2003 Saturn VUE Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Saturn VUE SUV developed a bit of a split personality in 2003. Consumers now had the option to choose the more rugged Outdoor...
The Saturn VUE SUV developed a bit of a split personality in 2003. Consumers now had the option to choose the more rugged Outdoor Expression or the more stylish Urban Expression. The outdoor version features a prominent front bar, a roomy roof rack for your canoe, 16 inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a hand-held GPS to help you find your way. The urban version has 18 inch wheels, integrated navigation, and a rear seat video game system for the young at heart.
The 2003 Saturn VUE SUV also added a new trim to the lineup. In addition to the FWD 4 cylinder, AWD 4 cylinder, and AWD V6, Saturn introduced the AWD V6 with 5 speed automatic transmission. Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) technology enhances acceleration and handling in the 4 cylinder models and gas consumption still runs at around 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway for all trims. New options include driver lumbar support, a re-vamped audio system with an 8 inch subwoofer, a 180 watt amplifier, and a power sunroof.
Overall, the 2003 Saturn VUE SUV made a conscientious effort to diversify while preserving what worked in 2002. The new options and urbanized feel appealed to a broader demographic. Handling and road noise remain the most noticeable issues with the new model. However, despite the recurring inconveniences, the 2003 Saturn VUE SUV shows GM's commitment to improving an already solid brand.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Saturn VUE appreciate its attractive design, fuel efficiency, and roomy interior. Many enjoy the manual transmission and find it fun to drive. However, some drivers mention discomfort in the seats and a desire for more power during acceleration. While the vehicle is considered reliable for a budget-friendly option, it lacks some modern technology and features."
I loved this car. It had a sun roof, leather seats. The exterior was great too! It performed quite well, and the reason we had to trade it in was because it did not have enough seating for a growing family.
August 1, 2010The quality of this car I would have to say rocks. It is a standard and get GREAT gas mileage. It only cost us $14000 and had 20000 miles on it...It's a standard so it keeps you entertained. Especially during rush hour traffic! It is great when you are moving because it is very spacious! I hope that one day I might get to afford a newer vue! They are really really nice!
October 7, 2008uber sleeper. ultimate saturn, besides the saturn sky. No one expects this truck to move as fast as it does. Sure fuel economy isnt the best, but when you are humming by some old V6 camaros I think its worth it. Overall nice truck. Not bad in the snow either.
March 2, 2010What owners say
I loved this car. It had a sun roof, leather seats. The exterior was great too! It performed quite well, and the reason we had to trade it in was because it did not have enough seating for a growing family.
August 1, 2010The quality of this car I would have to say rocks. It is a standard and get GREAT gas mileage. It only cost us $14000 and had 20000 miles on it...It's a standard so it keeps you entertained. Especially during rush hour traffic! It is great when you are moving because it is very spacious! I hope that one day I might get to afford a newer vue! They are really really nice!
October 7, 2008uber sleeper. ultimate saturn, besides the saturn sky. No one expects this truck to move as fast as it does. Sure fuel economy isnt the best, but when you are humming by some old V6 camaros I think its worth it. Overall nice truck. Not bad in the snow either.
March 2, 2010Has enough power for a 4 cyl. Drives so nice and is comfortable to ride in which is very important to me. Got a very good deal on it. Seems a little heavy on gas consumption but tolerable. No longer look at something I think may be better. Easy to maintain.
November 1, 2008performance is adequate with acceleration and breaking good,but handling is sub-par.Hav'nt needed many repairs in the two years of ownership.Other than wheel bearings and valve cover gaskets,just regular maintenance.Did have the spark plugs replaced when I had the gaskets done because you have to take the intake off to change the plugs.Exterior styling is good because its a little different than the typical suv(a little more rugid looking).The interior is rather basic and straight forward without much thought to styling.But it is layed out well,including centrally located controls.More geared towards function rather than eye appeal,but everything is there.Economical to drive,including great gas mileage for an suv(about 28mpg city)and fairly cheap to repair.Has a good stance and sets up tall for good visibility which makes it fun to drive for my wife!
April 7, 2011I like that it's a manual transmission. Makes it fun to drive. Wish it had a sun roof but still overall like the car. Has plenty of room to store stuff, tote stuff around. Nothing too exciting about it. My friend calls it the gramma car.
June 22, 2010Seats aren't comfortable. I like the way it runs. Very attractive car. I like the heated seats. People tend to think it was more costly than it really was because of it's looks. I enjoy driving the car but would like to have faster take off, but it isn't bad on gas mileage. Nice car nice car. Cheaper than the Honda Civic we had our eye on.
February 14, 2009Big enough for me and all my friends to go on long road trips with all our gear (castle conquest FTW), 4 cylinder for some sweet 30+mpg, and its 5 speed. what more do i need?
June 15, 2008The quality of this vehicle is about middle of the road. I'm sure VUE's have improved over the last 6 years. They are not very expensive but I wouldn't really call them 'cheap'. I've never really had any problems to speak of. It is starting get a few old age sounds but I'm sure a little grease will help that.
September 16, 2009As a 2003 you have to expect that it doesn't have all the new technology that all the new cars and SUV's have today. But its truly a great car for your son, daughter, even yourself. Cheap, good on gas, and for Upstate New York its a must to have AWD!!
August 9, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $22,160 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 181 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,360 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $23,810 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 181 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $17,125 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.2L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 30.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
