I have a 2004 saturn vue with approx 171000 miles. When driving down the road all electrical turns off however the engine still runs. then all of a sudden the electrical magically comes back on. Any ideas?

 

Please be specific with what stops working. That will help us narrow down the problem.

Do you mean the entire dashboard goes dead?
and also the a/c?
And also the door locks and power windows if you have them?

The radio?
Headlights?
Not being sarcastic.
Loose or corroded battery terminals should not but may be involved

 

Yes everything door locks windows ac radio head lights dash power steering. The only thing that works is the engine stays running

 

Any trauma to the vehicle recently? Accident? Other specific electrical system? Attempted jump start with cables hooked up backwards?

This sounds like it is a power distribution/continuity issue with the possibility of a loose gound connection, a fuse box issue OR your body control module (BCM) is having seizures. I don't think your vehicle has a Passlock security system, so the ECM (engine control module) could keep the car running without the BCM always "present" over short time intervals.

Have you checked the fuses for resistance (open) AND to see if you have a 12v drop across each one?

For the interior fuse panel, there is usually a fuse labeled IP BATT across which all power comes through, then is divided across the circuits. Check for v drop across this fuse. Could be poor connection at either side of alternator.