2002 Saturn VUE Review
2002 Saturn VUE Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Car-like handling, extensive choice of drivetrains, spacious cabin.
Cons
- Bland interior, noisy four-cylinder.
What’s new
The Vue is an all-new sport-utility vehicle in Saturn's lineup, designed to compete on the lower end of the scale with models like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V.
Edmunds says
A well-thought-out and capable mini sport-ute, the Vue enters a crowded field of equally competent rivals.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$185/mo for VUE Base
VUE Base
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
With mini-SUVs flying off lots all over the country, Saturn figured it was high time that it expanded beyond its small car roots and added an all-new mini ute to the lineup. The Vue may be Saturn's first SUV, but it's packed with plenty of innovative features as well as a broad range of engines and transmissions.
Starting at just under $17,000, the base model Vue is one of the cheapest mini-utes on the market. For that price, you get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder rated at 143 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission sends power to the front wheels only, but traction control is an available option. For a little extra money, four-cylinder Vues can also be equipped with a CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission. The first ever in an SUV, the Vue's CVT provides the shiftless ease of an automatic with the higher mileage of a manual.
Choosing the CVT also gives buyers the option of all-wheel drive. The system is completely automatic and requires no driver input. Power is sent through the front wheels under normal conditions, but if slippage is detected, the rear wheels engage until traction is regained.
For the ultimate in power and capability, the Vue also offers a more powerful 3.0-liter V6. Rated at 181 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, this engine gives the Vue serious get-up-and-go. The only transmission available with this powerplant is an all-new five-speed automatic -- another first in a mini-SUV. All-wheel drive also comes standard on all V6 models.
Knowing full well that the Vue would remain almost exclusively on the pavement, Saturn engineers gave the Vue a fully independent suspension that delivers car-like performance. The overall feel on moderately twisty roads is pleasantly firm, with plenty of roll control in the corners. A new electrically powered steering system, the first ever in an SUV, provides variable effort steering along with less drain on the engine than conventional systems. The low effort at parking speeds is helpful, but road feel at higher speeds suffers.
The interior of the Vue isn't the most stylish on the market, but in terms of functionality and ease of use, it's hard to fault. Passenger room is excellent, and a low step-in height makes getting in and out easy. A foldable front passenger seat allows for carrying extra-long cargo, while folding down the rear seats makes for 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space. All models except the base four-cylinder include power windows, lock and mirrors, while features like an in-dash CD stereo, power sunroof, and the OnStar communication system remain on the options list.
Safety has always been a priority on Saturn vehicles, and the Vue is no exception. A head curtain airbag system is optional on all models, protecting both front and rear passengers in side impact collisions. Driver and front passenger airbags are standard along with three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and LATCH child safety seat provisions. ABS brakes are available on all models.
The Vue's combination of unique drivetrain options, a roomy and functional interior and a strong commitment to safety make it stand out in the already crowded mini-SUV segment. Add to that the consistently high sales satisfaction scores that Saturn dealers typically receive, and it's easy to see why the Vue is a solid contender in just its first year on the market.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Saturn VUE.
5 star(45%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(4%)
143 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.75 out of 5 stars
Dead Soldier
boyinblue, 03/16/2015
2002 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Bought a Saturn 2002 VUE (V6) with about 100K on it for under $10K from a local dealership. The original owner put every bell and whistle on it.
No issues for the first 2 years and then the parade of issues started. I understand the SUV had 100K on it but what started happening should not necessarily be expected
The engine is horrible. It is my understanding that Saturn opted … for a SAAB motor. I believe they has those engines until 2005. Nothing but issues. Leaking oil, burning oil, had gaskets replaced. Recently the 6th cylinder quit. We have sunk about $3500 to keep this car on the road. We should have dumped it within the first 3 years after purchase.
4.13 out of 5 stars
Will hit 200K Next month
uppity, 01/02/2015
2002 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
This has been a wonderful car. I've kept it well maintained so repairs have been minimal. Only things needing repair have been something related to the front end and a sensor of some kind. Repairs were so long ago I don't really remember. Have replaced brakes, battery and tires but I consider those part of maintenance. Still on the original exhaust system and clutch. Only redid the … brakes once. I.can only hope my next car is this reliable.
2.63 out of 5 stars
Lots of Repairs
ddt, 09/21/2007
2002 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I've owned the '02 Vue for 1 year. In that time, replaced / repaired: 1. Throttle Body, 2. Entire engine wiring harness, 3. SES light on every other month for something, 4. Leaks into cabin from sunroof. Total outlay: about $3,000. This repair work occurred during 46-56,000 mile period. The car has good performance overall. But the repairs just keep me from enjoying it. Now, weird noises … coming from the drive train - dull roar. Like many in this column, I bought it for perceived value for the price. I wouldn't buy another Vue again. Recommend looking at the Ford Escape 4wd or a Jeep before looking at this vehicle.
2.13 out of 5 stars
Worst Vehicle Ever Owned
TL in Wichita, 11/17/2007
2002 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
The only good thing about this car is the looks. Performance is good when it works. From the beginning, this vehicle has been in the shop for numerous maintenance issues from suspension, to leaking antifreeze, and many other problems. This car is so poorly built that as soon as it was paid off, I took it the following day and dumped it. Maintenance costs are very high. Was quoted $400.00 … to replace a faulty thermostat because much of the engine would have be be broken down to get to it. Same with changing the spark plugs. I will never purchase another Saturn again. To think I traded a low mileage Camry for this piece of junk! I guess we all make foolish mistakes. I now own a Toyota again!!!
2002 VUE Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,325 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 30.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the VUE include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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