For the first time after a rain storm found water on both front floorboards. Where should we find the leak?
The back side of the flooring was also wet.
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2003 Saturn VUE Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Saturn VUE
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by Dave H
Oct 09, 2022
I bought this car a year ago while looking for a good used compact SUV. I compared it with the Subaru Forester and Toyota Rav4 in similar years. So far I am pleasantly surprised. It still looks quite good with many plastic body panels that never rust, it drives nice and averages 30 mpg. All of the Rav4s were 2x the price and many of the Subarus had the engine death rattle and a gazillion miles. I think this Saturn Vue was a great find!Oct 09, 2022
by Laurie P
May 20, 2022
Never heard of the Saturn Vue, but the car is perfect for my daughter to take to college just to drive around. The price and quality and service at the dealership was on point. Very satisfied.May 20, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 12, 2021
Nice!
I am disabled, so I will only buy SUVs!!
They are much safer than cars!!Jul 12, 2021
User rating:
by Dave H
Oct 09, 2022
I bought this car a year ago while looking for a good used compact SUV. I compared it with the Subaru Forester and Toyota Rav4 in similar years. So far I am pleasantly surprised. It still looks quite good with many plastic body panels that never rust, it drives nice and averages 30 mpg. All of the Rav4s were 2x the price and many of the Subarus had the engine death rattle and a gazillion miles. I think this Saturn Vue was a great find!Oct 09, 2022
by Laurie P
May 20, 2022
Never heard of the Saturn Vue, but the car is perfect for my daughter to take to college just to drive around. The price and quality and service at the dealership was on point. Very satisfied.May 20, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 12, 2021
Nice!
I am disabled, so I will only buy SUVs!!
They are much safer than cars!!Jul 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Jul 09, 2011
We bought this car used. The trade in value is terrible. The heater/AC fan stopped working 2 weeks after we bought it. Water comes out of the tail pipe. It has room for 5 , although it is a tight fit. The steering wheel squeaks when you make turns. I do not feel safe in this car. You have to concentrate very hard, so you don't run off the road, and be really careful around turns, because it feels like you will tip over. Now that Saturn has closed, it is hard to find a dealer nearby that will work on it. Our car is worth about 3,000 and we still owe 8,000. I don't think that we could ever sell it for what we owe.Jul 09, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2011
performance 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!Apr 07, 2011
by Britni S
Jan 04, 2011
This car is a great car for the winter thanks to the AWD. The V6 engine is awesome and has so much more power than the box did. The 2003's do have some issues, but after they are resolved it is a wonderful car. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone. Jan 04, 2011
by Kodi M
Aug 01, 2010
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. Aug 01, 2010
by Sara B
Jun 22, 2010
I 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.Jun 22, 2010
by Sean M
Mar 02, 2010
uber 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.Mar 02, 2010
by Renee S
Sep 16, 2009
The 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. Sep 16, 2009
by Bridgett S
Aug 09, 2009
As 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!!Aug 09, 2009
by Denise P
Feb 14, 2009
Seats 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.Feb 14, 2009
by Stan W
Nov 01, 2008
Has 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.Nov 01, 2008
by Whitney F
Oct 07, 2008
The 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!Oct 07, 2008
by Ian M
Jun 22, 2008
It works, but thats about it...the performance is pretty much TERRIBLE, steering is so numb that you can't tell when you turn the wheel (which is bad...), its not terribly ugly, yet certainly has room to improve. It rattles all over the place, and you're not the life of the party when you pull up...Jun 22, 2008
by Karissa S
Jun 19, 2008
My dogs fit in it and it can haul all my crap to agility trials.Jun 19, 2008
by Jason P
Jun 15, 2008
Big 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? Jun 15, 2008
by James E
Mar 14, 2008
this car is sooo slo. might as well not have an engine. The more recent ones are better though. Id rather have it than a toyota or honda though.Mar 14, 2008
by Yevette W
Feb 28, 2008
At this point in my life (old fart) I would rather "climp up into" a vehicle then "climb up out of" one. Can really hold a lot more cargo then you think.Feb 28, 2008
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2003 Saturn VUE?Compare this car
2003 Saturn VUE Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,125 to $23,810Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent