2008 Saturn VUE Review

PROS
XR has powerful engine, Hybrid model offered, Contemporaty interior, Good ride/hanlding balance

CONS XE four-cylinder underpowered, Firm ride on Red Line, Rear leg room tight

Same name, different mission If you hadn't noticed, Saturn has become a full-line automaker in the past few years. The General Motors brand now sells five unique vehicles designed to fit the lifestyles of a wide range of buyers. The latest addition to that lineup is an all-new VUE compact-utility vehicle.

The new VUE has a slightly different mission than the previous-generation model. The original had to be both a compact-utility vehicle and a people mover--because Saturn didn't have a large SUV or minivan. Thanks to the seven-passenger Saturn Outlook, the new VUE has a singular mission: Win over buyers in the hotly contested compact-utility segment.

The 2008 Saturn VUE sports new styling, additional safety features, and more-powerful engines. It seats five on two front bucket seats and a three-place, split-folding rear bench seat and is designed to compete with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. Compared to the previous generation VUE, the '08 model is one inch shorter and one inch narrower. Steel body panels replace the plastic panels and weight is down by almost 400 pounds.

VUE comes in four trim levels: XE, XR, Green Line, and Red Line. All are available with front- or all-wheel drive with the exception of the Green Line which is front-drive only. The front-drive XE and Green Line come with a 169-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. The all-wheel-drive XE gets a 222-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. XR and Red Line models come with a 257-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Four-cylinder models get a four-speed automatic while V6 engines come standard with a six-speed automatic.

Saturn calls the Green Line a hybrid. It makes use of a heavy-duty alternator and extra battery pack to provide mild electric assist in acceleration and allows the engine to shut down at stoplights. According to Saturn, this could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent compared to the front-drive XE.

The VUE's all-wheel drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for serious off-road use.

Antilock brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain- side airbags are standard on all models. Saturn claims that the stability-control system can help offset trailer sway. If the system detects trailer sway, it will activate the stability-control warning indicator on the instrument panel and apply the brakes to assist in stabilizing the vehicle. If trailer sway continues, the stability-control system will reduce engine torque to gently slow the vehicle.

Speaking of towing, when properly equipped with the optional hitch and wiring harness, VUE can tow up to 3500 pounds. In addition, the vehicle can be "dinghy" towed behind an RV or camper with all four wheels on the ground.

XE models come equipped with air conditioning, OnStar, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, center console, power windows, mirrors, and locks, keyless entry, cargo organizer, theft-deterrent system, rear-privacy glass, and 16-inch alloy wheels. XR models add to XE automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver seat, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels and fog lights. Red line models add leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear spoiler, sport suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Green Line models add to the XE automatic climate control and rear spoiler.

Key options include satellite radio, remote engine start, navigation system, and sunroof. Prices start at $20,770 for a front-drive XE and climb to $28,770 for the Red Line. The Green Line has not been priced. All models have a destination charge of $625. VUE is built in Mexico.

Get up and Go
Saturn claims that VUE XR will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That makes VUE one of the fastest compact-utility vehicles. The engine provides plenty of power when pulling away from stoplights and excellent passing response. The engine is also smooth and refined in hard acceleration.

The four-cylinder that powers the front-drive XE is likely to provide the best overall fuel economy, but is also likely to be overmatched in most situations by the vehicle's 4000-plus pound curb weight. The 3.5-liter V6 that standard in the all-wheel-drive XE offers a good compromise for buyers looking for power, economy, and affordability.

The six-speed transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for more passing power. The shifter has a + / - button that can be used to manually shift through the gears. It responds quickly to driver input and can be quite useful when towing or driving in hilly terrain.

EPA estimates for the all-wheel drive VUE XR are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Those numbers compare favorably to other V6-powered compact-utility vehicles. In routine driving expect to average close to 18 mph. If your daily commute includes a fair amount of freeway driving you might be able to average 20 mpg overall. Saturn says that all VUE engines will run fine on regular-grade gasoline.

Buyers should note that the all-wheel-drive model comes with a 16.7-gallon fuel tank. That's 2.5 gallons less than the tank that comes with front-drive models. If you do a lot a driving and don't need all-wheel drive (honestly, what urbanite does?), the larger tank of the front-drive models will mean fewer trips to the gas station.

On the Road
The previous-generation VUE had a suspension that was tuned for ride comfort and little else. That meant that it rode softly, but also handled poorly. Saturn tuned the suspension of the new VUE with an eye toward providing a firmer ride and more responsive handling.

On the ride front, you can definitely tell that the new VUE has a stiffer suspension. The ride isn't harsh or pounding, but you feel more impact when going over bumps in the '08 model compared to the previous generation. One nice change is more control on wavy or bumpy roads. The old model used to bound and pitch on badly broken roads. The new VUE stays composed and minimizes secondary ride motions.

Perhaps the '08 VUE's biggest improvement is in road holding. The new model stays well planted when the roads grow twisty and is among the best-handling compact-utility vehicles on the market. The steering has a natural feel and doesn't require much correction in crosswinds. Brakes are equally easy to modulate and have ample stopping power.

The firmer suspension on the XR does the best job balancing ride quality and handling, but the XE is no slouch either. Red Line models have an almost harsh ride, but also handle like a sport sedan. Regardless of model, body lean is modest in fast turns is modest.

VUE isn't the quietest compact-utility on the market, but it's never overly loud either. Wind noise is impressively low at highway speeds and tire roar is only a problem on rough concrete roads. Both V6 engines are quiet in gentile cruising and refined in hard acceleration. The four-cylinder tends to growl when cruising and is coarse when accelerating.

Behind the Wheel
Saturn designers gave the '08 VUE a clean and contemporary interior that is vastly more functional than the previous-generation's design. Materials and fit and finish are a step above what you might expect in the compact-utility class. Large, easy-to-read gauges face the driver from behind the large and well-padded steering wheel. Climate and audio controls are high in the center stack. Window switches have been relocated from around the shifter to the driver-door armrest.

Front seats are soft and short on support, but they do offer adequate long-haul comfort. Head and leg room are generous. Visibility is excellent to all directions. However, the safety-conscious might demand Saturn add a back-up camera or park assist to the option list.

Rear seats offer good head room and adult-size leg room as long as the front seats are all the way back. If they are, knees of taller adults might get pinched. The seat bottom is flat and three abreast seating is possible, though not for long trips. Backrest reclines for added comfort.

Cargo room is good and the hatch opening is large. Rear seats fold down with the flip of one button. They provide ample storage space and a flat load floor. Interior storage is great with lots of open and covered bins throughout.

Bottom Line
Saturn hit a home run with the '08 VUE. It's better in every way than the vehicle it replaces and still priced affordably. While it isn't perfect, it should easily meet the needs of compact-utility buyers and definitely merits consideration.

Saturn dealers operate with a one-price policy. That means you don't haggle over price at dealerships. Studies have shown that this pricing strategy reduces stress when buying a new vehicle and makes for a better overall experience. VUE also comes with General Motors new five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.