Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Overall this is the best small SUV out there for the year (2004), and I have owned a RAV 4, CR-V, and Forester, so I have something to compare it to.

Just be sure to get one with the Honda VTEC V6 - you don't want a 4 cyl VUE with the continuously variable transmission; too many problems with those.

Anyway, the 2004 V-6 VUE has so many positives and so few negatives. The 3.5 Honda V-6 Vtec motor and 5 speed auto transmission are amazing, and the V-6 VUE is quick - seriously quick. 250 HP...

It handles extremely well, is great looking, everything is laid out really well in the interior (exception: window buttons should be on the doors, not on center console). It has WAY more front seat leg room than the same year CR-V, and about the same everywhere else.

Ride quality is far superior to the CR-V - it is very noticeable how much less you feel bumps, and how much better the VUE handles.

MPG is about 20 in town, 25 on highway. 1-2 MPG less than the CR-V.

The VUE comes stock with 17" alloys, not 15" like CR-V.

Now, the AWD: About the same mechanical design as the CR-V, and exactly the same as other GM SUV's (Versatrak). Not nearly as good in terms of traction or longevity of the comparable Toyota and Subaru AWD. This part of the VUE is lacking. I bought it anyway because everything else is so well done on this car. I'd take the 2004 VUE over any of the others hands down. If the V-6 Rav-4 were bigger, I would seriously consider it a contender with the VUE. But - the RAV-4 is just too small, not really in the same class.

Faults:

Check engine light issue. After research, discovered that the fuel pump does not like ethanol, which is in high percentages of Canadian gasoline. Found out Shell has the lowest amount of ethanol, and switched to Shell, and have had no problems since.

Stock tires are not very good in the snow. Bought some studded winter tires, and laugh at snow and ice now.

General Comments:

The perfect car for us.

- Nice to look at, the Redline package has a body kit and lowered suspension.

- Just the right size, seats four adults comfortably, even on long-ish trips down south.

- Fast and handles like a sports car. Hit the VTEC, and it will spin the 18" wheels while doing 60 km/h.

- Every option I would want and still has the polymer body panels... no rust or dents ever.

If you ever find a Redline, buy it.

Faults:

There is a problem with transmission. Saturn reportedly KNEW about this problem. They are offering me $5,000 on a trade-in or half the cost of repairs. Why should I pay when the company knew about this issue?

General Comments:

I will NEVER buy a GM car again!

Faults:

Have had no problems so far and don't expect to. Saturn's have always been the most reliable American vehicles.

General Comments:

This car drives really sound and smooth, and has a pretty good factory sound system.

Faults:

Sometimes the windshield wiper fluid clogs.

Steering column makes a funny sound at times.

Kinda loud ride.

General Comments:

I've had my Saturn VUE for 6 years now, and have had nothing but great experiences with it. It's predominantly a city car in San Francisco, it's small enough to park just about anywhere, and the 6 cylinder engine can still get me across traffic like a jack rabbit.

I have two greyhounds, and when I put the back seats down, they can meander around in the back with total ease. They even have room in the "way back" with the back seats up for passenger seating.

I got the leather seats, sun roof, XM stereo, V6, front wheel drive, power seats, mirrors, seat warmers, with a roof rack and have been very happy with it.

It is a little loud on the inside, which is bothersome on long drives, and the seats aren't the most comfortable for long trips, but prior to the VUE we had a Pontiac Bonneville, which was like a couch with tires, so my perspective could be askew.

It has been a very reliable car and given me no grief or major problems. I was deeply saddened when the line was discontinued. With regular maintenance, it has proven to be one of my favorite cars of I've ever owned.

It was a very economically sound investment that has served me well over the years.