2003 Saturn VUE review from North America

At 5000km, the rubber around the windows in the rear began to come away and the window tint (installed at dealership) was already pealing.

At 17,000km a vibrating noise could be heard coming from the front left wheel. Turned out to be a bad wheel bearing.

One week after the wheel bearing was replaced, a similar noise could be heard from the right rear wheel. Service department determined it was coming from the right front wheel. It was replaced.

The noise was still present coming from the rear right wheel and the vehicle was returned yet again. Service department confirmed the wheel bearing was bad. I demanded that they replace both remaining bearings. It was agreed.

At approximately 27,000km, a creaking noise could be heard coming from the front of the vehicle when cornering. It was determined that a strut was causing the noise. Parts to be ordered and replacement done.

At 33,000km, the interior door panel (front passenger side) hooked the door sill and when the door was opened, busted the retaining clips off. Parts ordered and replaced.

At 34,500km, the linkage from the shifter fell off inside the console. Parts ordered and is in the shop for repair.

If this vehicle did not have the bad history, it would rank very high in the "pleasure to drive" area.

The cost of the vehicle is comparatively small compared to others in it's market, however, It is my belief that the lower cost was achieved using cheap quality parts.

It is a shame such a sharp SUV has not lived up to Saturn's standards.