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2008 Saturn Vue Full Review
Date Published: 7/19/08
Also in the 2008 Saturn Vue Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Vue Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Saturn Vue Review
The 2008 Saturn Vue is a redesigned model based on the European-market Opel Antara. The '08 Vue is offered in XE, top-line XR, hybrid Green Line, and sporty Red Line versions. Vue is available with front or all-wheel drive and a range of 4-cylinder, V6, and hybrid powertrains. All include an automatic transmission. The "mild hybrid" Green Line does not require plug-in charging, but unlike some hybrids, it will not run on electric power alone. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is newly available for 2008. Note that the '08 Vue has conventional steel body panels, not the dent-resistant plastic panels that were once a Saturn hallmark.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
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2008 Saturn Vue Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (XR) | Rear-seat room/comfort |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 5.1 |
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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.1 |
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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.2 |
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)
Good headroom and legroom. Taller drivers find short seat bottoms lack long-distance thigh support. Visibility is good to all directions.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Good headroom and legroom. Taller drivers find short seat bottoms lack long-distance thigh support. Visibility is good to all directions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Green Line | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
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
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.
| 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 |
| 70 | 68 | 67 | 72 | 60.2 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/09/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD XE 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $21,525 | $20,126 | $625 |
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| AWD XE V6 4-door wagon | $24,370 | $22,786 | $625 |
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| 2WD XR 4-door wagon | $24,800 | $23,188 | $625 |
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| AWD XR 4-door wagon | $26,800 | $25,058 | $625 |
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| 2WD Red Line 4-door wagon | $27,300 | $25,526 | $625 |
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| AWD Red Line 4-door wagon | $29,300 | $27,396 | $625 |
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| 2WD Green Line hybrid 4-door wagon | $25,645 | $23,978 | $625 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Vue (excl. hybrid) | Up to $1500 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder), 6-speed automatic transmission (V6), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, cargo organizer, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XR adds to XE:
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60R17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Red Line adds to XR:
Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/suede upholstery, heated front seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 235/55R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Green Line adds to XE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/60R17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Pkg.
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XE
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$795
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$731
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Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors.
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Premium Trim Pkg.
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XE, XR, Green Line
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$1,075
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$989
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats. XE requires Preferred Pkg. Green Line requires Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
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Convenience Pkg.
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$595
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$547
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Remote engine start, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washer nozzles.
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Comfort and Convenience Pkg.
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Green Line
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$925
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$851
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing wipers w/heated washer fluid.
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Carbon Flash Special Edition
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XR
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$1,835
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$1,688
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Premium Trim Pkg. plus AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, unique interior and exterior trim, chrome bumper trim.
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Trailering Pkg.
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XE, XR
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$350
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$322
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Transmission-oil cooler, wiring harness, hitch.
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Powertrain |
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Manual-shift capability
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XR
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$150
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$138
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$2,145
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$1,973
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Requires upgraded sound system.
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Power sunroof
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$850
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$782
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$295
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$271
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Upgraded sound system
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$325
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$299
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Requires navigation system.
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Satellite radio delete
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(credit)
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$-200
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$-184
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Heated front seats
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XR
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$275
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$253
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Cargo net
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Green Line, Red Line, XE, XR
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$95
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$87
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Cargo cover
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$85
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$78
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Floormats
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XE
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$80
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$74
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Engine-block heater
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XE, XR, Red Line
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$75
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$69
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Roof rails
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XE
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$150
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$138
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Fog lights
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XE
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$150
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$138
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Special paint
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Green Line, Red Line, XR
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$95
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$87
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NA XE.
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Premium paint
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Green Line, Red Line, XE, XR
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$295
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$271
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Chrome bumper trim
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XR
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$195
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$179
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Saturn Vue Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Vue 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4325 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 54.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | ohv V6 | dohc V6 | dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 3.5 /213 | 3.6 /217 | 2.4 /146 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 164 @ 6300 | 215 @ 5900 | 257 @ 6500 | 170 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 160 @ 5100 | 220 @ 2800 | 248 @ 2100 | 162 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 19/26 | --/-- | --/-- | 25/32 |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 15/22 | 16/22 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Vue 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Leather Trim Pkg (leather upholstery, heated front seats); Convenience Pkg (remote engine start, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washer system, universal home remote); Navigation System; Advanced Audio System Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.73 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski In the major league of the automotive industry, the 2008 Vue would win the "Most Improved Player" award, hands down. Whatever performance enhancers GM put on this vehicle have paid off big time in terms of ride, handling, and interior appointments. The unfortunate side effect of these automotive steroids comes at the expense of curb weight, as this SUV comes in at a pudgy 4300 lb. As such, fuel economy suffers in daily commuting. All in all, though, Vue went from bench-warmer to all-star. Quite an impressive turnaround. Jennifer Geiger This compact SUV is leaps and bounds better than the previous-generation Vue in terms of handling, interior quality, and exterior styling. Overall, I found it pleasant and comfortable. A lower base price and higher fuel economy numbers would really tip the scale. |
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Major Options: Navigation System, Advanced Audio System Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 14.74 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Jack Stewart Vue is a competent SUV. The Red Line's sport ambitions are unfulfilled. The other models are much better values. John Biel The Vue is a competent and sensible SUV for most driving conditions, though the Red Line can be a little expensive. As equipped, the one in this test stickered at $31,865 delivered. Its $28,770 starting price is $2500 more than an AWD XR that comes with the same powertrain and comfort/convenience items. Yet, the Red Line's only truly critical advantage is a front-seat active head-restraint system that, curiously, isn't available on any other Vue, even as an option. |
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Major Options: N/A Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 31.55 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Don Sikora The Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid is impressive. For about $26,000 you get a large-ish compact SUV with front-wheel drive, a very handsome interior, good road manners, and surprising fuel economy that is better than many compact sedans. The main downside is the lack of available all-wheel drive, but this seems like an excellent value. Well done. Jennifer Geiger The 30 mpg I averaged in my construction-traffic-heavy time in Vue Green line is impressive. Check out Vue Green Line for its blend of above average fuel economy, good degree of utility, pleasant cabin, and affordable sticker price. Tom Appel Frugal and fine finishes, Vue Green Line is the hybrid for folks who don't want to think too much about hybrids. A "mild hybrid", Vue Green Line isn't capable of moving solely on electric power, but the ultra-smooth stop/start function makes this point almost moot. Hybrid details aside, Vue is one of the nicer compact SUVs. If you can live with the mediocre power and overboosted steering, this likable fuel sipper may have a place on your shopping list. |
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Also in the 2008 Saturn Vue Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Vue Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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