While last year's model offered average levels of noise, vibration and harshness, the 2004 Saturn Vue is smooth and quiet. Saturn has added sound-deadening material, making the cabin in the 2004 Vue much quieter.Saturn has recalibrated the steering system for 2004 as well, addressing a big complaint we had with the 2003 model. Gone completely is the torque steer that plagued last year's V6 models. Handling is good over a variety of driving terrain. The speed-sensitive power steering offers precise, easy steering in parking lots, yet adjusts for good road feel and stability on the highway. The steering can be reprogrammed to your preferences, and it automatically boosts power assistance during emergency avoidance maneuvers.
Ride quality is generally good, though not great. Sharp bumps, such as pavement transitions and expansion joints, are transmitted into the cabin and there's a general lack of smoothness around town.
When equipped with the V6, the Vue offers strong, smooth power with quick and very smooth shifting response. The 2004 Saturn Vue is available with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine built by Honda that's larger and much more powerful than last year's 3.0-liter V6 built by GM. The 3.5-liter Honda engine produces 250 horsepower and 242 pounds-feet of torque (which represents an increase of 69 horsepower and 47 pounds-feet over the 2003 model's 3.0-liter V6). Saturn says the 2004 Vue can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds, which is pretty quick (and about 1.5 seconds quicker than the 2003 model). Yet EPA fuel economy ratings remain unchanged (19/25 mpg for the AWD V6). Variable-valve timing enhances high-end power, low-end torque and fuel economy.
The new V6 is mated to a new five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control, which helps eliminate hunting between gears on hilly roads. The new powertrain increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds, enough capacity to pull a jet ski, or snowmobile, or small boat (and an improvement over the 2003 V6 model's 2,500-pound rating). The Vue V6 can now be flat towed, making it a more attractive choice for RV owners.
The 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 143 horsepower and 152 pounds-feet of torque. While the V6 model is quick, the four-cylinder model is not. The base Vue with five-speed Getrag manual covers Saturn's 0-60 test in 11.0 seconds, a lethargic pace by anyone's standards. This setup delivers better fuel economy, however, with an EPA rating of 23/28 mpg City/Highway.
The 2.2-liter Vue is slightly quicker when equipped with the automatic, achieving 0-60 times of 10.2 seconds, but that's still extraordinarily slow by today's standards. The optional automatic is a continuously variable transmission that uses pulleys and belts instead of traditional gears such as those found in the V6 model's automatic. As a result, it provides seamless acceleration. Other manufacturers offer continuously variable transmissions, called CVTs, the best of which are found in the Nissan Murano and Audi A6. Saturn adds to our confusion by calling its unit a VTi (for Variable Transmission with intelligence). City fuel economy suffers by 2 mpg with the VTi automatic.
The available all-wheel-drive system improves traction and stability in slippery conditions and is particularly valuable for snow and ice. It works automatically with no input from the driver and is designed to withstand extremely cold weather. The Vue is not designed for off-road driving, however.
Vue gets rear drum brakes instead of the preferable disc brakes. An anti-lock brake system is standard with the V6, and optional on four-cylinder models. We recommend ABS because it helps the driver to maintain control of the steering in a panic stop.
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