Saturn VUE 2008 Review.
Тhe 2008 Saturn Vue is a completely different animal than its forebear.
The previous Vue distinguished itself from the compact SUV pack in many
ways. Its flexible body panels could take a hit from a shopping cart or
The 2008 Saturn Vue is a completely different animal than its
forebear. The previous Vue distinguished itself from the compact SUV
pack in many ways. Its flexible body panels could take a hit from a
shopping cart or an adjacent car’s door without leaving that automotive
scar of urban America — a ding or dent. State-of-the-art transmissions
were offered, including a five-speed automatic and a continuously
variable transmission, while later on, a powerful (Honda-sourced) V6
gave the Vue serious straight-line performance. There was also a
tuner-inspired version called the Red Line that sported a track-tuned
suspension, big wheels and racy ground effects.
Sadly, the Vue
distinguished itself in other, less desirable ways. If Playskool
fashioned a car’s interior, we imagine it would resemble that of the
early Vue, such was the fit and finish. And sloppy, numb steering
didn’t win the Vue any fans either. A refresh for 2006 improved things
inside the Vue, but it still wasn’t up to the segment leaders, which
benefited from complete redesigns during the last few years.
For
the 2008 Saturn Vue, the demons have been exorcised as General Motors
looked to its European Opel division for inspiration. Essentially a
rebadged Opel Antara, the new Vue looks nothing like its former boxy
self. In terms of size, it’s pretty much the same; wheelbase
measurements are identical, and the new model is just a tad wider and
taller. The old plastic body panels are gone, replaced by traditional
steel.
Thankfully, there’s more to the new Vue than just its
look. Major changes include an interior design that welcomes rather
than alienates, improved driving dynamics (with steering that actually
feels connected to the front wheels) and the availability of numerous
high-end safety and convenience features including standard stability
control, an optional navigation system and standard satellite radio.
The Vue offers a choice of three engines, ranging from an inline-4 to a
high-output V6, while transmission choices include a four-speed and
six-speed automatics. A revised “Green Line” hybrid version is also due
for release later in the model year.
If our driving impressions
are any indicator, the Vue is no longer a back-of-the-pack entry and
now merits consideration from small-SUV shoppers. Though there are some
faults — less cargo space than what’s available from some of its
bigger rivals, for instance — they are more than compensated for by
the Euro-inspired styling, attractive cabin, composed handling and
variety of powertrain offerings. Overall, the new Saturn Vue should
make for a very pleasant and practical daily driver.
For Pricing information, see our Pricing page.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Saturn Vue is a five-passenger compact SUV that comes in
three trim levels: base XE, midgrade XR and sporting Red Line. All can
be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. The XE comes with 16-inch
alloy wheels, air-conditioning, keyless entry, full power accessories,
OnStar telematics, steering-wheel audio controls, cruise control, a
tilt steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat and a CD/MP3
stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary jack.
Opting for the
XR adds 17-inch alloy wheels, luggage rack rails, automatic climate
control, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated
mirrors and lighted vanity mirrors. The Red Line features a lowered,
sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust outlets, 18-inch
alloy wheels, heated front sport seats, leather and suede upholstery
and unique instrumentation. Most of the XR’s additional features are
available as options on the XE, and one can also get optional leather
seating and heated seats on those models. Other available features
include a premium audio system and CD changer, a navigation system,
rain-sensing wipers and a remote vehicle starter.
For more Style information, see our Compare Styles page.
Powertrains and Performance
The Vue XE is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 (169 hp and 160 lb-ft
of torque) mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The XE V6 has
a 3.5-liter V6 (215 hp and 220 lb-ft) running through a six-speed
automatic transmission. Both the XR and Red Line trims feature a
powerful 3.6-liter V6 (257 hp and 248 lb-ft) matched to a six-speed
automatic. A manual-shift feature, called “TAPshift” is standard on the
Red Line and optional on the XR. Front- or all-wheel drive is available
on each trim.
With the 3.6-liter V6, this Saturn scoots. We
clocked a front-wheel-drive Vue XR at 7.3 seconds to 60 mph and 15.7
seconds for the quarter-mile, times that are less than a half tick off
the class dragstrip jock, the Toyota RAV4 V6. Towing capacity is rated
at 3,500 pounds, the segment average.
For more Performance Data, see our Specifications page.
Safety
A wealth of safety features are standard on all 2008 Saturn Vue
models, including antilock brakes, stability control, traction control,
front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head
restraints.
For more Safety information, see our Safety page.
Interior Design and Special Features
The generic plastic of the former Vue’s interior has given way to a
posh new appearance, with far nicer materials indicative of European
cars. Controls are simple and well marked. An array of chrome-accented
round shapes, from the gauges to the air vents to the climate controls,
lend a sense of classic style to the cabin. Brushed-aluminum accents on
the steering wheel, door panels, parking brake and shift knob further
the upscale treatment.
A pair of adjustable cargo nets keep items
from sliding around in back. At 56 cubic feet, the Vue’s maximum cargo
capacity is small compared to some rivals that offer nearly 20 more
cubes. The second-row seats recline and offer decent legroom; a
third-row seat, an increasingly popular (but of debatable value)
feature for small to midsize crossover SUVs, isn’t offered. Front seat
comfort is adequate, though some folks may find the seat cushions a bit
short and the seats somewhat lacking in lateral and lumbar support.
For more Interior Features information, see our Specifications page.
Driving Impressions
Although it’s hard to fault the robust 3.6-liter V6, sometimes the
normally smart and quick-shifting six-speed automatic hunts on
inclines, seemingly not sure whether to hold a gear or step down to
maintain speed. Braking is about average for the class, as the
four-wheel vented disc brakes help bring the Vue to a stop from 60 mph
in 131 feet. The pedal feels a little on the soft side, but the vented
rotors should forestall brake fade even with a heavy load.
Given
that the 2008 Saturn Vue is tuned for a soft ride, the Red Line trim is
the obvious choice for driving enthusiasts. Steering feel and action is
spot on, allowing easy maneuverability in parking lots while providing
a solid, confident feel at speed on winding roads and interstate
freeways.
