2002 Saturn VUE review from North America

It all started the week I picked up my new SUV. I heard a vibrating noise near the driver's side defrost vent. (Near the VIN Number. I took it in and the dealer could not find problem so they said there was none. It sounds like a metal cricket. Kinda annoying, but it's all in my head I guess.

Then the center console paint/plastic started to peel. Since I had not ordered the self-molting model, I decided to send it back to the dealer and they promptly replaced the panel.

Next, the A/C unit went out on one of the hottest days of the year (last year). Had an infant in the car and was making a 4 hour commute. Took it to the dealership and they replaced it with one from another Vue that was on the lot. (I feel bad for the person that got that truck).

Driver's side automatic window sticks in the open position if opened with the "one-touch opening" feature. So I have to stop it right before the door eats it. Not even worth taking it in because of all the other mechanical problems.

What is a steering boot? Started making a squeaking noise. Took it to the dealership, (my warranty had since expired at 36,000 miles with no reasonable options to extend it). Dealer found the problem and told me that it "just" needed to be lubricated.

Wheel bearing assembly broke and made the truck sound like a jet engine. Nice if you are operating a F-16, not so nice if you are trying to keep the neighbor's happy.

3 words.. Chocolate Milk Commercial... you know the one... where people do various things to mix up there bottles of chocolate mild. Well, sit in the truck, and try braking after going over 50 mph. Presto! Delicious drink, well shaken. Dealer said that the rotors are warped and now the truck is back in the shop so they can be fixed.

2 years and 44 thousand miles later, it leaves me with a sinking feeling. If this is what has been happening so far... what does the future hold. I'll tell you...CarMax. :)

This is a great vehicle if you don't mind all the mechanical problems.

Stereo and speakers could be better. I would rather not have to turn my radio all the way up to hear what the artists are singing about. I tweaked with the equilizer... and still the same results... crappy radio.

I'm am very grateful to my local dealer's service station. Without them, I never would have met that really hot service guy! Can't complain about the great service, they got me a loaner car at least. Don't know what I would have done without them.