Hey guys and gals.. first post <quack, quack>!! lol

Well i'm looking for a small SUV as i just opened up a second small business located about 60 miles away, mostly highway, and lots of traffic towards the end near Philadelphia.

I just took a look at the 2008 Vue and it looks nice (not cheap) seems somewhat solid, and very european on the inside. Anyone have a 2007 and have sat in a 2008?

I know the 2008 green lines will be out in a few months for the 2 dealers near me. Are the 2008 Greenlines out yet? or in a few months like dealer said?

What other SUV should i look at? and is reasonably powered. Again first post. I'll keep reading threads in the mean time. but i've herd there are a good amount of changes in the 2008 Vue.

 

man.. only a couple post this year in this forum.

 

We have a 2007 GL, and I've driven a 2008 XE FWD (not GL). Quite a difference. The 08 was very solidly built and felt considerably heavier than the 07. While I like the interior on the new model, the 07 felt roomier inside, though the 08's seats were superior. Wind noise was lower on the new model. Visibility was better on the older model, in my opinion.

I like both models, but I prefer the lighter and plastic-bodied 2007 model. Looks like GM has improved the MPG on the 2008 GL, though--definitely a good thing.

2008 VUE GLs should be trickling into dealers soon. It is NOT a high-volume model, so don't be surprised if even large dealerships only see one at a time. Some dealers are getting them now, others in the near future. They will certainly be available before the AURA GL.

If you need a small SUV, I would also check out the Ford Escape Hybrid. They will achieve a little better MPG (it's a full hybrid), especially in the city, but also cost more. However, if you say most of your driving is on the highway, the VUE would be a better choice.

 

I just spoke with Saturn via their "live link" on saturn.com

i snipped out conversation and just put good stuff...

The 2008 Vue Green Line Hybrid will arrive with limited availability beginning Spring 2008. Your local Saturn retailer would be able to provide you with further details.

The plug-in two mode will be available in late 2008... Hmmm interesting that the 2-mode will be later on this year....

Should i hold out till summer?

 

The 2-Mode will be available later in 2008 as a 2009 MY. The Plug-In 2-Mode will be available sometime in calendar year 2010.

The 2-Mode will deliver better power and fuel economy than the Green Line Hybrid, but it will also be priced higher than the Green Line Hybrid.

Whether it's worth waiting for the 2-Mode or popping now for the Green Line depends totally on how much value you place on the added fuel economy and performance. The Green Line achieves about 15 - 20% improvement over the 2.4L Saturn VUE. The 2-Mode is targeting 45 - 50% improvement over the 3.6L V6 Saturn VUE.

Peace,

Martin

 

A 50% improvement on the 3.6 translates to 24/33 (from 16/22), which is not much different from the 25/32 on the 2.4 Green Line. Perhaps the figures are conservative, or maybe they're biased towards city driving, and we'll see something like 28/29, which is much more impressive, despite having the same combined average.

 

Very interesting dilemma for me.. i want to get my mom a different SUV currently she has a 2002 Trailblazer v6 and gets about 16-17mpg average. The thing guzzels gas. She is worried about a 4 cyl and not having any power. I think it's fine for her as she doesn't ever FLOOR the trailblazer.

How is the Air Conditioning in the Green Line? 4cyl

 

The 2008 VUE Green Lines have arrived... the local dealer has 9 in their inventory.

Anybody test drive one yet?

 

Jumping in here. I have issues with the MPG's the GL delivers over the regular 4 cylinder under our use; however, as a performance booster I can't complain. You get near 6 acceleration in my opinion so I think the GL addresses that concern

 

Wow--I had no idea there were dealers with that kind of inventory. I had heard (unofficially of course) that each dealer would receive a demo model only and customer models had to be ordered from a central location, which sure seemed cumbersome.