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Used 2002 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
81 reviews

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Dead Soldier

boyinblue, Minneapolis, MN, 03/16/2015
Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
29 of 32 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Lots of Repairs

ddt, 09/21/2007
Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.13 out of 5 stars

Worst Vehicle Ever Owned

TL in Wichita, 11/17/2007
Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful

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!!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Love It!!!!

Kelley, 01/14/2010
Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful

I LOVE My Saturn! It has been very dependable & handles excellent! Other than Oil Changes, I had to replace the crank position sensor which was about $85 (A very popular problem in these vehicles) and Im about to change the sway bar links here pretty soon. (also another common problem in VUEs) I take great care of my VUE. Oil Changed every 3,000 with Mobil 5,000, Wax's, Mid-Grade Gas, I get about 24MPG, I love it and expect it to last another 75,000 or more!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Still Honeymooning

Alan From New York, 03/24/2007
Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Purchased a little over a month ago with 48000 miles on the clock, there's not a whole lot to report. The VUE has gone back to the shop for a new water pump, but I don't consider that unusual. What with the recent drastic weather, the VUE has performed admirably in the snow as well as on warm, dry days. Yes, the VUE is far from perfect. The steering is noisy at low speeds and the suspension rattles with anything less than perfect blacktop. Although it runs fine, it feels flimsy. It's also comfortable and doesn't tire me out on long drives like so many others seem to. The steering is good but offers no feedback. Fuel economy is adequate, about 22 mpg overall. So far, so good.

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