2003 Saturn VUE Review
2003 Saturn VUE Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
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 2003 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
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Saturn VUE.
5 star(50%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(1%)
409 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Loved it until the transmission went out
Car buyer, 11/22/2015
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl CVT)
I bought the car with 123,000 miles on it, I loved it and it drove very well but the transmission went out on me after 3000 miles.
I had bought the 2.2 4 cyl. AWD DO NOT BUY THAT MODEL, the mechanic said it was notorious for being a bad transmission, and they are nearly impossible to find.
If you do get a Saturn Vue, get the V6 version, the engine and transmission were made by honda … and I'm sure will last you much longer.
1.63 out of 5 stars
Don't buy 2003-2005 VUE
joaniep, 09/02/2011
2003 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl CVT)
Don't buy 2002-05 Saturn Vue or Ion! VTI transmission failure expected by GM but no recall issued. I have a 2003 Vue with 67k miles that is now worth scrap metal because I cannot afford the $5500 rebuilt transmission. My car is only worth $6500. I never received written notification or was notified by the Saturn Dealership during routine maintenance. I cannot afford a new car payment; … which is why I took care of my Vue - so I wouldn't have to. GM lost class action to replace these transmissions but filed for bankruptcy and received government (taxpayer) bailout before owners notified. Class action re-filed with "new" GM to compel to provide owners with relief.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reliable and Safe
wgpenguin, 11/19/2012
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I bought my Vue used in 2004 with 16,000 miles.
I have had a couple of big things go wrong (transmission control module, water pump), but that's to be expected in a 9 year old, lower end car.
I bought an after market extended warranty for $1,500 that is still in effect even now, and it's been worth it.
I now have over 120,000 miles on it and I still feel like it's very reliable.
My … sister in law also had one - rolled it 9.5 times on the interstate and walked away with just bumps and bruises.
Very safe!
4.13 out of 5 stars
The best vehicle value I've ever enjoyed!
mjuresich, 03/23/2013
2003 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
I bought my '03 Vue in November of '08 for $2500 with 180K on the clock and a salvage? title. I now have 237k miles on it. I've only replaced the brakes, a wheel bearing/hub assembly, a rear drive shaft support bearing and U-joints in the 4.5 years I've enjoyed it. It just won't die! It always starts right up even on the coldest of Michigan days. The AWD is tremendous in the snow. Talk … about value and reliability! I've received more than my money's worth from this vehicle. I hate rust and thus love the plastic body panels on this vehicle. Ten years old and it still looks great! I'd buy another V6 Vue in a minute!
2003 VUE Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $185/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 30.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
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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