2004 Saturn VUE Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A well-thought-out and capable mini sport-ute, the Vue's unimpressive interior and sloppy steering keep it from challenging the class leaders in this segment.
Pros
Strong V6, large doors ease entry/exit, spacious cabin, comfortable ride, excellent crash test scores, good fuel economy.
Cons
Bland interior, low-grade plastics, inconsistent build quality, noisy four-cylinder, vague steering.
What's New for 2004
A new 3.5-liter V6 replaces the previous 3.0-liter unit. Larger 17-inch wheels and tires are now standard on the V6 AWD model and optional on the front-wheel-drive version. Antilock brakes are standard on all V6 models. The interior has been upgraded to reduce noise and now incorporates metallic and leather trim. The front seats now have seatbelt pre-tensioners and dual-stage front airbags. New entertainment choices include MP3-compatible CD players, satellite radio and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system (late availability).
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
piece of junk
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've had nothing but problems with this car. Once it was out of the basic new car warranty I had to spend about 30% of the purchase price on repairs. Every time I turned around something else needed to be repaired. I have the extended warranty but as soon as it is out of this warranty I'm dumping it. This is my 3rd Saturn. I've had major problems with all of them. I suppose I just kept hoping a decent car would be built in America. I'd never, ever buy another one. Saturn makes a piece of junk on 4 wheels just waiting to fall apart.
Favorite Features
None. I hope this car is discontinued. It's a total rip-off.
Suggested Improvements
Transmission Troubles
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I purchased a 2004 Saturn Vue used in Oct. 2007 and in July 2009 the Transmission in the car went without any warning signs. I have kept up the maintenance on this vehicle since the purchase date and I am now having trouble with the extended warranty company and the Lease holder in repairing the vehicle.
Favorite Features
Before the transmission went, I was satisfied with the overall performance of the vehicle and had not had any problems with it.
Suggested Improvements
My next vehicle purchase I will do a little more homework on the vehicle iteself and the extended warranty companies.
Not a bad car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought new in 2004. Hazard button fell into dash. Not crazy about winter driving performace. Manual transmission is ok. Just replaced front brakes, not bad for 60k. Dash light cluster went, the dealer wants 600. to fix. No way. Hood cable streached out 90. to repair. Had the rear wiper motor replaced under warranty. Weird flapping noise when I come to a stop, dealer said they all do it. This is my second Saturn, probably my last. I will keep it until it dies, then move on. Not totally againt the car, but would like something heavier for winter driving.
Favorite Features
Like knowing I can get just about anything into this car. Baby seat easy to get in and out. Like the radio and temp on the rearview mirror. Drivers seat is comfortable, never sat in back.
Suggested Improvements
To much interior plastic, looks kind of cheesy.
It's OK I guess
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Saturn VUE AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We purchased this car new because of the Honda engine and decent gas mileage for an suv. My biggest complaint in the vue is the brakes. I have 100k miles and have replaced the rear (i believe) brakes 5 times! Pads and rotors! Yet NEVER the front ones (the pads once). The wind noise from the windows drives me crazy. The sun visor is way too small for the size of the windshield. I agree with other owners the engine noise is loud. I have major rust on the hatch/trunk door and the rear driver side door never closes unless you slam it. My kids always complain they cant hear the radio and after sitting back there, they're right, why are the speakers on the floor? No more saturns for me!
Favorite Features
Very roomy. Im 6ft tall and have no problem sitting in the back seat. I had no problem with a rear facing car seat in the back seat and me in the front. other cars required me to move my seat forward. Decent gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Sealing the windows better to prevent air noise. Longer visor to block sun. Better quality doors. BETTER BRAKES!
Transmission Nightmare
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Saturn VUE Fwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Transmission shot at 55,000, just out of warranty. Cost to repair: $5,000 to $6,000. $3,100 left on the loan. Class Action suit over the transmission issues just settled. Too little, too late. Saturn has to "reimburse" for transmission replacement up to 125,000 (original owners), but many complaints from people who have had to replaced the transmission yet again. The settlement is bittersweet, since owners have to front the $5,000-$6,000 and wait for the replacement. The transmission flaw was never addressed so you get the same loser the second/third time. Decided to get away from it and traded for a Honda CR-V yesterday. Do your own research on the transmission.
Favorite Features
Loved the extras in the base model like the digital compass and outside temp in mirror; heated seats; power seats; ample cargo area.
Suggested Improvements
Until the transmission is redesigned, this vehicle will always be a loser. Saturn knew of the bad tranny and never took responsiblity for it. Saturn Service Dept. was never pleasant experience. They make a ton of money on "diagnostics" and don't fix the vehicle. Bad attitude. :(
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Saturn VUE
- 2008 Saturn VUE
- 2007 Saturn VUE
- 2006 Saturn VUE
- 2005 Saturn VUE
- 2004 Saturn VUE
Research the 2004 Saturn VUE
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
