2003 Saturn VUE AWD V6 from North America

Summary:

Very unreliable; lots of expensive issues at low kilometres

Faults:

Gas tank need and ancillary components required replacing in the first week and then again.

Wheel bearing after few kilometers.

ABS brake sensors.

Several recalls on the vehicle.

Mounts (not covered under any warranty - $700.00)

Head gasket - all oil ran out of vehicle.

Electric mirrors cracked in cold weather as did the front brush bar.

General Comments:

This is the poorest quality vehicle I have ever owned.

This vehicle has spent more time in the repair shop. Very disappointed in the extended warranty... many items not covered.

After one year the vehicle became loud and road noise is very loud.

I have had several GM products in the past and this has been the poorest.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th October, 2006

2003 Saturn VUE from North America

Summary:

Totally unreliable

Faults:

My 2003 Saturn Vue is a perfect example of extreme engineering failure. Before reaching 50,000 miles it developed severe ball bearing and engine gasket failure, air conditioning compressor needed replacing followed by a wobbly, hesitant transmission which the dealer neglected to acknowledge. Of course this was followed by the notorious VTI transmission self destruct demolition properties. I am waiting for my third transmission at 78,000mi. The transmission experts are aware and have reassured me to keep expecting more bizarre self demolitions of this VTI transmission. I hope I can join a class action suit to repair the harm. Saturn needs to make retributions. (egutierrezmd@yahoo.com)

General Comments:

The car is beautiful, looks brand new, has leather seats sun roof and many luxury extras. It has a smooth an quiet ride as if a luxury sedan which is unusual for a small SUV. It is unfortunate that GM again decided to equip it with bad transmissions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th August, 2006

2003 Saturn VUE AWD Automatic from North America

Summary:

UTTER NO! NO!... especially used

Faults:

Vue VTI transmission needs to be replaced... a day after I take it home and for at least the second time in its lifetime!

General Comments:

We owned a Saturn SL1 for two years, it went 40K miles with only minor hitches. It was bought used and had been in a major accident. It goes without saying that we were happy with Saturn until now... We did not even have the Vue (56500) a day before it started making strange noises at low speeds. Granted it is a used car, but really this is just crazy. Based on other peoples' comments, I feel like I have just walked into my financial grave, I have a Saturn Vue Lemon. Wish I had read this before getting the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2006

3rd Nov 2006, 12:53

I understand your pain. I am 2nd time Saturn owner (the first I bought new, and drove it over 100,000 miles). Three years ago, I bought my second brand new Saturn, the Vue with the VTI transmission. It now has 25,000 miles on it, has had 4 (four) either complete transmission replacements (2) or major repairs. I finally get to pick it up today after 2 months in the shop, yes the transmission was replaced. Hopefully, your story ends up better. Everyone I know that has the VUE with the VTI has had at least 1 major repair or replacement. And it was enought for Saturn to issue it as a recall in 2004. However, my opinion...5 year / 75,000 mile extended warranty on this car is NOT enough.

2003 Saturn VUE from North America

Summary:

Unique and different

Faults:

Two engine modules have died, but in each case the car was still drivable (barely) until they and the fouled spark plug sets were replaced.

The brake rotors have been turned twice in order to cure front-end wobbles under heavy braking. Believe the car is under equipped in terms of braking power, especially when equipped with a VTI transmission and due to its' weight.

The electronic BCM (body control module = EXPENSIVE) failed, affecting mainly the odometer to the point that a 300 mile trip equalled 10,000 miles and the odometers would count up even with the car sitting still.

Rear brake light.

General Comments:

The best thing we ever did for the car was to replace the stock tires with a set of Goodyear Integrity R225/70R16 tires. Equipped with them it's been very smooth on the road, with absolutely zero steering wheel shake of any sort.

The car is a fairly versatile hauler.

The car consistently averages 25 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th June, 2006

20th Jul 2006, 06:29

The oddometer is controled via a cable in the axle. Take another look.