2002 Saturn VUE review from North America

I purchased an 2002 Saturn Vue from a dealership; of course they told me it was a wonderful car and all the salesmen had one too.

I purchased the vehicle because I recently had a baby and needed something with more space.

Approx. a year after I had it, the throttle body goes out on me, which caused the service engine soon light as well as the reduced power light to come on. At this point the car drives a max of 10mph.

So I take it to the Saturn dealership for the first time, the first of many many many times. They tell me that the ECM has gone out and it will be replaced at no out of pocket expense to me, because this part has gone out in a other Vue's and Saturn has decided to warranty the repair.

Three days later they call me and tell me the repair is done and my car is ready. I go down to pick it up, and as soon as I turn the car on, the "service engine" lights up. At this point I go inside and tell the service tech, he comes out and says they have to keep it to see why the light's on.

The next day they call and tell me that the throttle body has gone out as well to the tune of just under $1200.00. The next day they call and tell me that that part is no longer being manufactured by GM, and all they can do is replace it with a used part, but hey they say good news... the used part is only $900.00 but only has a 30 day warranty.

So a used part replaced a week later, I drive away, wouldn't you know it, the Service light comes on within 30 minutes. I take it back to the service dept. They shut the light off... tell me it was a sensor and it should be fine.

Many check engine lights turned off and many "sensor" problems later, and about 28 days, I take it in again. This time they tell me they know I am concerned about the cost, and the warranty shortly going to be gone on this used part, they assure me that they will "take care of me" if the part goes out in the next "couple" of months, that they will replace it. They tell me they have what they need from the numerous codes they have gotten to replace this part. But again the part is not being manufactured, so they best they can do is replace it with another used one that will no doubt give me trouble.

SOOOO I call Saturn Corp. office; bound to get to get something done about this. In 2 days I find out that the part is being manufactured, that it was on hold with a release date of the next day. Had the technicians at my dealership told me this, I would have opted to wait for a new part rather than chance a used one breaking down on me while I am driving my 1 yr old child.

I call my dealership let them know what I have discovered and they pretty much tell me that I am liable for the cost and installation of the new part; so much for taking care of me...

I am currently awaiting a call from Saturns Corporate office to let me know if they are going to cover any if not all of the cost of this new part. Wish me luck.

I don't know if I will have any in reading other peoples experiences with them. Saturns are shotty and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone, and their customer service is horrible to say the least.

It's a cheaply made car.

A money pit.

Saturn customer service is horrible.

You never know when you are going to break down, very unreliable.