2005 Saturn VUE review from North America

The question should be "What things have not gone wrong with the car" that would be much quicker to type.

2002 VUE I owned: Transmission and clutch failed at 30000miles. (After replacing several computer chips; ignition cylinder housing; and power steering; entire dash and everything else electronic failed.

2005 VUE (FORCED to get in order to junk the above car) received in January - and had several problems before its first oil change.

I have a 2005 Saturn Vue (manual transmission). I received my 2005 after my FABULOUS experience with my 2002 Saturn Vue's (also manual) - let me explain: In the 2002 VUE I had several computer chips fail and replaced causing the loss of power steering; no ability to view the gas gauge; mileage; and speedometer; stalling - estimate of $1,500.00 after those repairs were complete. I also had the ignition housing cylinder replaced (caused by one of the computer chips failing). I continued on the venture with my Saturn VUE only to find that more stalling occurs (ironically on an extremely busy road) and my car coasts slowly to the side of the road. Diagnosis: Need a new transmission and a new clutch at 30,000miles ($3000.00). Having the transmission failure being the last straw, and lets not forget the full day of 'fabulous' customer service from the sales and service center followed by slight threatening of a phone call and letter to GM, they graciously decided to work out a deal to junk that car and start over (in efforts to please the first time buyer to the 'reliable' Saturn family). The 2005 was pretty much a clone to the 2002 (with features) and I decided to put the past behind me and start fresh. However, 3 weeks into my brand new purchase (and a brand new 5 years in debt to Saturn), I had my very first problem. The car would not go into any gears. No fret! My girlfriend and I (both fashioning heels and fashion show attire) were able to push the light weight 'sporty' utility vehicle into a valid parking spot and anxiously awaited the tow truck. After having my car for several days, I was able to return the rental truck (which I loved much more) and drive off with a brand new clutch slave cylinder. I made it to my very first oil change; and right as that occurred, I heard a very disturbing and NEW noise coming from the back of the vehicle. Unaware of at what point of the 3 to 6000 miles my car decided to turn into a 'diesel' - I brought 'ol reliable' in to receive confirmation of this new concern, and after only 3 hours later (for a 1 hour job) I received a new muffler and exhaust clamp! However, I did have to bring it in 2 days later since the problem still existed. I left the Saturn facility today, after being told that they only tightened everything again, and they are "SURE" that the problem will not come back, and that sometimes in the cold - cars make funny noises. After I twirled my hair and batted my eyes, I picked up my keys and vowed never to buy another plastic, I mean Saturn, again.

PS - the 2002 VUE that was junked - the dealer sold it as a used VUE (My deepest sympathies go out to the individual who purchased it).