2008 Saturn VUE

Except for newcomer Smart, with its comically tiny two-seat city car, Saturn boasts the U.S. market’s youngest lineup. The Sky two-seat roadster, which debuted in March 2006, is its oldest vehicle. The Aura midsize sedan, the Outlook crossover, the Opel-clone Astra small cars and this all-new Vue compact crossover have arrived in Saturn showrooms since then. Saturn’s and GM’s German Opel products now share virtually identical styling, and this ‘08 Vue not only looks like its European Opel Antara counterpart, it is essentially the same vehicle mildly modified to meet U.S.-market rules. “The 2008 Vue continues the product revitalization at Saturn,” comments Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.

Power and Handling

Vue comes in XE and XR trim levels, plus two special models with very different missions: the higher-performance Red Line and the extra-fuel-efficient Green Line hybrid. Base powertrain is a 169-hp 2.4-liter variable-valve-timing (VVT) Ecotec 2.4-liter four driving through an electronically controlled four-speed automatic. Both available V-6s, a 222-hp 3.5-liter and a 257-hp 24-valve DOHC VVT 3.6-liter, are mated to six-speed automatics.


At the core of the Vue’s character is a stiff steel body-frame-integral (unibody) structure with MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and a double-isolated engine cradle. Three levels of suspension determine driving dynamics for each model: four-cylinder Vues are softest, the Red Line logically tautest, and mainstream V-6 XEs and XRs comfortably in between. Importantly, 2008 Saturn Vues can tow up to 3,500 pounds with an available package that includes a hitch and wiring, and can be flat-towed with all four wheels on the ground. Standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control with traction control and (on V-6 models) hydraulic power steering combine to enhance driver control.

Design and Interior

The new Vue’s shared-with-Opel shape is clean, sculpted and sporty, with its fenders tightly wrapped around its wheels, large jeweled headlamps and a sweeping, tapered roofline. A Saturn signature chrome bar with a large centered badge caps its grille, vertical accent moldings along the front door lines incorporate side repeater turn signals, and bright accents around the side glass enhance its appeal. XE and XR models are distinguished from each other by different fascias, rockers and wheel opening trim, and all V-6 Vues sport dual chrome exhausts. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on XEs, while uplevel XRs wear larger 17s.


Inside the comfy cabin is a precisely designed and assembled blend of upscale-looking materials. The well-bolstered seats are covered in two levels of flat-woven fabric with model-specific inserts, or optional leather. The upper instrument panel is low-glare, low-gloss composite with an embossed grain pattern. Numerous storage compartments, including an oversized, illuminated, locking glove box, are covered and damped, instruments and controls glow with amber backlighting and chrome accents set off the air vents, center stack controls, the instrument cluster and speakers.