2003 Saturn VUE Review

Name: 2003 Saturn VUE Review
Brand: Saturn
Price: 1029 USD
Rating: 4.1 (409 reviews)

Price Estimate: $1,029 - $1,730

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Saturn VUE model years

2002

Saturn VUE for Sale

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 Drive^{Cost 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$194/mo

$204/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Saturn VUE.

5 (50%)

4 (24%)

3 (15%)

2 (10%)

1 (1%)

4.1

409 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

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 …

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; …

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 …

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 …

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2003 VUE Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$16,550
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$194/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	30.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Poor
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Marginal

2003 Saturn VUE Review

Price & Payment

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Loved it until the transmission went out

Don't buy 2003-2005 VUE

Reliable and Safe

The best vehicle value I've ever enjoyed!

2003 VUE Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}