2003 Saturn VUE FWD from North America - Comments

We had a recent snow storm in the NW and I was shocked to find out that I could not back up the Vue out of the driveway, even after clearing away the snow (the driveway has a slight incline). The smallest amount of resistance stopped it. There was no power at all, even with the gas pedal all the way down. I also have a Honda Civic and even without the snow chains it went up the driveway. It was really frustrating to feel how easy the Civic went up the hill when compared with an SUV.

I was really shocked because so far I have been really pleased with the Vue.

Other than the "Change oil soon" light appearing right after changing the oil, nothing else went wrong with it.

I took it up to Mt. Hood in snow and it handled well, but I haven't had to back up. It seems that the problem is with the reverse power. Very disappointing. Hopefully the dealership can figure out what went wrong.

Generally I am pleased with the vue. Since snow is not an issue very often in the NW, I am not really concerned with the reverse problem.

I really like the way it handles on the road and the way it looks, and I still enjoy driving it.

I have a '03 vue 4cyl fwd and last year we had a good foot of snow with 4-5 foot drifts. I went snow driftin' thru them there 5 foot drifts. didn't even spin a wheel. Vues are great in snow, but not so great on ice.

Do you have traction control?

It may sound odd, but if you do, try turning it OFF in a situation like your driveway experience. Sometimes a little wheel spin will help get you moving in snow. The traction control will not allow any wheel spin at all and will cut your engine's power regardless of how far your gas pedal is depressed.

Had a similar problem where our 2003 FWD 4 cylinder Vue wouldn't climb a slight incline in 3-4" of snow.

Engine would die and wouldn't go over 800-1,000 rpm.

Emailed Saturn and they replied that this a design of the transmission control to protect the CVT from damaging wheel spin. They added there is a software update available through dealer that should reduced the problem.

I own a 2004 AWD Vue, I too was in the PNW snow and ice storm. The Vue is what got me to and from work during this time with no problems. I also own a SC2 which also got me to work in storms past. It was frozen in the street and couldn't get it out of the ice.. But the Vue saved the many icy snowy days for me!

I own a 2003 Vue, bought in April and 9 months later have 18000 miles on it with a trip to Utah and Colorado. It has performed well in all conditions. On icy-snow, you must be patient as the traction control will inch you up a hill. It cuts power until the wheels gain traction. Spinning wheels fast in snow never moved a car. Apart from a loose wire on my starter from the factory, this my 4th Saturn is great.

Mark

RE:Backing up in snow.

I had the same problem.. my VUE with variable transmission

4wd would not back uphill out of my driveway in 3-4" of snow. Would move a few inches and lose driving power.

Wheels were not slipping. Called a tow service and as he pulled me backwards the transmission took hold and everything was back to normal. Spoke to my dealer who, at that time, Dec 2003, had heard "something about this".

At next service interval they "tuned up the software" which should fix the problem. Will see next winter.

Cliff.