Faults:

The check engine soon and the reduced power light have come on now six times. The Saturn dealer have replaced the gas pedal, wires and now can't figure out what's wrong. They say they can't replicate the problem, so they can't fix it.

The car already has had a new variable transmission in its first year and last summer they rebuilt it. The problems with the lights coming on started after that. They tell me its still under warranty, maybe and tell me they wish they could fix it for me. The car is worthless to me, but I can't afford to buy a new one.

General Comments:

I love the Saturn idea, but have really soured on the company recently because I cannot believe they can't figure out what's wrong with its own product.

Faults:

What's not wrong with this car. I should of taken this car back the year I brought it!!! I was driving down GW parkway in Virginia and my horn started blaring this AWFUL NOISE!!! When I took it to the dealership they said the horn was stuck in the airbag and I had to replace it! $1000. This FIRST year I brought it the shocks went bad! The second year my back brakes locked on me. The year after that my electrical system went out on me! I put more money into fixing this car then it is worth!! My car could of been paid off by now. I will never ever ever buy another GM or Saturn car again. The bad part is my parents have a Vue and a LS300! They're not happy car owner's either! Once this car hit 60,000 miles EVERYTHING goes with it. I am so disappointed.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable. Unfortunately it's not reliable.

Faults:

VTI Transmission Problems.

My story is like others. I felt a slight kick when I stopped at a red light and knew it was the transmission. I took it into the Saturn Service Center and they could not find anything wrong. Three weeks later, I took the car in again with the same problem. They said I had an internal transmission failure. They quoted me a price of $6900.00. I have spoke to a case manager at Saturn and they reduced the price to $4800.00. This is not an option. I do not even owe this much on the car. I found the resolution to be very inadequate. My case manager even remarked how well my car was maintained. Even though I have 98,000 miles on the car, every oil change and scheduled maintenance was performed at a Saturn dealership. I would like to hear from others about your trade-in experience. I have read that others have received a good trade-in on their Vue. I think this is my only option. Saturn is not admitting to a defective transmission design.

Here is the only help I can give. You can contact the Saturn Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-972-8876. They will assign you a case manager to review your case. They told me they review if you are the original owner, how many miles are on the car, and the maintenance record.

Saturn mailed me a letter dated March 2004.

"It states the 2002-2004 Vue and 2003 and 2004 ION Quad Coupe vehicles with the VTI transmission may experience transmission problems. They extended a coverage period of 5 years or 75,000 miles. This policy covers original owners and subsequent owners".

They state, "This is not a recall".

Faults:

The infamous vti transmission. has 'gone at 85,000. quoted 6000 to fix, but dealership has offered to pay 1/2.

Replaced both front CV joints after less than 500 miles.

Steering wheel noise. grinding, or something upon turning the wheel.

Ignition switch. you can pull the key out while driving down the road. when shutting off the vehicle, the sun roof sometimes does not close, or will open and close by itself!

General Comments:

I love the vehicle. I bought it second hand with 64,000 miles on it. Gas mileage, as I drove 100+ miles a day round trip was great and AWD option was a must during Vermont winters. Started noticing small annoying things, but all used cars have them. When I called about the car not moving, was then informed of the extended warranty on the VTI transmission and an explanation of " imagine it as a big snowmobile" Its operated by a belt and has no gears!. turned out to be CV joints, but was unable to find anyone who could give me information on this VTI deal. All I knew is that none of the mechanics that I have used for years knew diddly about it and would not even look at it.

The Saturn dealership service folks, have been great. They gave me no rose colored pictures as to the issues with the vehicle, but didn't divulge too much about what to expect either.

I am now stuck with a vehicle that will cost me a minimum of $3000. to fix and I still owe way too much to trade it.

I'd appreciate any info regarding Saturn corporate and a contact name as well if anyone has one, and if there is a class action starting, let me know.

Maybe as a used purchaser, I don't have a s much clout, but I'd like to get the word out about this particular model to keep everyone informed.