2008 Saturn Vue

Saturn is waist-deep in a total transformation, striving to become the most youthful and European of all General Motor’s U.S. brands. For 2007 it was the award-winning Aura Sedan and Outlook Crossover. Now the 2008 model year brings the second generation Saturn Vue Compact Crossover Utility. Designed primarily by Opel in Germany, but built in Tennessee, it’s a major change from the original plastic-bodied Vue. So can this euro-view of an American utility achieve orbit?

In this global automotive world, its makes perfect sense for General Motors to look to their German arm in developing the all-new second generation 2008 Saturn Vue.  The transatlantic collaboration yielded an almost identical American twin to Opel’s Antara Crossover.

The new Vue’s more rounded Euro styling makes it look smaller than the original, but it isn’t. It’s a little taller, and wider, with the same 106.6 inch wheelbase. Length is down, but by only about an inch to 180.1 inches. 

The silhouette is defined by a smooth upward flowing beltline and tapered side glass rimmed with bright accents. Now with steel rather than plastic body panels, there is a resemblance to the Honda CR-V. Jeweled headlights flank Saturn’s signature chrome crossbar grille, while recessed fog lamps are standard on our up level XR tester.

Vertical front fender grilles add a shot of sport, as do 16, 17, or 18-inch alloy wheels.  And the shiny roof rails not only accent height, but are totally useful.

Power is by way of one of three variable valve timing engines.  The front-drive XE and forthcoming Vue Green Line hybrid use a 2.4-liter Ecotec inline-4, producing 169 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel drive XE adds a pushrod 3.5-liter V6, outputting 222 horsepower and 219 pound-feet of torque. 

Our XR tester, as well as the more aggressive Vue Red Line, use the Outlook’s 3.6-liter twin-cam V6. Here output is a strong 257 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. 

The 4-cylinder connects to a 4-speed automatic, while the V6s are tied to a new 6-speed with manual shift mode.

As for economy, our V6 XR has Government Fuel Economy ratings of 16 city/22 highway. Our test loop was a modest 19.9 miles-per-gallon on regular gas. The Vue V6 has a fairly thirsty Energy Impact Score of 19.0 barrels of oil consumed per year.

V6 trailer tow capacity is a good 3,500 pounds. Innovative Trailer Sway Control uses the standard StabiliTrac system to help prevent wayward tows.

On the track, our V6 Vue saw 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds, and finished off the quarter-mile in 15.9 seconds at 91 miles-per-hour. That’s faster than the old Vue with the Honda V6. 

Being European, we expected sportier ride and handling tuning, and we we’re not disappointed.

Cornering is well balanced, with less lean than most utilities. Understeer is only moderate. But push hard, and StabiliTrac quickly reins in the fun. Steering, while a bit slow, is well weighted with reassuring feedback.

The all-vented front and rear ABS discs brakes did disappoint, however. While the peddle felt strong, stops from 60 to 0 were a long 140 feet on average with a lot of brake rumble.

The less upright exterior styling carries over to a 5-place cabin that current Vue owners may feel is more confined. The inward curving side glass does reduce overall interior volume. But, head and legroom measurements are similar to before, and shoulder room is up over an inch in both rows.

Seat support is firm, and you can order front seat heat without having to pay extra for leather. The unique parking brake handle is another nice touch.

Auxiliary steering wheel controls are standard, as are typical power accessories, air conditioning, and a CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input. Options like remote start and navigation will make this compact crossover a pleasure to own.

The 60/40 split rear seats accommodate three adults in a pinch. A new recline feature is most welcomed.

Cargo capacity is on the small side for its class. 29.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.4 cubic feet behind the first row. While over 20% smaller than a Honda CR-V, the Vue’s front passenger seat does fold flat for long cargo.

Pricing for the well-equipped Vue is very competitive with the front-drive XE starting at $21,395. An all-wheel drive XR jumps to $26,895. And the sport-infused Red Line rounds out the non-hybrid line-up at $27,395.

With sharp European styling, a wide choice of powertrains, and American-made affordability, the all-new 2008 Vue is an excellent addition as Saturn reinvents itself.  Its European take makes it a unique, fresh, and very desirable choice among affordable compact utilities.