, and you're dissatisfied? Remember the old adage -- your mileage may vary. If driven in a way to best maximize the GL's hybrid system, it can (and does, in our case) deliver good mileage.
When one considers the extra equipment that comes standard on the GL, the premium is not even close to $3000. This includes traction control, alloy wheels, chrome trim, and more, not to mention the larger ecotec engine and hybrid system. Also, there is a federal tax credit. All together, the premium is very modest and easy to recoup in a very short time -- much shorter than what you calculated.
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