SATURN VUE XE

Today we're driving the 2008 Saturn Vue XE Front-Wheel-Drive. This is one of my favorite vehicles on the market. Matter of fact, I've had three of them as dealership demos. If I wouldn't have purchased a Saturn Aura for my wife, this definitely would have been the vehicle I would have bought. Needless to say, I'm pretty fond of the Saturn Vue.

The Saturn Vue comes in two different configurations: Front-Wheel-Drive and All-Wheel-Drive. Today we're driving the FWD, equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec 4-Cylinder with 4-Speed Automatic Transmission. Don't let the 4-Cylinder worry you for lack of power. This little engine will rival most V-6's on the market. The 2.4L produces a whopping 169 HP...more than enough power to get you over the pass! I've taken several trips to Denver in the Saturn Vue with a 4-Cylinder, setting my Cruise Control at 75 MPH and never break 4,500 RPM's.

The Saturn Vue is part of the fastest selling segment of the automotive world...the Cross-Over. Think of it this way...think of a vehicle that offers a car-like ride, car-like handling, car-like MPG, but the versitality of an SUV.

Now, the Saturn Vue has some key advantages over its competition.
First of all, lets look at the Factory Warranty...36 months or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Pretty common warranty. However, the Saturn Vue also comes with a 5 year or 100,000 Power-train Warranty, which also includes Road-Side Assistance and Courtesy Transportation. The Toyota Rav-4 only comes with a 5 year or 60,000 mile power-train warranty and the Honda CR-V only comes with a 36/36 bumper-to-bumper. Neither of the beforehand mentioned come with Road-Side Assistance.

As far as Standard Safety Equipment goes:

1. Anti-Lock Brakes with 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
2. Stabilitrak - Stability Enhancement System
3. Enhanced Traction Control System
4. Front/Side Curtain/Side Impact Airbags
5. OnStar Safe & Sound Package for 1 Year

The Saturn Vue also carries the highest Crash Test Ratings in its class. 5-Star Safety Rating for Front-Impact and Side-Impact! Just click here to see: INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS


DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

As usual, if you have any questions regarding this vehicle or any others posted, please feel free to call me on my personal cell phone at 970-250-2971 or simply e-mail me at jwomp2@netzero.net.

John Wampler, Internet Sales Manager
Ed Bozarth Chevrolet, Pontiac & Buick
Saturn of Grand Junction
970-248-8421 - office
970-250-2971 - cell
jwomp2@netzero.net

SATURN ASTRA XR

I drove the Saturn Astra XR this morning to work. Actually, I've driven the Saturn Astra to work everyday for the last two months (it's my demo). Because this car is my personal demo, you'll have to excuse the cleanliness of the car. It really needs a bath.

This particular Astra XR is a 5-Door, with a 1.8L 4-Cylinder Engine and 5-Speed Manual Transmission. I'm pretty fond of the Astra, although it has a few flaws that I think the American auto-buyer will have troubles getting over. First of all, the cup-holders are in a odd place. They're actually placed behind the driver. Now, remember...the Saturn Astra is built in Belgium and is driven all over Europe under the Opel nameplate. Because this car is driven on the Autobaun at high speeds, the driver would normally have both hands on the steering wheel, instead of one hand on the steering wheel and another on a cup of coffee. The second inconvenient item would be the clock. It's a twenty-four clock, which means that you have to know "Military Time". With the exception of those two items, the car is fun to drive.

The upside to the Saturn Astra is Fuel Economy. Although the car is rated at 25 MPG in the City and 34 MPG on the highway, I'm getting a staggering 31 to 32 MPG in town! The price point and Safety Equipment are impressive also.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS


EXTERIOR IMPRESSIONS


DRIVING IMPRESSION

IN CLOSING...

As usual, if you have any questions regarding the Saturn Astra or any of the other vehicles on this site, please feel free to call me on my personal cell phone at 970-250-2971 or simply e-mail me at jwomp2@netzero.net.

John Wampler, Internet Sales Manager
Ed Bozarth Chevrolet, Pontiac & Buick
Saturn of Grand Junction
970-248-8421 - office
970-250-2971 - cell
jwomp2@netzero.net