Overview & Reviews

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).

• Strong V6, large doors ease entry/exit, spacious cabin, comfortable ride, excellent crash test scores, good fuel economy.

• Bland interior, low-grade plastics, inconsistent build quality, noisy four-cylinder, vague steering.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 437.00

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  summer car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By little Mac - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I found that winter driving is not all that great. I put in two sand bags over the rear wheels. New tires on car, "all weather" do nothing for the car. Car is way too light with all the plastic in it. Rocks when cars/trucks pass. Fan squeeks when on low.. windows fog up and feet freeze as well as your rear passengers. Engine is VERY loud and outside sounds are like the door isnt even shut. Drink holder very awkward for driver. 8 cargo has to be on dash to fit.

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  Think twice before you buy. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By L. Sheldon - October 19 - 12:16 am

  In a nutshell, the vehicle has been self destructing from the moment I drove it off the lot. So far with 44k on it, Ive had to replace the following: Muffler, brake caliper pin & bracket strut mount, rear wheel, clutch, rear differential module, entire rear end assy, fuel sending unit, both mirrors, arm rest, windshield wiper jets, drivers heated seat switch, rear window glass, rear hatch lock assy, rear lateral link (recall), front hub/bearing assy. If something didnt break every few weeks, Id say its a great vehicle, but with over $7,000 in repairs done in a little over two years, you be the judge.

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  Saturn has lost its touch - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By n8woods - August 31 - 7:33 am

  Weve owned 3 Saturns (years 1994- 2000), which have all have been very reliable. However, the VUE is definitely not. Gas mileage is decent (avg 25mpg) but mechanically speaking, we have had nothing but problems. The warranty only covers up to 36K miles for a reason: because at 40K miles, everything breaks! The ignition switch and muffler needed replacing at 39K miles and now the clutch and hydraulic well are corroded at 42K miles. Just within the last year, weve had to put nearly $1,000 into this car. With a little research, we found they changed the style in 2004 so most repairs must be done by a Saturn/GM dealership. Sneaky, sneaky! No more Saturns for us.

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  Could be a lot better - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Lyle Hamm - August 23 - 2:23 am

  I have owned this car since Oct. 03 and have had it recalled several times - the drive shaft had to be removed and balanced, plus several other problems, it seems that the car is ALWAYS needing something done to it -- it is a poor ride (you feel EVERY BUMP) needless to say I would never buy another one.

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  Not a bad car - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By nancy - April 15 - 12:56 am

  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.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Samuall - February 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV because of the high gas mileage. We have been averageing 22mpgon the HWY. 3 Times we got around 28 mpg ,3 times we got 18 mpg , The rest of the time we are averageing 22 mpg. we have had it in the shop several times and there test say it is getting around 28 mpg.we mainly drive Hwy miles, We live 20 miles from any town.Customer Service tell us there is nothing wrong.The Window Sticker that came on the car " Actual mileage will veary with options, Driving conditions Driving habitsand vehicles condition. Results reported to EPA indicate that the majority of vehicles with these estimates 24-29 will achieve between 20-28 city, 24-34 Hwy.

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  Sleek exterior hides major safety flaws - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By incatnito - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Initial impression A+, good power V6 AWD, already used in snow. I have contd unresolved issues w/Dealer whos promised heat element for drivers seat since 06/04, its now 09/04. Wanted Redline model on floor, dealer told me it was "promised to someone. Now glad I didnt get it. Value has dropped from $25,000 to approx $19,200 trade value in 5 mos. Saturns recall is not a joke, but a potential serious accident waiting to happen. Inquired when extra support available for rear suspension (rear tires folded on safety test in fishhook maneuver), was told could be up to a 1yr. Over 200,000 vehicles recalled. Increased rollover risk w/suspension failure.

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  The Vue from here - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By FRB - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think its a good value. The interior is no big deal but I guess thats why it under 25K. I find the steering a bit treacherous in emergency handling. I dread the winter because of this. Perhaps the AWD model would have been a better choice. I do however love the way it looks. Simple and very clean lines.

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  Its OK I guess - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By Melinda - October 10 - 10:30 pm

  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, theyre right, why are the speakers on the floor? No more saturns for me!

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  SO FAR SO GOOD. - 2004 Saturn VUE
  By DONT BUY A VW - June 10 - 10:06 pm

  We bought it Jan 2004. First 11 months its been fine.I dont like customer service and their service recomendations.You dont need your tires balanced every 6000 miles. The only problems Ive had are leg room and MPG.And customer service.Im 64" and if the drivers seat isnt all the way back, my shin hits the underside of the dash. Fortunately, my wife drives it. Unfortunately, I drive a VW JETTA - the worst car on earth. And whats up with the MPG? Im getting 19 or so. ITS A 4 CYL!!! I could understand if it was a fast 4 cyl, but the thing wont get out of its own way (Especially with the air on).They cant tell EVERYONE that its because of our driving habits.....CAN THEY?