4 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 41 through 50 of 396.00
  • Its Ok to Buy American Again - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Just bought 2 weeks ago, this car is a lot of fun to drive. The 5 speed is great, lots of room, great (blue) color. Lots of people notice this car. Not the same old, same old SUV look, and looks like it costs thousands more. Im a Nissan/Mazda devotee, but was impressed with ratings, so Im hoping this car proves its OK to buy American again...

  • FUN TO DRIVE! - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Drove by the dealership on an errand and a blue model caught my wifes and my attention. Had to stop and check it out. Friendly salesman, Shannon, had us take a test drive, and my wife was hooked! Had been considering AWD but decided for the price, FWD was fine for us. Got 0% 60-month financing and the monthly payments we were looking for. Comfortable ride, handles well, sufficient power, and looks great - love the color. Junst a note - if you get one with color-keyed bumpers, be sure to get the stick-on bumper pad to protect the finish!

  • My views on the VEW - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    At firstI was not to taken with the VEW however over time I have become quite fond of it. On the highway it holds the road well. I have not really had it of road enough to qulify it. I am not overly enthused with its gas milage and If you are runing around 50mph with the front windows up and the back down (so your dog can enjoy the ride)the vibration from the door panels flexing is deffening.[ this does not occure with all windows open or closed.] If you are planing to use it only in town you might consider the 4cyl. I have the 6cyl with AWD and am quite happy with it but will tell you more when I reach 100,000.

  • Great SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I just picked up my VUE a few days ago. So far, the vehicle meets or exceeds all expectations. The CVT transmission is glass smooth, and runs at lower RPM on the highway than even the manual transmission equipped VUE. Kudos to Saturn of Arlington. This is the first time Ive ever been allowed a 90 MILE test drive. Fuel mileage for its first fill up came in at 23.6 mpg - not bad considering the car had only a few hundred miles on the odometer. Fit and finish is superb. Im hoping that the same level of attention was given to the CVT. Acceleration is about average for a four cylinder vehicle this size.

  • Great SUV; some problems - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I bought the VUE new in September of 2003 and have loved it. Ive always had good gas mileage and it has always been dependable. After owning it 6 years I finally had to replace the battery (replaced the tires at 5 years). The only major problem Ive had was an electrical short that cost me $1000 to fix. I first took to a Saturn dealer in December and they tried but obviously did not have anymore experienced mechanics. I finally took to my local GM dealer (Chevrolet) and it took a couple of trips but their mechanic knew what he was doing! It still runs great and this is the 3rd Saturn Ive owned and I would buy another if Saturns werent being phased out!

  • Reliable and Safe - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I bought my Vue used in 2004 with 16,000 miles. I have had a couple of big things go wrong (transmission control module, water pump), but thats to be expected in a 9 year old, lower end car. I bought an after market extended warranty for $1,500 that is still in effect even now, and its been worth it. I now have over 120,000 miles on it and I still feel like its very reliable. My sister in law also had one - rolled it 9.5 times on the interstate and walked away with just bumps and bruises. Very safe!

  • 1st year out - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I wasnt even in the market for a new car when the Vue came rolling off the truck. I purchased the first one off the truck because I liked the look and the test drive of the demo. I received a great deal from the dealer as they were trying to push the Vue to get them seen on the road. I knew going into the car that I was going to have problems as do most cars in the first year of intro.Although Ive had several problems, mostly pertaining to the fuel portion of the vehicle, it has been a great car. Ill wait a year or two before trading it in for a new one, thus giving them the chance to fix the bugs.

  • Good, inexpensive SUV - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    After comparing SUVs in the 20K range for a while, I settled on buying her the Vue. The interior isnt the best, but it works, is comfortable, and most importantly, is big for the price. The optional CD sound system is terrific. Spirited driving can be rewarded IF and only IF the driver is smooth with imputs to the throttle. The CVT does not respond very well to abrupt throttle changes, but is very acceptable for reasonable driving.

  • VUE just not ready for consumers - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I got this vehicle in June 03. By the end of July it was back to the dealer for 2 different transmission problems and the rear differential had to be replaced on the third trip. The VTI transmission is terribly flawed with problems. Starting to make noise yet again and I dread going back to the dealer with more problems. Other than a bad transmission the vehicle is great but thats a huge flaw. The VTI transmission is not ready to be on the market in this vehicle.

  • Great Crossover Vehicle - 2003 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Our VUE fits all of our needs. We went from two cars to one, and we couldnt be happier with the utility this provides. The interior looks kind of cheap, but thats OK. I dont mind hauling 2X4s, mulch, etc. in it since I dont have to worry about destroying a beautiful interior. We carry our road bikes, camping gear and ski gear in it. Weve never gotten stuck in the snow. We also drive it to work in the city every day. Dent proof doors and tight turning radius are invaluable there. Weve also taken many road trips, and it is very comfortable. Road and wind noise are awful, though.

Saturn VUE Reviews By Year:
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