2004 Saturn Vue: Road Test
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2004 Saturn Vue ▼
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- MSRP: $16,920 -$24,055
- Invoice: $15,790 -$22,425
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Our road test for the 2004 Saturn Vue includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Saturn Vue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Saturn Vue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Saturn Vue help you decide if a 2004 Saturn Vue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 7 | 4.2 |
New V6 smoother, more responsive than GM V6, and puts Vue among the quickest compact SUVs: Saturn says 6.6 sec 0-60 mph with 2WD, 6.9 with AWD. That's nearly 2 sec quicker than with GM V6. Towing capacity goes to 3500 lb from 2500. Saturn says 4-cyl Vue takes 10.2 sec 0-60 mph with CVT, 11.1 with manual transmission. That's comparable with 4-cyl rivals. CVT models accelerate smoothly from a standstill, deliver almost instantaneous passing power. Test AWD V6 suffered some front wheelspin on wet pavement before system engaged rear wheels.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
No opportunity to measure with 4 cyl. Test AWD V6 averaged 16.2 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Tires, suspension do a good job absorbing the worst bumps and expansion joints. Mild side-to-side rocking motions annoy, however. Red Line's stiffer suspension quells some of those motions without adding undue harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.3 |
Steering is less vague on-center than before, but still needs to impart more road feel and be more linear overall. Worst problem is lack of power assist at parking speeds, though it wasn't noticed in recent Red Line model tested. V6s with 17-inch tires have good grip, but Vue leans more in corners than Ford Escape or Honda CR-V and tends toward noseplow rather than nimbleness. Red Line better in this regard, with less body lean and noseplow. Stopping power feels adequate.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Noise from 4 cyl intrusive in rapid acceleration. V6 sounds rich. Wind noise low, but copious road rumble is tiresome on long drives, bumps produce loud thumps, and doors close with a clang.
CONTROLS
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Clearly marked gauges. Logical dashboard layout, though climate controls a bit small, and power-window switches inconveniently arrayed in center console. Some thin plastic materials reflect cost-cutting, and some switches feel cheap.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Good leg and head room even with optional sunroof. Mounting gearshift at base of dashboard frees floor space for purses and the like. Chairlike bucket seats very soft, somewhat short on lateral bolstering; Red Line seats firmer with more-pronounced bolstering. Some testers complain of insufficient lumbar support.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Ample head space, adequate leg room, but seats less supportive, less comfortable than many rivals'. Clever design allows two child seats to remain in place while one seatback section folds flat. No ceiling-mounted grab handles to ease entry and exit, but step-in height very low.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass. Spare tire is under rear floor. Longer load floor than most rivals. Rear seatbacks do not fold completely flat, but do work with fold-down front-passenger seatback to accommodate long objects. Standard pop-up cargo organizer a nice touch despite flimsy plastic dividers. Cabin storage nothing special.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Vue's deficits in handling and overall refinement are nearly balanced by its outstanding V6 performance. Its other drawing cards are dent-resistant body panels, competitive pricing, and high customer-satisfaction ratings for Saturn's dealership experience and no-haggle price strategy.
Total Score
| 2WD 4 cyl, CVT | AWD V6 | AWD V6 w/ Red Line pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 57 | 58 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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