Saturn vs Honda?

[bkreitzel]

i would go for the honda. they are more comfortable.
I have a honda minivan and my husband just traded in his saturn vue for something else. the kids HATED to ride in it. It didnt feel as solid, if that makes sense. i know i have a van, and you are looking at a car, but my BF has always driven accords and loves them.

 

[DiznEeyore]

It's just my opinion (with 8 years backing it & everyone else I worked with), you will be happier with a Honda. I had customer's who drive theirs to over 300,000 miles!!! Yes, most people would buy a new car before hitting 300,000, but I never saw a Saturn owner stick with their car that long. (In fact, I knew guys that worked at the Saturn dealers that would tell me they were junk. That's way they worked there... if it's not broke, they don't get paid!)

My mil had her Saturn well over 300K miles. When it was out of warranty and the engine died, Saturn split the repair with her because they could see by looking at their service records that she'd properly maintained the vehicle. How many other car companies would do that?

My best friend's dh drives a Saturn, too. It also has well over 300K miles on it. He drives 1-1/2 hours to work one-way every day. It's NEVER let him down and NEVER been in the repair shop for any length of time.

So much of it comes down to how well you maintain the individual vehicle, as well as the initial make of the vehicle.

I find that the best barometer of how well a car holds up is the people who actually own it and drive it day to day.

 

[disneymomto5]

I don't have the Saturn VUE but we just bought the Outlook and I love, love, love this car. I got rid of my Toyota Sienna and this car is sooooo much better! In fact my husband has an Infinity and he's thinking of getting a Saturn next time.

 

[sunlover13]

OP - If you decide to purchase a new GM vehicle (Saturn is GM), sent me a PM. I could get you a discount. I used to work for GM and I can still get discounts on their vehicles. I gave 3 codes to other DISers and I think one of them used it so far. She saved $2,000 on her Saturn Outlook. The discount varies depending on the vehicle. You could check the discount at gmfamilyfirst dot com. It would be the supplier discount for friends.

Good luck with your choice!

Edit: I'm only allowed to give 1 per month. I gave 1 in March so it would have to wait until April. Just an FYI........

 

[girli565]

My first two cars were Saturns, a 2000 SL1 and a 2000 SL2. My mom still has the SL2 now, runs great but I SWEAR it has an electrical problem no one can find. It will work great one day and then won't start for 2 days. And when it is taken to the shop the mechanic looks at me like I'm nuts, there's nothing wrong.

The SL1 was a lemon, Saturn would never admit it. Within 4 years the transmission had to be replaced, warranty would not cover it. 2006 the transmission started acting up again! We sold it in December of 2007 as quickly as we could, got $1250 for it because of the transmission problems. We hated that car.

The SL2 I love, but when I bought it used in 2006 it only had 22K miles on it, paid $4000 for it from an old man who lived next to my grandmother. In the year and a half I owned it I put 20K miles on it, and then the electrical problems started happening. My mom wants to keep it until it dies so I guess we'll deal with it. When it does die she wants an Accord.

I now own a 2008 Honda Civic. I love it!

 

[kydisneyfans]

I have a 2002 Saturn with 168,000 miles on it and the only repair has been a water pump.

We bought the new 2008 Vue-it is a really solid drive. Our old vehicle was a 2003 Vue. The gas mileage stunk when we first bought it, but has improved about 20% in the past few months. We get 20-22 city, mid 20s highway. This is about 2 mpg less than the old Vue.

As for Honda vs Saturn.
Hondas are made in Ohio, Saturns are assembled in Mexico. Toyotas are made 4 miles away from my computer. I don't look at where the company is headquartered. Toyota is just out of my price range.

 

[dopeyfanatic]

For me I wouldn't have to even consider it, Saturn for sure. I know personally less people that have had problems with Saturns than their Honda. Honda has been difficult to work with and get repairs done. My parents owned two Saturns, one of which my dad over 300,000 miles and then gave to me. It was around 350,000 miles and NEVER had a problem, just regular maintenance. He got in an accident and I swear he would have been injured if that car wasn't made to peel apart. Instead of the car being totally wrecked, the side panels just came off. I also got in an accident in it and it barely messed up the bumper. I felt safer in that car than I did in the car I bought afterwards. We'll probably get my dh one in a couple years, just to have save up some money!

 

[Stucas]

We have a Saturn Vue and LOVE it. We leased it and now that the lease is up soon we were going to buy it, and if not we were just going to buy a new vue (the new ones are sooo pretty!). The vue is my fiance's and I have a vw beetle and once we have kids the vue is mine and I can't wait! (plus it will be fun to watch Dfi [hes a big guy] riding around in my yellow beetle )


-Lauren

 

[tlbwriter]

I wouldn't trust Consumer Reports if you paid me to. They have DH's car rated as getting 26 mpg highway. He has reliably gotten 34-36 mpg for the last 2 years!

