2002 Saturn VUE from North America - Comments

Throttle body assembly replaced at 18,000 and 38,000 miles ($1200 jobs).

Fuel pump out at 39,000 miles ($950 job).

Coolant leak around oil pump at 38,000 miles ($800 job).

Alarm system malfunctioning at 38,000 miles (not going to be fixed - cause undetermined).

I bought it at 1 year old because it had great acceleration, which ended up costing me over $2,000 over 3 years.

Cabin is roomy, but engine noise comes through.

How can you have a coolant leak around your oil pump, when your oil pump in inside your oil pan. And if you have engine coolant inside your oil than you have a huge (eg: head-gasket) problem.

This poster's likely problem is with the oil cooler, not the pump. In the L81 V6 engine, the oil cooler sits on top of the engine, between the two valve covers. This is a common problem on the early L81's and isn't too easy to fix. The later model years of this engine seem to fare better.

I vividly remember reading an article in 2002 about the then new Vue. They boasted that the V6 equipped models would have a Honda motor. I remember thinking "Great! At least the engine should be pretty good if nothing else." assuming the Vue would be a piece of junk.

Saturn has never built a vehicle a day in its existence that wasn't riddled with major engine/transmission design flaws, among other problems. That's sad because I've always liked the company, the cars, and the concept. No wonder in order to keep the brand alive, Saturn had to completely change the way it does business, now using European cars for the basis of their models in the US. It's sad, but I guess if it's an improvement in the quality of their cars it's worth it!

I liked Saturn's original unique image, but this new sporty European image is very appealing in my eyes as well, since it's coming from an American car company. Isn't it ironic that Cadillac (also GM owned) is making their cars sportier and more European-like as well? Hmm...I see a trend developing.