2003 Saturn Vue Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Saturn's first SUV is priced and equipped to compete against compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, but is the longest vehicle in its class. For 2003, it adds a previously unavailable powertrain combination and optional leather upholstery. Vue features 4-cyl and V6 engines, seats five, and has Saturn's traditional dent-resistant plastic body panels. Both the 4-cyl and V6 models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The V6 previously came only with AWD. The AWD lacks low-range gearing. Front-drive 4-cyl models use a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic. The CVT furnishes variable drive ratios instead of conventional gear changes. AWD 4-cyl Vues come only with the CVT. V6 Vues use a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission. Options include ABS, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and OnStar assistance. New for 2003 is an option package that includes leather upholstery, heated front seats with lumbar adjustment, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Vue has a liftgate without separate-opening glass. Its spare tire is under the rear load floor. The split rear seat works with a fold-down front-passenger seatback to accommodate long objects.

Competition

Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.

News

Vue drew some 75,500 sales through the end of 2002. That's not great for a new entry in one of today's healthiest market segments, though initial deliveries were delayed by production glitches that have presumably been ironed out now. But a new problem looms: Chevrolet's Vue-based 2004 Equinox, which could well steal some Vue sales even though Saturn beats Chevy hands-down for customer satisfaction. All's fair in love and business, but we're still puzzled that GM would sabotage Saturn's critically important first SUV in this way.

At least GM has put some money where its mouth is so Saturn can further expand its lineup. Besides a new midsize car for 2006, Saturn is reportedly in for a crossover "sport wagon" built on GM's much-delayed "Lambda" platform. Sister divisions will get their own versions, however, and the Saturn apparently won't show up until still-distant 2008. It will be larger than Vue, but not a replacement.

The Vue itself is said to be on a five-year "cycle plan," which would take today's basic design to 2007. What happens then is unknown. In the interim, Vue will likely see some styling changes--fairly easy and cheap with Saturn's signature plastic-like body panels--and should add a few new features to stay in the compact-SUV hunt.

2003 Saturn Vue Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Engine noise

Passenger and cargo room	Steering/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		27
Average Score		47
High Score		62

2003 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/02/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, manual	$16,325	$15,226	$575

2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, CVT	$18,110	$16,886	$575

AWD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, CVT	$19,560	$18,235	$575

2WD V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$21,260	$19,816	$575

AWD V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$22,910	$21,350	$575

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

4 cylinder

Powertrain

2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Safety

Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio, tachometer, visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, remote liftgate release, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

215/70SR16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/65SR16 tires.

V6 adds to 4 cylinder:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Traction control, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, cargo organizer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/65SR16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, alloy wheels. Deletes: traction control, antilock brakes.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Power Pkg.
4 cylinder	$1,360	$1,265
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Leather Pkg.
4 cylinder, V6	$995	$925
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 4 cylinder requires Power Pkg.

Active Expression Pkg.
AWD	$1,225	$1,139
Neoprene front-seat covers, rubber cargo and floormats, side steps, roof rack, grille guard.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
4 cylinder, V6	$395	$367


Antilock brakes
4 cylinder, V6	$600	$558
2WD 4 cylinder includes traction control. Std. 2WD V6.

Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar Communications System
4 cylinder, V6	$695	$646
Includes one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available). Requires automatic transmission, AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. 4 cylinder requires Power Pkg.

Power sunroof
4 cylinder, V6	$725	$675
4 cylinder requires Power Pkg.

AM/FM/CD player
4 cylinder	$290	$270


AM/FM/cassette/CD player
4 cylinder	$510	$474
V6	$220	$205


AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
4 cylinder	$790	$735
V6	$500	$465


Advanced radio system
4 cylinder, V6	$295	$274
Upgraded sound system. Requires AM/FM/cassette/CD player or AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. 4 cylinder requires Power Pkg.

Floormats
4 cylinder, V6	$80	$74


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Engine-block heater
AWD V6	$35	$33


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Fog lights
AWD 4 cylinder	$170	$158


Alloy wheels
4 cylinder, 2WD V6	$400	$372

2003 Saturn Vue Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Saturn Vue 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.6

Overall Length, in.	181.3

Overall Width, in.	71.5

Overall Height, in.	66.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3361

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	63.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.2 /134	3.0 /181

Horsepower @ rpm.	143 @ 5400	181 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4000	195 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/28	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	19/25

CVT automatic	21/26	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Saturn Vue 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	Saturns have a 30-day, 1500-mile money back guarantee.

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2003 Saturn Vue Photos

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Saturn Vue Road Test

Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment

Saturn Vue Specs & Safety

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