2003 Saturn VUE Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(309 Total Reviews)
Just So So
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
We purchased our VUE 5 years ago. It was still too new to do any real research. We have replaced the A/C compressor, ECM (computer), and the transmission is very difficult and expensive to work on and most places tell us to take it to the dealer. The service manager at the dealer told me that "GM dumped these transmissions on us." Our family has purchased five Saturns and the '03 VUE is definitely the low water mark for Saturn. My '97 Saturn SL-2 is still a much better vehicle than the VUE even though it is six years older.
Favorite Features
The VUE has some nice cargo room with the back seat folded flat. We hauled our two golf bags plus luggage with no problem.
Suggested Improvements
The infrastructure of the car is very weak. It makes strange noises because of its unusual transmission and power steering set ups.
Not the best
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl CVT)
Review
I brought this car five years ago and it was the bes the best until I had some problems. The car was mixing fuel, coolant, and grease together and making the engine overheat. The horn stop working and so did the CD player.
Favorite Features
The exterior is nice and the interior is roomy.
Suggested Improvements
The fabic was cheap, the car broke down even if it was fixed. It also needs better mileage.
Avoid 2003 model of Saturn VUE
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have a 2003 Saturn VUE with 87,000 miles on it. Below are parts that had to be replaced: * water pump at 42,000 miles * rear differential at 48,000 and 84,000 miles * heater motor * rear wiper motor *steering pinions Additionally, the leather seats have cracked on a side despite bi-weekly conditioning. I do not plan to purchase another GM product.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Mistakes happen
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Initially, not a bad vehicle. Plenty of interior space and decent pick up for a 4 cyl. VTI transmission is awful. Front struts are shot, transmission slips gears intermitently, just enough to cause trouble for me, but not enough to have the warranty inspector notice it to be a problem. Make sure to check your drive train consistency before purchasing. No VTI transmissions!
Favorite Features
Spacious interior.
Suggested Improvements
Correctly functioning transmission, more storage compartments, more convenient window controls, and less road noise.
Underpowered, Uncomfortable, Junk Saturn
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl CVT)
Review
This is the worst vehicle I've ever owned. Around 25,000 miles, the wheel bearings started to go out, at $700 per wheel. By 43,000 miles, the transmission needed rebuilt, which GM did under a recall warranty. I traded the vehicle in shortly afterward. Even before the issues, this vehicle was slow, with a choppy, unrefined engine, and it feels "cheap" on the inside. Squeaky, cheap plastic is the typical choice in this car. I would not recommend it in any way.
Favorite Features
Size and fuel economy
Suggested Improvements
Try to build it so it doesn't fall apart. Much less cheap junk plastic. The CVT automatic transmission stinks and the vehicle is, overall, worthless
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
My big piece of junk!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl CVT)
Review
I bought a used 2003 with 86,000 miles not from a Saturn dealer in June07. After only 2,000 miles I needed a new transmission which cost $4,000 and they informed me than, that wasn't the original transmission so the one I put in was at least #3. Just the other day mine took another ride on a rollback because of transmission problems. I only put 4,933 on a brand new transmission.They gave me a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty so everything is covered. Now they're trying to sell me a new one but will only give me $3000 toward a brand new one because they know mine is a big piece of junk! And it's AWD and loaded. I wouldn't wish this piece of junk on my worse enemy.
Favorite Features
The only thing I can say good about it was it had better gas mileage (when it was running) than our Neon and it was very roomy.
Suggested Improvements
Well the problem has been solved so they tell me. But they need to take everyone who owns this and buy them back for all the inconviences it has caused.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
I Love This Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is the best car I've ever had. It has a lot of space, gas lasts a long time (compared with other cars I've had), and there is nothing better than driving the manual version. I really love this car and I recommend it to everybody.
Favorite Features
The whole body, the seats, the rims, the whole sporty version
Suggested Improvements
Just fix the wheel bearing.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Love My VUE!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have been driving my VUE for over 5 years. It has been commuting, shopping, playing taxi, camping, and climbing mountians in Hawaii and now in Europe (we're military) and we have never had any reason to complain because we take care of our VUE. In Europe there are no Saturn dealers and we have had zero problems with taking it to the Opal dealer to get it serviced when the struts had to be replaced - it is over 5 years old now some wear is expected. The traction control has saved my can on the wet autobahn a couple of times. The gas mileage is great - about 21 - 24 mpg at 80 mph. I will be buying a hybrid VUE whenever this one is about ten years old. Until then see you on the Zugspitz!
Favorite Features
Folding seats, moon roof, six disc changer, body style, plastic panels, safety features, oh, just about everything!
Suggested Improvements
Extendable visors, more cup holders, automatic gas mileage calculator/estimator.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Fun car to drive until 100,000 miles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my Vue brand new 5 years ago. Fun to drive, easy to carry large cargo and to transport adults with limited mobility. Once the car hit 100,000 it fell apart. I have replaced the transmission at 100,000, accelerator sensor, catilytic converter and exhaust valve, coil pack with spark plugs. Within the past year I had to replace the ignition and when the car was under warranty a cylinder head was replaced. After $10,000 in repairs, I would not consider another Saturn.
Favorite Features
The seats fold down flat and there is room to carry large cargo. Back seats fit adults comfortably. Easy to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Vues are known to have bad transmissions, improve transmission. Make a car that will last more than 100,000 miles
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Like a bad marriage
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased this Vue thinking it would be great quality. Since it is my 3rd purchase from Saturn. Great price for an suv. From the get go, problem after problem. I would gas up the vehicle to get on the freeway and the max speed it would go was 20 mph? got problem covered through warranty. Now a couple years later, my horn has gone out and thermostat sticks. $2000 worth of cost and Saturn says "no we can't help you, your warranty has expired." the car is only 5 years old. These problems should not be occurring I am trying to get out of this car but no one will take it for trade unless they gouge me! Ouch. I will never buy another Saturn they left a sour taste in my mouth and I don't like it.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is how Saturn charges an arm and leg to fix their own car. Sarcasm for those of you who don't get it.
Suggested Improvements
Make a better vehicle next time and Stand up and take the heat for a problem that should be a recall. Don't slink out of the issue by saying the driver is out of warranty.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
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