5-speed Automatic Transmission

[jpidf85]

Hello Everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone had any comments regarding the 5-speed automatic transmission available for the VUE? Does anyone have any complaints or concerns? If so, regarding what? Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

[dodson420]

I jusy drove, and purchased the AWD V6 yesterday. It feels pretty nice, way better than the new VTI tranny in the V4. I havent heard much about them though. I will let you know what I hear.

[mikes1964]

Like the electronic power steering the VTI takes some getting used to, and a change in driving style. I always had a tendancy to make jackrabbit starts in my Ford, and used to that quick burst of acceleration.

I don't have that in with the VTI because it seems to average it out, which may be better for the gas mileage, but I don't feel the engine shift either.

[ton6y]

You do not feel a shift in the vti because it doesnt shift. I know this sounds pretty weird but its true. The vti is a new type of transmission called continually variable, or however you spell that. It keeps the engine at an optimum rpm range all the time, no matter when your starting or when your at 60mph. It does this buy a type of pulleys and belts, that move back and forth keeping your transmission at an optimum gearing range. This is different than normal transmissions. Normal transmissions have gears which although work at different speeds, say 0 to 20 before the transmission shifts to another, but the engine is most efficient and powerful at say only 15 mph. My family just bought a front wheel drive v6 view with the auto, not the vti tranny. we chose the auto just cause the vti felt to weird. But just imagine if this transmission keeps your engine at an optimum rpm at all times racing will be changed forever. The only problem is that right now they are in developmental stages still and are only found on smaller engines, thus the reason its only available with the four cylinder

tony

[speediva]

The VTI is kinda creepy until you figure out how it works... well, at least you have some sort of image in your head about what it's doing. Then it's really quite cool.

My family is looking at the I4 with the VTI right now, and I'm actually quite interested. Considering that power-wise the 4 is about the same engine as my Infiniti, I'm really curious about everything to it. Besides, the gas mileage is quite impressive for the 4: I mean 25mpg city is sweet for an SUV.

[bowtiebandit]

Here are some pics of the variable ratio trans apart..

[bowtiebandit]

2nd

[bowtiebandit]

and the last

[BK63]

I have an 03 VUE all wheel drive with the variable transmission. They had to replace and reprogram the transmission control module already because of rumble noise at highway speeds. Now it has to go back in the shop for rumbling noises when turning corners. Kinda wishing at this point I had gone with something else, maybe just front wheel drive or something without this transmission.

[sladezero]

Hey there,

The MRS. drives the 2003 V6 AWD. What kind of mileage do you
have on this thing ? We have 12,800 on ours and still driving smooth.
We have had it since March.

Slade

[satdog75]

i drive a 03 vue with the 3.0 v6 n i am getting about 27-29 on the hwy and about 19-20 city. pretty kick but for a suv. i love the little rascal. ive had exploders, jeeps, tahoes, and trail blazers and this one is by far my favorite. great mpg, good power, smooth ride, quite a bit of room....how can you go wrong?