I thought those numbers came directly from the manufacturers?

I don't put complete faith in CR's product reviews, but I do believe their long-term reliability data is useful, since it comes from actual car owners. And according to that, Honda is going to be more reliable than Saturn.

 

[TarzansKat]

Wow!

What a wealth of information, and exactly why I started this thread. I'll admit I'm now a little overwhelmed, but you've all given me a lot to think about. To the person who suggested test driving both, that may be the way to go. I think I've put off test driving the Vue because I'm fairly certain I'll fall in love with it.

All I have driven are Saturns. My car in college was a leased Saturn, never any problems with that. My car now, if I didn't state previously, has not had a lot of repairs, but I've regularly maintained. I have done new brakes and new tires since I've owned it, which I think is reasonable for the amount of mileage on it.

However, that being said, I remember my Nana having a Honda (I think Accord) many moons ago, and that car ran forever! I know it had over 100,000 when she gave it to my uncle, and with minimal repairs.

Seems like which company you go with is a personal preference. For those of you who have experience with Honda CRVs, do they come in all wheel drive? Are they only 4, or do the come in 6 cylinder as well? I know I could get this info by checking out their website, but if you have one with any of these specifications and you live anywhere that winters are yucky, let me know how you feel about it in the snow. That's a big concern for me. I work for a bank and we barely if ever close when it's snowing. In the two years I've worked there, it's been twice, but that's after having driven in, and then having to drive home with my DS, which can be

Thanks so much guys! I appreciate it!

 

[simonkodousek]

So the new VUE is more expensive than the CRV? That's interesting. The '07 CRV was more than our VUE. Of course our VUE is a bit bigger than the '08, too.

I think an AWD Honda CRV costs ~$22,000 with just the basics, but still a very nice car. If you want a bit more like a sunroof, less exterior plastic, and 17" alloy wheels, you can get the EX AWD. That costs ~$24,000. The highest level package you can get on the CRV is the EX-L AWD, which has a few more features than the EX including leather. There is also an optional navigation system. The Vue XE V6 AWD costs ~$24,500, but if you want anything more than the basics you will be paying big $$.

Oh yeah, the AWD CRV gets better gas milage than the V6 Vue (you can only get a V6 in the AWD models).

Good luck with your decision!

 

[TarzansKat]

I think an AWD Honda CRV costs ~$22,000 with just the basics, but still a very nice car. If you want a bit more like a sunroof, less exterior plastic, and 17" alloy wheels, you can get the EX AWD. That costs ~$24,000. The highest level package you can get on the CRV is the EX-L AWD, which has a few more features than the EX including leather. There is also an optional navigation system. The Vue XE V6 AWD costs ~$24,500, but if you want anything more than the basics you will be paying big $$.

Oh yeah, the AWD CRV gets better gas milage than the V6 Vue (you can only get a V6 in the AWD models).

Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for the info. I definitely don't need extras. Just the basics for me!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Sure a Honda Accord lasts for years and is dependable BUT it's tight on space.

It's not very comfortable. I had to add one of those padded seat things for your back in the front seat to be able to sit in it for distance driving, otherwise I had backaches.

I'm 5' 6" and the back seat doesn't have enough room for me. When DH, DS, DD and I are in that car, it's a tight fit and uncomfortable. DS is nearly my height and I thought he was just complaining about it being uncomfortable in the back until I sat back there.

DH still loves the car but me - no way. I'd never buy another one.

 

[snowbunny]

For those of you who have experience with Honda CRVs, do they come in all wheel drive? Are they only 4, or do the come in 6 cylinder as well? I know I could get this info by checking out their website, but if you have one with any of these specifications and you live anywhere that winters are yucky, let me know how you feel about it in the snow.

Driving an all-wheel drive CRV in Maine. The best thing about it in terms of snow is the anti-lock brakes. They kick in instantly if I start to slide. I've had a couple of icy skids in the past couple of years and have been able to get out of trouble with some quick steering plus the brakes. Of course it helps to have good winter tires as well.

Now mine was the second model year and it's 4 cylinder. I'm not sure if that has changed. It's not a real heavy car but it's not the peppiest car in the world by far...my DH drives a Civic coupe and it's a hot rod next to the CRV. That said I'm driving my CRV for the duration, it's long paid off and hopefully it will be as reliable for the next 8 years.

Regarding the Accord - we've had two of them over the years. The first one rusted out after 260,000 miles but the engine was still running. I find the Accord roomy for a sedan...the backseat of the CRV is actually smaller.

