2003 Saturn Vue consumer reviews

Some viewer ratings on this site are giving all Saturn Vue power-train models a bad rap due to a problem (only) with the VTi variable speed transmission on 4-cylinder models built prior to 2005. The 6-cylinder automatics and the 4-cylinder manual transmissions perform very well. The 6-cylinder models prior to 2005 was actually designed by GM's Cadillac Division and built by GM-Europe in Germany and has been in service since the 1990's. It's a dual overhead cam, 24 valve, multi-port fuel injection engine that gets a solid 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway and was way ahead of its time. It's coupled to a 5-speed automatic transaxle.

I would recommend the Saturn Vue to anyone. They are attractive, safe cars and have more trunk space than most other SUVs this size. I love that they have a steel cage around them for safety. I can't speak for the 4 cyl models, but the V6 has pretty decent pick-up and the turning radius is great, which was not the case for the Saturn sedan I owned.

I bought my 2003 Saturn Vue with VTi brand new. I am on my 3rd transmission with 57,000 miles and if I had the money, I would trade it in tomorrow. With each transmission replacement, Saturn gets more difficult to work with - and now that Saturn dealers everywhere are closing, the car is worth even less. PLease steer clear of this car.

Cliff's notes: This has been the best car I've ever owned! The value to features ratio is amazing! Friends who have the same size and style BWM's and MB's can'tt believe what a sweet ride this is!! Bought it new and used it to buzz around town with my Golden Retrievers and take them on wonderful trips to the mountains, deserts and beaches. They loved curling up in the back with the seat down and enjoyed the smooth ride and cool AC. I loved the whole thing but especially the great sound system and fuel mileage! We would all arrive at our destination refreshed and ready for fun. I'm 6'3" and it is so roomy in all directions!!! And I'd be dumb not to praise the fine folks at Saturn for all their great(and cheap) service on my baby. Never ever had one single problem. If you are looking for a quality little SUV, you might tie it...but you'll never beat it. At any price. Happy Motoring!

My 2003 Vue is the first (and probably the last) brand new car I have ever owned; I purchased it when I was 60. Beyond normal maintenance, I have had to replace a couple of sensors, which I feel is close to normal on the cars that are all computerized nowadays. (I remember when you had to find things for yourself!) It has going on 70,000 miles now, and is on the second set of tires, first set of everything else. It has taken me on two and a half cross-country trips, cruising interstates with the big kids just fine and exploring minimal and non-roads in places like the Utah desert, Mississippi fields and Wyoming mountains equally easily. I am 'vertically challenged' and it is just the right size to use for a 'personal size RV' when I am too lazy to put up a tent. Others have praised the comfort of the ride, I find it very maneuverable, able to hold many large cartons of stuff for my job, and it enjoys adverse conditions: a foot or more of snow, big mud puddles, and so on. My area Saturn dealer and service department are most agreeable. I would buy another in a heartbeat, but I don't want to give up my 'Big Girl'.

I have a stick shift 4 cylinder. I bought it wanting a small SUV that could transport frieds and cargo. It does! Yesterday I took 4 friends and our 5 snowboards and gear to the mountain. It all fit in the cargo area (I don't have a rack). I've had the car for almost 2 years and I have no complaints. It's been completely reliable and has taken me on many road trips to Tahoe and the desert. If you're looking for a great little SUV, get a Vue.

I am surprised to read about the trouble the other reviewers had. Yes, it is true, that if you need work done on this vehicle (with its unusual engine and transmission) you need to find a Saturn dealer - and in rural areas they might be hard to find, but my wife drove this vehicle across the country (from Texas to the West Coast and back) several times, and only gotten "stuck" once when the then 3 year old battary died. A quick visit to a local Sears for a new battary got her back on the road. The few trouble we did have were cheerfully handled by the dealer under the extended warantee. This car IS NOT a BWM, it's a small truck, and rides like a small truck, but the ride is much more comfy then other small SUVs. The only reason we are selling this vehicle is that we now have a need for a six (or seven) passanger vehicle so we can take the grand-kids places.... My advice to anyone looking to buy this car is be very careful as far as examening the repair records for the car. Saturn has all their repair records from all their dealership in one centrelized database, so it should be relatively easy to check if the vehicle has been cared for, and what repairs it has had.

This car is on it's 4th transmission (130K mi) and needs more work done. Since I got it in 2003 it has been to the dealership 31 times for non-maintenance work. If it was possible for something to fall off or break on this car, it did. Saturn hates me, all I do is complain about their product. What's awful is that we have a 97 coupe that is at 200K mi and runs great. The 2003 VUE is TERRIBLE!!! Pick a different year and you'll be fine.

I purchased this vehicle from a used car dealer about 8 months ago. After owning it for 5 months, the engine went out on it. This repair fell under the car lot warranty but it took over a month to get it back, because they weren't real familiar with the Saturn motor. I have had it back for about 2 months and it left my son stranded on the interstate-- transmission went out. It is now just outside the car lot's warranty and nobody but the Saturn dealer (50 miles away) will touch it. The repair bill is $5,000. This is the most expensive vehicle I have ever bought, and has provided more bills and more problems than anything I have ever owned.

We bought a 2003 Vue new and after 4 years (and I will admit 140,000 miles) we have had the transmission replaced twice and it is in the shop again needing a new transmission. Saturn has not been helpful at all and although they say they stand behind thier product 100% they also say, "well you know you have 140,000 miles." So my question is do they only expect Saturn Vue's to last that long... even with 3 different transmissions. I would NOT reccomend a Saturn Vue or even doing business with this company.