2003 Saturn VUE Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A well-thought-out and capable mini sport-ute, the Vue enters a crowded field of equally competent rivals.
Pros
Large doors ease entry/exit, extensive choice of drivetrains, spacious cabin, excellent crash test scores.
Cons
Bland interior, low-grade plastics, noisy four-cylinder, vague steering.
What's New for 2003
New last year, the Vue gets only minor changes for 2003. V6 models are now available with front-wheel drive, while a new options package bundles together heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A new optional audio system includes a subwoofer, 180-watt amplifier and six door-mounted speakers.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Buyer beware
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The VTi transmission in the 2003 Vue is very bad. After we had paid our car off last month, we were driving home from the in-laws and the Vue went into "default" mode, not allowing us to drive more that 20 MPH. After we researched the problem, our transmission was shot, with a $6,000 estimate for repairs. Research the transmission issues if you consider buying this car. Besides that, we liked Saturn but will most likely never buy another Saturn.
Favorite Features
Fuel economy
Suggested Improvements
Transmission, don't get buy a V-4 engine
Love/Hate reviews. Satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I've read the reviews and it appears to be a love /hate relationship with owners. For me, the VUE is the best GM product I've owned to date. Several long distance trips have provided mileage in excess of 30mpg. 5 speed with the four so not familiar with tranny problems. Was back to the dealer once with stabalization recall. Comfortable and safe. Thumbs up at 56K
Favorite Features
Flex panels are great. Mileage outstanding. Good acceleration with 5 speed. 50% brake pad life at 56K. Just replaced original Bridgestones. Sport Package worth every penny (power windows, mirrors, and sun roof). Full frame and higher center of gravity makes it a very safe vehicle
Suggested Improvements
None. You get what you pay for and the VUE was a very good buy back in 2003 especially by today's standards.
Do not buy this vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 2 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We bought our 2003 AWD V-6 because my wife liked the styling, the AWD, the 4 doors and heard Saturns were good cars. Please take it from me, it's junk. The front end rattles and shakes. We have had brakes replaced, tires replaced, it still shakes. The transmission just went out, a $5,900 fix, more than the car is worth! The Saturn dealer said it would cost more to rebuild the transmission than to replace it with a new one. To me, that is simply crazy. Buy a Ford or a Toyota but stay away from this piece of junk!
Favorite Features
Mileage, styling.
Suggested Improvements
Surprised by this car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This is my wife's car and I was skeptical when we bought it but it has been the most trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned (better than Civic and F-150). Ours has the Opel/Saab 3.0 V6 and 5-speed slushbox. Haven't driven the newer Honda-powered models but I doubt they have the flat torque curve of this German engine (Honda engines in my experince are gutless down low but have lots of power up high). The engine is silky smooth has a wide torque band from idle to redline so it feels stronger than its advertised 171hp. Shifts are crisp and suspension is taut for an SUV. We were hit hard in this car and it protected us well (should have totaled it based on what it ended up costing to fix
Favorite Features
Engine, safety, reliability, interior is basic but functional and not ugly - basically it doesn't offend and gets the job done.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel mileage is only OK, around 19 city / 23 highway. My 6-speed LS1 camaro does slightly better on the highway (but it needs premium so it's a wash I guess).
Run away and don't look back
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought this used over a year ago and it has had numerous issues. Shifter assembly, bad struts, leaky seals, motor on rear wiper went out and now clutch is out. Tires also highest price ones on market to replace. Was conned into extended warranty but nothing yet has been covered by it, and now it has expired. The window buttons are in an awkward spot in the middle and collect dust really bad with deep finger wells. It now has 91,000 miles and I'm not sure it will make it to 100K. Researched numerous issues about transmissions and bad timing chains which cause motor failure. This vehicle is not well built and I will never buy Saturn again. I have spent more on repairs than payments.
Favorite Features
It is roomy and not crowded, but time in the shop has ruined this feature.
Suggested Improvements
Drop the Saturn franchise altogether or learn from Hyundai and start making reliable, long-term products. This is bad investment and will drain your pocket.
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