2008 Saturn Vue: Road Test
2008 Saturn Vue ▼
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- MSRP: $21,525 - $29,300
- Invoice: $20,126 - $27,396
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Our road test for the 2008 Saturn Vue includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Saturn Vue from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Saturn Vue, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Saturn Vue help you decide if a 2008 Saturn Vue is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 4.6 |
Models with the 3.6-liter V6 are strong and refined. Saturn says they'll do 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which feels a bit optimistic to us. The transmission upshifts smoothly but tends to delay downshifts. It also has a tendency to hunt between gears when going up even slight inclines. Green Line has adequate around-town power, but can want for reserves when merging or passing. Green Line Hybrid system notably smooth, generally unobtrusive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Red Line averaged 20.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. AWD versions averaged 14.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 15.8-16.7 in mixed city/highway use, and 18.4 in mostly highway driving. A test Green Line returned an impressive 31.6 mpg. All Vues use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
Non Red Line Vue models are among the best compact SUVs in this regard. Seemingly minor road imperfections are felt in the cabin, but they're neither severe enough nor happen often enough to be annoying. Red Lines have a sport suspension, larger wheels, and slightly lower-profile tires, which make the ride more firm but never uncomfortable.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
The steering requires little effort around town, but has a rewarding heft as speeds climb. Any model is responsive and well planted. Despite its sporty leaning, Red Line feels little different than an XR. Overall, this is a vast improvement over the poorly balanced 2003-2007 Vue.
QUIETNESS
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 4.6 |
Again, in non Red Line models, the well-damped suspension makes for a quiet, smooth ride on all but the worst roads. Wind is noise low even in crosswinds. Red Lines exhibit more coarse surface tire thrum than other models. In any Vue, the 3.6-liter V6 engine makes a highly refined growl.
CONTROLS
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Everything is well laid out and easy to see. The gauges are large and clear. There is no engine temperature gauge or a digital readout, which seems like a curious omission. The available navigation system absorbs audio functions but doesn't complicate their use.
DETAILS
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.9 |
Again, a vast upgrade over the previous-generation Vue. Materials quality and assembly of models tested are arguably the best in the compact-SUV class. On one test Red Line, the lumbar adjustment knob for the driver seat became detached from its housing.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Good headroom and legroom. Taller drivers find short seat bottoms lack long-distance thigh support. Visibility is good to all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Excellent headroom. The reclining seatback is a nice feature, though a small range of motion limits its usefulness. Comfort is compromised by limited legroom, short seat bottoms, and too-firm cushioning. The fold-down center armrest is too high for comfortable use. Center console mounted fold-out cupholders are at floor level and not very convenient.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Good space behind the 2nd row becomes plentiful with the rear seatbacks folded. The seatbacks folds flat as well. Relatively low liftover is a plus. Vue has underfloor storage compartments located around the spare tire that are handy for keeping small items out of sight. In-cabin storage is meager, though. The center console is on the small side.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.9 |
Saturn loyalists may decry the loss of plastic body panels, but the redesigned Vue is a better vehicle by every other measure. V6 models offer ample power, while apparent attention to detail brings classy interior accommodations and a refined driving experience. Buyers looking for something a little larger and more powerful than a Honda CR-V, but who are not quite willing to commit to a midsize SUV, would do well to test drive this Recommended pick. The frugal Green Line adds about $4000 to the price of a base 4-cylinder Vue, but extra standard equipment and much-improved fuel economy make it worth a look.
Total Score
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 67 | 66 | 71 | 59.7 |
Total Score: 68
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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