2 Star Reviews for 2003 Saturn VUE

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.02/5 Average
396 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

New last year, the Vue gets only minor changes for 2003. V6 models are now available with front-wheel drive, while a new options package bundles together heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A new optional audio system includes a subwoofer, 180-watt amplifier and six door-mounted speakers.

Pros:
  • Large doors ease entry/exit, extensive choice of drivetrains, spacious cabin, excellent crash test scores.
Cons:
  • Bland interior, low-grade plastics, noisy four-cylinder, vague steering.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 396.00
  • 4th Transmission now needed - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I purchased my Vue in 2003--after owning 2 different Saturn Sedans. 6 mos after purchase had to have both rear wheel bearings replaced. Then came the transmission problems. I am about to have the 4th transmission put in in only 96k miles. I am very angry GM will pay only 50% of the $4800 cost. I am disabled and on Social Security Disability and my funds are limited. I feel the trans should be replaced in full since this is the 4th time around for me. If anyone has any one has had any luck.

  • Poor Quality - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I have the 2003 Vue and have had so many problems. I wish Saturn would do something to help us with the transmission problems. For those of us too honest to "accidentally" back into the salt water on the coast it is awfully expensive to replace a transmission ($5,000) when you havent been driving it for very long. I dont believe I will ever choose a Saturn product again. No wonder north american auto manufacturers are losing out to foreign cars. Cant seem to get any help from anyone at Saturn either.

  • They bought it back! - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Got a great deal (Spring sales Event)on a 2.2 4 cylinder 2wd fully loaded VUE. Loved the vehicle. My wife still owns an original Saturn. (Doesnt count for anything at Saturn) 3,000 miles translated into 3 visits to the Saturn Service Department and 3 different rental cars. The vehicle suffered reduced power on 3 different occassions at 3 different rates of speed and road conditions. Saturn couldnt fix it and bought it back under our states Lemon Law telling me I can get a replacement vehicle. That is if I wanted to pay the additional $7,000 more for a comparably equipped Vue. Yeah right!

  • Fix the defect before selling anymore - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I have had my Vue for 3 months and the problems have already started. When I called the service dept., I was told that the Vue has a defective part that Saturn is still trying to fix. He also told me that they could only replace the part and in 3-4 months it would have to be replaced again. However, my sales rep. denies this claim by the service department. I do not feel safe driving this SUV anymore due to the defective part in the steering---I cant believe a company would continue (or be allowed)to sell these vehicles until the problem was fixed, or they should disclose the information to the buyer.

  • MY NIGHTMARE ..PC OF JUNK - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I CANT BOLIVE I GOT THIS CAR ......TO START ,THIS CAR WHENT TO SERVICE 20 TIMES FOR THE SAME POBLEM;;; 1 - FRONT END SUSPENSION 2- AC COPRESSOR 3- LOOSE PARTS 4 LOOSE DOOR 5- PULING TO LEFT SIDE 6- STRONG RATTLE NOISE FRONT END 7- HAND BRK DONSENT WORK WELL 8- LOSE OF HP ,AND ABSOURD GAS CONSUPTION .. 9- ITS A PLASTIC CAR UNSAFE PLEASE IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SUV ,DONT GO ON THIS ONE .....IF YOU GO GOOD LUCK.. YOU WILL NEED

  • Would Not Buy Another - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Our 2nd & last Saturn. Pricing very high for type. Too many things optional vs. Asian models, esp. with fixed price. Terrible depreciation (>25% in 2 yrs). Really annoyed we could not use their 0% financing. Had to order one to get side airbags. 0% expired by time we got car. Very poor interior quality. Too much plastic. Hazard switch and visor mirror broke. Carpets thin like paper. Carpet and seat fabrics stain quickly & dont clean up well. Plastic is porous and holds crayon and other stains, unlike my 95 SUV that I sold with 135K. Noisy engine but very powerful for this size car. Terrible torque steer. Poor mileage for a 6 cyl. Several other SUVs that year would have been better bet.

  • Glad To Drive a Standard! - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    My Saturn (which we purchased used) has been great...until recently. We put a lot of miles on the poor thing and use it for all that its worth and it still starts up! If youre looking for a car to get you from point A to point B with no particular thrills or any real "excitement," then I would absolutely recommend only this model. However, I highly recommend you DONT tow anything heavy with this car...it just cant handle it! However, I have no real complaints (didnt replace the clutch until recently and have only started to see some problems with the car). She has almost 168,000 miles and shes still going (fairly) strong. Go VUE!

  • Hate this Vue - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I have had it almost 6 months and went from loving it to hating it. It is really pretty to look at but not pretty to own. One issue after the other. First I was told I would get mpg in high 20s in city and 30s hwy. Best ever has been 21mpg on hwy. Hard to start at random times. Started making clicking/zipper noises in steering wheel when you turn and had to be regreased and from what I read, itll come back. Keep having electrical tape and plastic fall on my feet. Very noisy/rattles. Hate loud suspension. Hate transmission. Air bag light goes on and off at random times. Carpet/seats cheap and stain easily. Discovered all these things are common with the Vue. Trading it in at a loss.

  • Wanted Inexpensive, Got Cheap - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I read all the reviews and was hoping for an inexpensive small SUV. Thought I would be fiscally "wise". Got a cheap, poorly crafted car. Been to the shop multiple times. Car doesnt start when temp is below 60. Thank goodness I live in South Florida. Dont buy this car! Save your money and purchase a better vehicle. I will be trading mine in before it is a year old and taking the financial hit.

  • Saturn losing its charm. - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    After a wonderful dealer experience with my first Saturn several years ago, my Vue experience was akin to the same old typical b.s.you expect elsewhere. This manual is difficult to shift and noone can seem to fix it. The size is great and its wonderful on the highway, but I wouldnt do it again.

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