2008 Saturn VUE

Features and Seating

Features uncommon in this segment include a standard flip-down storage armrest for the second row, CD/MP3 stereo, heated front seats and available automatic climate control and navigation with voice recognition, eight-way power driver’s seat and a convenience package option with remote start, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washers and universal home remote. There’s a sliding bin under the front passenger seat, a 60/40 split flat-folding rear seatback, an assist handle over each door, storage under the rear cargo floor and a cargo management system with nets and adjustable or removable upper and lower rails.


Unfortunate rookie-year omissions include a back-up warning system or camera, trip computer fuel-economy and range information, an instrument-panel accessory outlet (the nearest one is on the console box) and a coolant temperature gauge. The latter—increasingly missing from new GM and (surprisingly) BMW vehicles these days—is highly useful for seeing engine overheating before a warning light tells you it’s too late.

Safety and Security

These new Saturn Vues protect their occupants with a high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard safety features that includes six air bags (dual-stage front, front-seat side thorax and head curtain covering both seating rows), front-seat belt pretensioners, a Pedal Release System (to reduce foot and leg injuries), active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring, automatic power locks and side turn signal lamps. The StabiliTrak system’s Electronic Trailer Sway Control, unique in the compact crossover class, selectively applies brakes and reduces engine torque to help stabilize the trailer.


Like all Saturn vehicles, 2008 Vues come with GM’s OnStar safety and security system, including a one-year subscription to a Safe & Sound plan. OnStar also provides remote door-unlocking, stolen vehicle location assistance and Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN), which instantly transmits crash data following an accident to help in dispatching appropriate emergency personnel and equipment to the scene.

Red and Green

The Vue Red Line’s aggressive face flaunts a large, lower air intake and projector-beam fog lamps. Its sport-tuned suspension hunkers down over 18-inch alloy wheels and tires, and its rear boasts a special fascia, spoiler and chrome trapezoid exhaust tips. With front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, its six-speed automatic has tap-up/tap-down manual control, and its black interior has leather sport seats with red stitching and perforated suede fabric inserts, unique instrument cluster graphics and embroidered floor mats.