Is the V4 a free wheeling or interference engine?

This is an interferance engine, so there is a high probability that engine damage has occurred.

Just to add to this one V4?You mean inline four 2.2L?If so it doesnt have a timing belt it has a timing chain.So the timing chain break or did the drive belt break?

Timing chain broke.

I have seen the pistons hit the valves and even split the valve guides on those engines.How many miles on the engine?It strange to hear one that new break the timing chain.The earlier saturn 2.2L engines had timing chain issues but the later ones like really havent seen it.

The mechanic said the chain came off, he did not say that it broke. His recomendation was a new engine, but that seems rather aggressive. I am wondering if it can be fixed much cheaper than replacing the engine. The car was parked, I attempted to start it with no success. The Vue has 153K miles that are mostly highway.

The is a interfrence engine meaning the pistons can hit the valves.Unless he put a bore scope down the plug holes or removed the intake and exhaust manifolds he couldnt have seen the valves if they were bent.If the valves were bent you could replace the engine or repair the head i have done some heads on the those usually the pistons win and the valves loose when the come together.Or he could put the timing chain on and see what the compression readings are.He could also try bringing the cylinders around to top dead center and do whats called a cylinder leak down test without putting the chain on.It would be a little tricky but is possible.Ask him how he knows for sure the valves are bent besides its a interfrence engine.Let me know what he says.