2003 Saturn VUE Review
Price Estimate: $1,198 - $2,014





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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.
For sale nearby
14 listings
- 85,488 miles
- 2 accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Serra Chevrolet (744 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 2500lb Towing Capaci...
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Located in Southfield, MI
***PREMIUM SUNROOF***, ***AWD***, VUE V6, 3.0L V6 DOHC, AWD, Grey Cloth, Active Expression Package, Front & Rear Rubber Floor Mats, Front Grille Guard...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5GZCZ63B83S804363
Stock: P6962
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-23-2025- 154,194 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Serra Chevrolet (744 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 2500lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Southfield, MI
Recent Arrival! VUE V6, 3.0L V6 DOHC, AWD, Grey Leather. Clean CARFAX. Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price!Black 2003 Saturn VUE V6 4D Sport Utility ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5GZCZ63B43S882185
Stock: 251602A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-05-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$176/mo for VUE Base
VUE Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2003 Saturn VUE has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 14V490000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 14506
- Manufactured from:
- 2002-04-11 to 2003-08-25
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 202155
- Defect Description:
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2002-2004 Saturn Vue vehicles manufactured September 11, 2001, to April 6, 2004. In the affected vehicles, it may be possible for the key to be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the key can be pulled out when the ignition is off. If it can, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and keys, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14506. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Saturn VUE Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Loved it until the transmission went out
3 out of 5 starsCar 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.
Don't buy 2003-2005 VUE
1.63 out of 5 starsjoaniep, 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.
Reliable and Safe
3.5 out of 5 starswgpenguin, 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!
The best vehicle value I've ever enjoyed!
4.13 out of 5 starsmjuresich, 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 | $176/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 30.8 cu.ft. |
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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