 

[louey]

This is a no brainer! Well, for me anyway... I worked in an auto shop for 8 years as a service writer. Saturn is JUNK!!!!!! Let me say that again, Saturn is JUNK. Don't care about the bells, don't care about the price.... you will pay a ton in repairs.

Honda's barley need more then an oil change and the other fluids check until 105,000 miles. Pay no attention to the owner's manual! You can't tell me that every car and every condition is the same. It's not. Things will need to be done, when they need to be done....not just cause the car hit 30,000 miles!!!

I have had my Acura (Honda Brand) for 6 years and have never done much to it. Great car and really holds the value....unlike a Saturn.....

If i didn't make it clear, BUY THE HONDA!!!

I have to say our Saturn SL2 is 10 years old and has 160,000+ on it and has (Knock on Wood) never (I say Never) had anything major wrong. The most it has ever had done was my husband replacing the serpentine belt (sp). Honestly this car has been a great car We are currently looking for a economical car.

So to the OP Saturn gets a from me.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

Driving an all-wheel drive CRV in Maine. The best thing about it in terms of snow is the anti-lock brakes. They kick in instantly if I start to slide. I've had a couple of icy skids in the past couple of years and have been able to get out of trouble with some quick steering plus the brakes. Of course it helps to have good winter tires as well.

Now mine was the second model year and it's 4 cylinder. I'm not sure if that has changed. It's not a real heavy car but it's not the peppiest car in the world by far...my DH drives a Civic coupe and it's a hot rod next to the CRV. That said I'm driving my CRV for the duration, it's long paid off and hopefully it will be as reliable for the next 8 years.

Regarding the Accord - we've had two of them over the years. The first one rusted out after 260,000 miles but the engine was still running. I find the Accord roomy for a sedan...the backseat of the CRV is actually smaller.

YES! The ABS on the CRV is outstanding. I have an '08 and it's got some get up and go...not really fair to compare to a sportier coupe...my mom found my CR-V to be very sporty, but she drives a minivan. I also find the backseat room to be good---but what I really like is that the seats are set up a little higher than the front, which allows passengers to see out the front...which is the key for preventing motion sickness in my family!

Gas mileage is pretty good. I have the AWD, and when it's engaged more often (like in the winter), and when it's really cold, I get ~25 (more highway than city, but still a mix). When I first got it and it was nicer outside (late Oct.), I was getting ~28 mpg on a tank, and so far on this tank I'm around there again (yeah spring weather!). We'll see if the weather trend continues, but this was the case with my Neon as well.

ANYWAY...the CR-V is a nice car. Lots of bang for the $$$.

 

[antmaril]

Personally, I would go with the Saturn, as it is made in the USA! While you might find a Honda "made" in the USA, the profits still go to foreign economies and our own economy needs all the help it can get! JMO!!!

I totally agree. Buy the Saturn.

BTW: I have a Saturn Vue and LOVE it!

 

[snowbunny]

YES! The ABS on the CRV is outstanding.

ABS are standard on the CRV.

See: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/Equipment/absbrakes/index.html

 

[In Luv with Disney]

Just another opinion here.

My first almost new car was a Saturn SC 1 (bought it 1 year old with $7K miles on it). I LOVED LOVED LOVED that car!!!!!!!

When I had DS we needed to get a bigger car. Since I had such great luck with my first Saturn, we decided to try the all new Vue (2002). It was a LEMON. We traded it back to the dealer for a new one. Second one (2003) was also a piece of junk, just not as many mechanical problems.

In 2004, we bought a Honda Pilot. DH still drove the Saturn VUE. Honda Pilot got MUCH better gas mileage than the VUE!

In 2006, DH finally traded in the VUE for a Toyota Yaris. We both HATED the VUE so much!!!! We decided to get an economy car. Our Yaris gets over 30mpg city! GREAT CAR!

In the end, I'd go with HONDA. We still have our Pilot, and I am thinking we will have it until the engine dies. We have NEVER had any problems yet! It's 4 years old and all we have had to do was get fluids changed. AWESOME AWESOME CAR!!!!!!

My experience with my Saturn VUEs has definitely turned me off from the company as a whole.

Best of luck to you with your decision!

For as many people there are who hate Saturn, there are people who love them. There is no right answer here. Test drive all the cars you like. Read reviews. CHECK CONSUMER REPORTS. They are USUALLY on the money!!!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[I Love Pluto]

I definitely know the answer!

Hubby has a Saturn VUE. I have a Honda CR-V. Hubby loves his VUE, I love my CR-V.

Sooooo - the answer is ...................either one! They're both great cars!



That was a BIG help, wasn't it?!?