4 Star Reviews for 2004 Saturn VUE

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
437 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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).

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.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 437.00
  • 2004 Vue - Transmission Problem??? - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    We purchased a 6 cyl FWD04 Vue from Saturn of Sunrise.If the Vue performs like the sales reps,then we hit a grandslam,we LOVE the Vue with one exception...the 5-sp auto trans hesitates when it is about to change gears,it seems as if it is not sure what gear it wants to be in.Weve brought it back to service.They have test driven it/hooked it up to the computer. They say everything seems normal.However,it is starting to bother us.After driving the Vue for another week we called the dealer and asked if they would drive our Vue for a few days tofeelthe problem.Saturn has been eager to assist.Has anyone else had this type of problem?

  • VUEto economy - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I have the VUE AWS 3.5 which has the Honda motor and also the Honda Auto Transmission. I also pull a Jayco tent trailer and on oru last trip from California up to Montana and Idaho (mostly hills) I got an average of 20 miles per gallon pulling the trailer with it On normal commuting mostly stop and go I average around 21mpg The vehicle as plenty of power with 250 hp and accleration is very smooth as is the ride compared to mostt SUV vehicles. Handling is pretty good and stable, and the VUE is easy to get in and out of. Saturn really thought this one out and really did a good job with

  • Reminds me of a Cadillac - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    The "Vroom with a Vue" article hits it on the head. For me, this is a very nice car. Im 64" and have plenty of room up front. Looked at the Honda CRV but was always hitting my leg getting in--and the CRV is sort of feminine, whereas the VUE is a more masculine car. And the Honda V6 really makes a difference for me as I have always thought GM engines are not as good as Japanese. Ride and power is great. The 17" wheels look really good too. And the leather seats, satellite radio and huge sun roof give it a Cadillac feel that just puts a smile on my face. I really like the care---and I thought I was going to buy Japanese.

  • Great Drivetrain, So So Everything Else! - 2004 Saturn VUE
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    We came for the Honda V6 and no haggle pricing. We got a decent CUV for $19,700 out the door and headed straight to the shop for a GPS and leather seats. A/C died 3 times until they finally replaced the leaky compressor. Brake rotors rusted on the inboard side. Ignition switch is shot. Keys falls out. Suspension squeaks when it shouldnt. I work on cars for a hobby/profession so well keep her around but be prepared for those unexpected trim and other weak systems like the suspension design to chase your nickels and dimes. Id still buy the car all over again! All cars have their issues!

  • 2004 VUE REDLINE: LONG TERM - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    I bought this car off the showroom floor in 2004. I commuted with it for 5 years in San Francisco, CA. traffic. I drove it across country in 2009, going up to Seattle, all the way up in the mountains of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and so on across the USA. It currently has 119,000 miles on it, and the only thing that has ever gone wrong with it is the pull cable for the hood release, and the light cluster panel above the driver needed a new switch. This is a reliable, fun to drive car with plenty of room, great performance, versatility and excellent fuel economy. On the cross country trip, fully loaded, with a pod carrier on top of the car, I got an overall 24 miles a gallon.

  • Saturn VUE - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    ON long trip was very impressed with ride and handling. Road noise not as bad as expected, ride more comfortable than expected. Gas mileage better than average. Engine has plenty of power.

  • Pauls Review - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Owned for 2 yrs, purchased as demo with 9000 miles. The AWD 4 cyl is underpowered, mpg approx 22. Engine strains to maintain speed with cruise control. Car is noisy and has intermittent rattle under rear, warranty replacement of rear drive modules solved problem for a few thousand miles - but rattle is back and dealer can not find cause. Do not like blind spots due to front A pillars. Overall, the car dirves fairly well and has good room for family of four. Luggage carrier on top is easily handeled. Instrument cluster is nicely arranged but climate control buttons are too small. Now have 46,000 miles on car, not sure if VTI transmission will hold up over the long run.

  • A delightful change - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    We switched from historically buying minivans to the Vue and it is a great vehicle. Driving in the Vue with 2 kids is very comfortable for long trips.

  • Visability problem - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    The front pillar posts are too wide making blind spots when turning. Rear visablity isnt as good as my Caravan or Forrester. My right leg rubs against the center console. The Vue V6 has great pick up, but I expected better gas mileage. It has much more back seat room than the Forrester. The optional floor mats are great in lousey weather. I dont like the self- dimming rear view mirror; it doesnt darken fast enough. Only the dealer can provide an oil change? Come on!

  • My "tall" car is not too bad - 2004 Saturn VUE
    By -

    Ive have owned a FWD 4 cyl 5 speed Vue for a little over 2 years Its basically a "tall" car. To be honest, I went into my search looking for a CR-V or a RAV4. After looking at the competition, I settled on the VUE. Mostly a value decision. It was just a lot of vehicle for the money. I was concerned about realibility, but its been a good car to me so far. 38K and no real issues. EPA was 24 city/29 highway. I dont get that, but I do get about 22 around town and 26 -27 on the highway. Ive heard bad things about the 4WD and the CVT. Id probably avoid those but my FWD manual has been a good car.

Saturn VUE Reviews By Year:
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