2003 Saturn Vue consumer reviews

This review is based on my AWD 4 cylinder Vue. All in all a very well rounded vehicle. Good ride and handling. I like the looks a lot, probably its best feature. It's also very versitile, a good size cargo area with handy compartments and a fold flat front passenger seat are always usefull. The AWD was very transparent in its operation and was very nice to have in the winter. What has proved to be an issue for some is the cursed VTI (CVT) transmission. Quite prone to failure and very noisey in its operation. It does however shine on highway drives, no hunting between gears and very smooth when the cruise is on. Also when the a/c is on with a couple of passengers, acceleration is dreadfully slow, almost dangerous when acceleration on an uphill slope. Normal circumstances the acceleration is adequate. Reasonable mpg for an SUV, highway trips can get you 30ish MPG, depending on terrain of course. The other area that has been improved in following model years is the interior. It is quite cheap and boring in the '03 model year. Also wind and road noise is a bit more than normal in my opinion. Reliability has been average, a recall, and 1 $$ repair under warranty, Rear drive module was grinding. All in all a very well rounded vehicle, perfect for a 4 person family.

I have the 4 cylinder stick. I got a great price on it new and have enjoyed owning the car. It is fairly roomy and offers excellent front leg room (I'm 6'4"), and that was a big part of why I bought it, as well as styling and MPG. I consistently get 24-28 MPG's- not bad for a SUV. The biggest knock on it might be the power, but with a stick, I find it reasonable. 70K on it, and never have done anything but oil changes and tires (brakes have hung on this long!!)

I purchased a 2003 Vue new and at approximately 7,000 miles the factory installed transmission failed. At approximately 36,000 miles the 2nd transmission failed. To date at just over 86,000 miles it has a 4th transmission in it.. After a little internet research I discovered that the cv transmission that the 2003 uses is faulty. I read that when the nearly 100,000 cv transmissions were assembled they were assembled incorrectly. And sure enough...every single one of them installed in my Vue have come apart.

I love my Saturn VUE it has been reliable, fun to drive, affordable SUV with great exterior appearance!!

I bought this car new (and have had for 3+ years) and have mostly been happy with it. I opted for the 4 cylinder because of mileage when gas was $2.00 per gallon and I am really glad now that I did. I have gotten between 26-29 mpg on the highway and about 24-25 mpg in town. I have the 5 speed and although it is far from quick, it is reasonably powered. You can fit a ton of stuff in it and it is fairly comfortable for long trips. I got mine for 17K, and I have the sunroof, premium sound, cruise and power everything.

This is really a nice little car. I drive an automatic because I am on a fixed budget and I knew that a manual got better gas mileage. This is also why I ordered the smaller engine and avoided 4 WD. I travel a lot to Europe for work, and driving an automatic is nearly unheard of over there!!! Of course , they have been paying $6.00 a gallon for years too.