2003 Saturn VUE FWD 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Mediocre Reliability

Faults:

1) The brakes would pulsate on light braking. No ABS warning lights or any indication of something wrong other than pedal pulsation (and noise) on a light braking. After 3 trips to the dealer, it was determined to be a right rear speed sensor that was bad. It was replaced under warranty. 2) The front brakes also were warped by 8000 miles and now again are warped. We don't drive this car very hard, and from my past experience, GM cars are known for premature rotor warpage. Am I going to have to deal with this every 8000 miles? Fixed again under warranty.

3) The AC would not cool on moderately warm days from the very beginning. After 2 trips, it was found that the A/C system was "discharged". They charged the system, and so far, so good. Fixed again under warranty.

General Comments:

When Saturn was first was "born", Saturn was very reliable (at least that's the impression I always had). But now, in my opinion, with "globalization", GM has diluted the Saturn brand. Just look at the engine. Its the same 2.2L Ecotec engine you can buy in an Olds Alero, Chevy Malibu, etc. This Saturn VUE is no better than a Chevy Malibu. GM raids their parts bin now for all cars, including Saturn and Saab. I've given GM many chances on many vehicles, but now, I'm not anymore.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd October, 2004

2003 Saturn VUE 2.2L Ecotec from North America

Summary:

I love my VUE

Faults:

An ABS (anti-lock brake system) wheel speed sensor failed.

General Comments:

The VUE handles well, is good on gas, and was an excellent bargain for the price I paid.

It's great for long trips (comfort and fuel economy) and the gas mileage is pretty good around town too.

It's very easy to do your own oil changes, as the oil filter is accessible from the top of the engine.

It can haul a significant amount of cargo with the seats folded down. I have used it to move twice and helped friends move multiple times. The fold-flat front passenger seat allows you to transport long or unusally shaped objects.

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

Review Date: 12th September, 2004

2003 Saturn VUE from North America

Summary:

Sad

Faults:

After having my car at the service department 4 times with same problem. My transmission was replace at 13000 miles. Yesterday my vue would not go over 10 mph without blowing it up. My service engine light and reduce speed light came on. The transmission was reving up. My vue had to be towed in to the shop that is 40 min away. Today they called and said the vue was fixed and they replaced the throttle sensor. It better be fixed! I love the car, but do not feel safe in this vue at all.

General Comments:

I love the way this car drives.

However I don't feel safe driving my family in it.

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

Review Date: 25th August, 2004

2003 Saturn VUE AWD 2.2L Ecotec from North America

Summary:

A great truck for the money!

Faults:

Front rotors warped at 30,000 miles, had to be machined.

Seats are hard, uncomfortable on my lower back.

Noisy Engine.

Very poor tires. Needed replaced at 25,00 miles.

General Comments:

Very smooth on the highway.

Good Gas mileage (23-25mpg @ 70+ mph)

Enormous cargo capacity!

VTI transmission is smooth and effortless.

A good bargain considering the competition and price.

Outstanding AWD performace, even in deep snow in the mountains!

Big enough for a family of 4 to take a comfortable weeks vacation!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2004

19th Sep 2004, 11:30

A lot of times a customer will blame the car or manufacturer for his own driving habits. Warped rotors are caused by excessive brake pedal pressure and or use. Worn tires are caused by agressive driving, excessively fast braking, and excessive acceleration. You think the vue is bad, you should see what some of my Audi customers do to their cars.

1st Sep 2005, 18:48

I see that someone had to replace the tires at 25,000 and had warped rotors at 30,000. My tires are shot at 28,000 and the dealer replaced my rotors at 25,000. Way too many problems for a supposedly reliable Saturn.