2008 Saturn VUE Consumer Reviews

I need my space

Written by: Layorm on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XR 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I previously had an 06 Vue but had problems, enough to trade in on new. the 08 drives great, handles curves, is sporty enough. The storage compared to the 06 stinks, there are lots of storage places but they're not big enough to hold neccesities, like sunglasses for example. I stay on the road and carry books, binders, and other school items, no room for any of it now. Gas mileage was better in the 06 too. I didn't ever get below 20 mpg, now I don't even see 17.

Favorite Features

Optional manual transmission, stereo, auto wipers and climate control. Built solid.

Suggested Improvements

Center console needs more storage like the 06 did. Better gas mileage, it's possible, there's bigger vehicles with bigger engines that get better gas mileage.

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Love it, Love it, Love it!

Written by: CCline on 06/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XR 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I purchased my Vue 3 weeks ago. It drives and shifts smoothly and quietly. It has features that you usually find in luxury models. The styling and aerodynamics are very appealing and is a real head turner. The interior is spacious and comfortable with plenty of leg and headroom. Road and engine noise are at a minimum. Gas mileage is as expected.

Favorite Features

OnStar and XM radio are two wonderful additions that I wonder what I did before without them.

Suggested Improvements

I would suggest the ability to open the rear hatch with the remote fob and from inside the vehicle. Also the rear seat cup holders should be in the flip down console.

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Near Luxury and Unbelievable Value

Written by: peter on 06/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Like everyone else we were hit by the gas crunch so I downsized from by 8 cyl Cadillac SRX which I absolutely loved so we could get one fuel efficient vehicle for our family. Checked out the usual: Acord (noisy and did not like interior), Camry (noisy and horrible handling), Malibu (surprisingly better than expected but still did not do it for me), VW - Jetta came close but too small and Passat too expensive for a VW, plus a whole lot more. Finally found myself in a Saturn dealer and was blown away with the VUE - near luxury drive, German engineering and design in and out, quality materials, handles well and 4 cyl.economy - no it is not a luxury car but comes darn close for the price!

Favorite Features

Ride is unbelievable, Styling is great both inside and out - friends keep telling us it looks like a BMW - Feels so roomy inside for compact SUV. Fit and finish are first rate. Quiet on the road - much better than other $20k cars. And did I mention I love the interior!

Suggested Improvements

Would love all electric or turbo 4 cyl. Would also like backup sensors. Also wished they put the hydraulic steering in the 4 cyl - I am getting used to the electric but prefer the hydraulic - but for the unbelievable price I really can't complain- still better than anything else under $20K w/ rebate

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Very Pleased!

Written by: CCR2008 on 06/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I love my VUE! I wanted cargo room and good mpg so I went for the 4 cylinder instead of the six. After a grand total of 476.5 miles driven, the combined mpg was 27.09. As others have noted, I also felt the drag with the engine shifting and hill climbing, but I let the engine do it’s thing and didn’t try to compensate during the first 500 miles. After reaching 200+ miles, the transition was noticeably smoother and with very little or no drag. Compared to the other small/midsized SUVs I looked at, the Vue’s value, good looks, and competitive fuel economy made my choice easy. The exterior is very attractive with clean, classic lines.

Favorite Features

Attractive interior, lots of handy compartments. Front cup holder location is perfect! Comfortable seating front and back. Got all the extras. The tilt/slide sunroof was a must as was remote start. All the creature comforts of my previous $35,000 vehicle and then some, plus money in the bank!

Suggested Improvements

Brighter daytime instrument panel lighting, actual current MPG usage info, telescopic steering wheel. Keep working on fuel efficiency, GM. You're heading in the right direction!

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Satisfaction Driven

Written by: Erin Rich on 06/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

The Saturn Vue is my first SUV and after driving compact cars previously, I'll never go back! Sure, I'll miss the gas mileage that my old car had, but the Vue has more to offer: comfort, confidence on the highway, open space for vacation traveling, and not to mention it looks good on the road. Actually, it looks great on the road and in the driveway.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Lemon Vue

Written by: Jrdpa on 06/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

My Vue has been in the shop 8 times in 6 months. The inside of the windshield has been freezing over completely in the winter. I come out of the house and it's frozen. They had to replace the heater core. It has never sounded or driven the same since it came back. Also, the windshield wiper fluid leaked because they made the reservoir and neck two pieces and they had to replace pieces there as well. About a month after I got it there was a recall to reset the computer because apparently some had lights staying on too long draining the battery. Also, I never got better than 17 MPG / 250 miles a tank. They had to take rust off brakes after only 6 months too.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks, heater side mirrors, seat comfort, the way it drove (prior to repairs)

Suggested Improvements

Windshield washer fluid reservoir one piece, fix leaks from heater core causing windshield to freeze, better gas mileage

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good little SUV

Written by: KW on 06/13/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I have had this car almost a year, and have no real, solid complaints. I have put 15,000 miles on it, and after comparing it to Honda's CRV and Toyota's RAV, it was a great fit for me. Tons of options for the base price. For the money, it is a great buy. Interior well thought out, very European, which I like. Buying experience was good. Disappointed with gas mileage, but I suppose it is good for a small SUV that carries that kind of weight. You feel safe in the car, that is for sure. Overall, good buy for small SUV buyers out there, and it was the first American car I had bought in years!

Favorite Features

Steering wheel controls, built in XM, OnStar, design, safety features, all the options on the base model. Totally more than the CRV or RAV, with a much better exterior and interior look!

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage is a minus, doesn't have much pick-up and works hard over hills. Seats in the front are too short!

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Really Disappointed

Written by: mmtso on 06/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

This is my third and probably last Saturn. My new VUE XE has been in the shop 4 times in 6 months: tachometer went out, CD player quit working, alternator went out, and electrical cluster failure (no turn signals, tachometer/odometer not working,etc.) Loved the updated exterior, overall handling and vehicle feel, but after repeated problems with this vehicle, I am in the process of getting rid of it as I simply will not own an unreliable brand-new SUV, as this has sadly become. I would not currently recommend the VUE to anyone, and I have been a loyal Saturn customer for over 10 years (previously owned the SL2 and L200 with no major troubles).

Favorite Features

Updated exterior, handling and driving, heated cloth seats

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage compared to other SUVs in its class, sunroof option would be nice, poor overall reliabilty

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love my new VUE

Written by: Steph on 06/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I love my new VUE. I purchased it to get better gas mileage. I was driving a 03 Explorer that was getting 12mpg and with my VUE I am getting 22-25mpg and with the gas prices going so high I need it. It is a fun car to drive and it is very sharp looking. I love driving it.

Favorite Features

Body style, mpg, price, storage, curtain airbags, radio controls on steering wheel

Suggested Improvements

The get up and go with the 4cyl models, maybe a little more cargo space. But all in all great car

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Good value needs small V-6

Written by: paul blais on 06/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE XE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Good value, style and safety for the money but the 3800 lb curb weight is too much for the 4 cylinder if you try to use the cruise control on the hilly back roads of NH. The good news on the 4 cylinder is you can average 26 mpg or more if you keep it 70 mph or less on the highway. Any hill will cause a downshift and jump in RPMs. The downshift is usually smooth except in the hills. Front seats seem short and drivers foot rest uncomfortable. Ride and handling are very good for the style of vehicle. A fuel efficient V-6 mated to a 5-speed auto would be perfect. But at $4 a gallon for gas, I would still go with the 2WD 4 banger if this is the style of vehicle you want.

Favorite Features

Style, room, gas mileage, ride, handling, safety features

Suggested Improvements

Needs fuel efficient V-6 & 5 speed auto

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