2005 Saturn VUE Reviews - Page 3 of 6

Ignition cylinder replaced twice. Receiver in sliding roof window mechanism replaced. Both under warranty. Rear wheel alignment is out and can only be fixed with after-market part.

Strong handling, Honda engine and distinct styling make this an attractive package that stands out from the crowd.

However, road noise is high and the quirky controls--designed evidently to be different rather than useful--take quite a while to learn. The on-demand AWD isn't much use in everyday driving; the lag leaves the slightly aggressive driver chirping the 18-inch low profile tires on starts and corners. But, at least, you'll be doing it from some of the more comfortable seats around.

Within the first month, the washer fluid reservoir began leaking. It was immediately and easily replaced at the dealer.

No other problems.

The car is roomy, comfortable, responsive and reliable. I have the leather seats and love them.

Although my overall mileage is relatively low, I drive this car on 4 hour trips several times a year and find it very comfortable. The step in height is also low, which is a plus to me. Although I'm relatively tall for a woman, SUV's with high step in heights are a hassle in a skirt and heels.

I drove my last Saturn for 10 years and expect to do the same with this one.

Engine control unit went at 10,000 kms.

Catalytic converter went at 28,000 kms.

Front strut and strut mounts went at 34,000kms.

Aside from the number of squeaks and weird noises - which I can live with, we have had serious issues with this vehicle. A vehicle, I point out, that has only 37,000 kilometres.

This first issue that came up was that of the engine control unit. One cold winter day, I had to have my car towed to the dealership after I tried starting it and it began spewing dark black exhaust. The vehicle was "fixed", but I was told to bring it back if it's not all better. Well, the next day it wasn't "all better", so I took it in and they replaced the engine control unit. If they knew, it wasn't really fixed, why did they send me away?

Next is the catalytic converter issue. Which, I didn't think I had to worry about until oh, I don't know, let's say 100,000 kms. Wow, was I ever wrong. At 28,000 kms, I had to have this replaced.

Finally, I say this as an ending to my story to this point, and not as a naive hope that nothing else will go wrong with this useless vehicle, we had to have the front strut and strut mounts replaced at 34,000 kms.

I cannot believe I have had this many things go wrong in the short period of time we have owned the vehicle.