2003 Saturn Vue: Road Test
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2003 Saturn Vue ▼
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- MSRP: $16,325 -$22,910
- Invoice: $15,226 -$21,350
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Our road test for the 2003 Saturn Vue includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Saturn Vue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Saturn Vue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Saturn Vue help you decide if a 2003 Saturn Vue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 3.7 |
Saturn says 4-cyl Vues do 10.2 sec 0-60 mph with CVT, 11.1 with manual transmission. That's comparable to 4-cyl rivals. CVT models accelerate smoothly from a standstill, deliver almost instantaneous passing power. Saturn's claim of 8.4 sec 0-60 for V6 Vue puts it among quickest compact SUVs. Its 5-speed automatic can slur upshifts and downshifts, but doesn't hunt between gears.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test AWD V6 Vue averaged 18.3 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure 4 cyl. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Tires, suspension do a good job absorbing the worst bumps and expansion joints. Mild side-to-side rocking motions annoy, however.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Vue's electric power steering is vague on-center, doesn't impart much road feel, and seems to supply varying degrees of assist at parking speeds. Suspension is tuned for ride comfort, so Vue leans more in corners than Escape or CR-V and tends to noseplow where most compact SUVs feel nimble. Stopping power feels adequate.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Engine noise intrusive under rapid acceleration. In fact, Vue's 4 cyl is quieter than its V6 in most conditions. Road noise rather high, freeway wind noise low.
CONTROLS
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Clearly marked gauges. Logical dashboard layout, though climate controls a bit small, and power-window switches inconveniently arrayed in center console. Some thin plastic materials imply cost-cutting.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Good leg and head room even with optional sunroof. Mounting gearshift at base of dashboard frees floor space for purses and the like. The chairlike bucket seats are very soft and somewhat short on lateral bolstering, and some testers complain of insufficient lumbar support. We've not tested a Vue with the newly optional leather seats with adjustable lumbar support.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Ample head space, adequate leg room, but seats less supportive, less comfortable than many rivals'. Clever design allows two child seats to remain in place while one seatback section folds flat. No ceiling-mounted grab handles to ease entry and exit, but step-in height very low.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Longer load floor than most rivals, but rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat. Fold-flat front seat and standard pop-up cargo organizer are nice touches, though organizer's plastic walls are unsubstantial. Interior storage otherwise nothing special.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
What Vue lacks in handling it makes up for in versatility, ride quality, and accommodations. Added attractions are dent-resistant body panels, competitive pricing, and the high customer-satisfaction ratings for Saturn's dealership experience and no-haggle price strategy.
Total Score
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 53 | 54 | 47.1 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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