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2004 Saturn Vue Full Review
Date Published: 2/29/08
Also in the 2004 Saturn Vue Review:
2004 Saturn Vue Review
This SUV from General Motors' Saturn division trades V6s for 2004, going from a 181-hp GM engine to a 250-hp Honda unit, and added a performance option package midyear. Vue seats five and has Saturn's traditional dent-resistant plastic body panels. It offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, and a choice of 4-cyl and V6 engines. Vues with the 4 cyl and 2WD use a 5-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic; the CVT furnishes variable drive ratios instead of conventional gear changes. The AWD 4-cyl Vue comes only with the CVT. V6 Vues trade a 3.0 liter for the same 3.5 used in Honda's Pilot SUV and Odyssey minivan. The V6 comes with a conventional 5-speed automatic transmission, also supplied by Honda. ABS is optional on 4-cyl models, standard on V6s. Options include head-protecting curtain side airbags and OnStar assistance. For 2004, 17-inch alloy wheels replace 16s as standard on AWD V6s and optional on 2WD V6s. Revised steering calibrations are designed to improve steering feel; interior trim changes include chrome-ringed, white-faced instruments. Satellite radio is a new option. Arriving midyear was optional DVD rear entertainment, plus a performance-oriented V6 option package called the Red Line, with stiffer suspension and 18-inch wheels among its modifications.
News
The rumor mill sees a hybrid powertrain option coming into Vue for 2006. This apparently works much like Honda's hybrid system, but uses two electric motors (vs. one) to assist a 125-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl gasoline engine; the motors generate a combined 50 hp. The transmission is said to be a 6-speed "auto-manual," which could mean a CVT, though a conventional torque-converter automatic is more likely.
Meantime, Vue's first redesign has apparently been put back to at least 2008. Earlier reports had it coming for '07.
Instead, Saturn will add a larger-than-Vue crossover sport wagon for 2007 based on GM's long-delayed Lambda platform. The model reportedly starts production in late 2006. Buick and GMC versions respectively follow 6 and 12 months later. Sources say the Saturn arrives with V6 power and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The V6 should be a new 3.5- or 3.9-liter design with GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD), which shuts down half the cylinders at light throttle loads to save fuel. An optional DOD V8 is reportedly on tap for 2008. Saturn hopes its Lambda model will bring in 100,000 sales a year.
Meantime, Vue's first redesign has apparently been put back to at least 2008. Earlier reports had it coming for '07.
Instead, Saturn will add a larger-than-Vue crossover sport wagon for 2007 based on GM's long-delayed Lambda platform. The model reportedly starts production in late 2006. Buick and GMC versions respectively follow 6 and 12 months later. Sources say the Saturn arrives with V6 power and choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The V6 should be a new 3.5- or 3.9-liter design with GM's Displacement on Demand (DOD), which shuts down half the cylinders at light throttle loads to save fuel. An optional DOD V8 is reportedly on tap for 2008. Saturn hopes its Lambda model will bring in 100,000 sales a year.
2004 Saturn Vue Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Engine noise (4 cyl) |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2004 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/16/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, manual | $16,920 | $15,790 | $575 |
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| 2WD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, CVT automatic | $19,005 | $17,729 | $575 |
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| AWD 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, CVT automatic | $20,105 | $18,751 | $575 |
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| 2WD V6 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,405 | $20,891 | $575 |
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| AWD V6 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,055 | $22,425 | $575 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
4-cylinder
Powertrain
2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio (manual), AM/FM/CD player (CVT), tachometer, visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, remote liftgate release, cargo organizer, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70SR16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/65SR16 tires.
V6 adds to 4 cylinder:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Traction control, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/60SR17 tires. Deletes: traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Power Pkg.
|
||
|
4-cylinder
|
$1,385
|
$1,288
|
|
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, map lights, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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Leather Pkg.
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4-cylinder
|
$755
|
$702
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V6
|
$695
|
$646
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Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. 4 cylinder requires Power Pkg.
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Comfort Pkg.
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$595
|
$553
|
|
Heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment. 4 cylinder requires Power Pkg.
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|
Red Line Pkg.
|
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V6
|
$1,995
|
$1,855
|
|
Unique exterior trim, lowered sport suspension, 245/50SR18 tires.
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Safety |
||
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Curtain side airbags
|
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$395
|
$367
|
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Antilock brakes
|
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4-cylinder
|
$600
|
$558
|
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2WD includes traction control.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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OnStar assistance system
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$695
|
$646
|
|
Includes one-year service. Requires optional radio including an MP3 player. 4-cylinder requires Power Pkg. NA w/manual transmission.
|
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Power sunroof
|
||
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$725
|
$675
|
|
4-cylinder requires Power Pkg.
|
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|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$995
|
$925
|
|
Requires AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player. 4-cylinder requires Power Pkg. NA w/power sunroof.
|
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AM/FM/CD player
|
||
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4-cylinder manual
|
$290
|
$270
|
|
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
|
||
|
4-cylinder manual
|
$440
|
$409
|
|
4-cylinder CVT, V6
|
$150
|
$140
|
|
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
|
||
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4-cylinder manual
|
$940
|
$874
|
|
4-cylinder CVT, V6
|
$650
|
$605
|
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AM/FM/CD/MP3/DVD player
|
||
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4-cylinder manual
|
$440
|
$409
|
|
4-cylinder CVT, V6
|
$150
|
$140
|
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Requires rear-seat DVD entertainment system. 4-cylinder requires Power Pkg.
|
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Advanced radio system
|
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4-cylinder, V6
|
$295
|
$274
|
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Upgraded sound system. Requires optional radio including an MP3 player. 4-cylinder requires Power Pkg.
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Satellite radio
|
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4-cylinder, V6
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$325
|
$302
|
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Requires optional radio including an MP3 player. 4-cylinder requires Power Pkg. Requires monthly fee.
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Floormats
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4-cylinder, V6
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$80
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$74
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Fog lights
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AWD 4-cylinder
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$170
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$158
|
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
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Alloy wheels
|
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4-cylinder
|
$400
|
$372
|
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17-inch alloy wheels
|
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FWD V6
|
$300
|
$279
|
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Includes 235/60SR17 tires.
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2004 Saturn Vue Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Vue 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 181.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3381 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 63.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.2 /134 | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 143 @ 5400 | 250 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 152 @ 4000 | 242 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 24/29 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 19/25 |
| CVT automatic | 21/26 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Vue 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | Saturns have a 30-day, 1500-mile money back guarantee. |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Saturn Vue Review:
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