Used 2008 Saturn VUE Consumer Reviews
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After One Month
Not much experience yet but this gives insight into why we chose the VUE and our early impressions. My wife and I test drove the Outlander, Rav4, XL7, Vitara, Tuscon, Santa Fe, CR-V, CX-7, and two Kia models before choosing the VUE. The VUE felt more powerful and tracked and handled better. It felt more subtantial. The car simply feels different from the others which might be the European engineering (this is an Opel with a GM motor and rebadged as a Saturn). The interior materials and details are superior to others at this price. Acceleration is quick and effortless,the 6 speed trans is smooth,the ride quiet and smooth. Too soon to rate reliability but no problems to date.
Not 100%
The exterior is awesome! The interior looks fantastic and is very functional. However, I am on my second one....I used Saturn's 30 day return policy. The first one had huge transmission issues and shipping damage I found after delivery. THe dealership stepped right up and provided an exchange, no questions asked. My second one seems fine, just don't expect to step on the gas and go anywhere quick. The transmission is also extremely sluggish. If you can afford the v6, this would be a fantastic SUV. But if you're like me, you have to live with the 4cyl.
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,99513 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,49995 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,695100 mi away
This Vue is impressive
The 08 Vue with the 3.6 V-6 is awesome. It is smooth and powerful. A TRD Tundra was no match last week for this barn burner. The interior controls are perfectly laid out and of supreme quality. People really like its looks. Car has over 5000 miles so far with no issues. I glad I bought this over the CRV and the RAV4.
Getting to Know It
Just put the first 1200 miles on the VUE; mostly suburban driving with one short highway trip. Love the car. Easy to handle, easy to park, plenty of power for passing, and nice to look at (I have the "Orange" which is easy to find in the parking lots filled with Silvers, greys, and blacks).
Our third Saturn
We have thoroughly enjoyed owning a Vue. Looks a whole lot better than our old 2005 Vue (the 08 model is easy on the eye). Interior is a little smaller than the '05 model because of the styling change, not bad though. OnStar free for one year is great. XM radio is always on 60's station. Can't imagine so many standard features, figured we'd have to pay extra for all of them. I miss those polymer side body panels. Also miss having a compass.
First time Saturn owner.
The exterior styling is what made my wife and I even bother to take a look at a Saturn. We picked one out with 4 miles on it and the A/C broke after 12 miles of driving away from the dealership. We used the 30 day option and replaced the vehicle with an exact copy but it had a paint bubble on the shifter trim ring. Dealership fixed the issue and my wife is happy. No other issues to report after 200 miles. We are happy with our decision to purchase an 08 VUE XR over an 07 RAV4 Sport, we test drove both on the same day.
First Saturn
I purchased the XE model with the 4-Cylinder after comparing the CR-V, Ford Escape, Mitsubishi Outlander and Mercury Mariner. The Saturn had the best look to it and best features for the money and the quietest ride - also for the American brands had the best resale value. I have had a few fit and finish issues that the dealer easily fixed. Another posting mentioned a problem with the 4 speed automatic transmission with erratic behavior and gear-dropping to accelerate. Last week during the recall for the "Brake Control Module" the transmission was reprogrammed and works significantly better - like it should have in the first place. Performance is greatly enhanced!
A good choice
I've only had my Vue for a few days so I can't write much. What i can say is that after owning a Honda, it's refreshing to deal with people who actualy value your business. I researched almost every car in it's class and decided on it because it comes with so many more standard convenience and safety features that anything else in its price range. I'm a big guy and don't have a lot of luck finding cars to fit. The Vue could use a tad more leg room but overall it's very comfortable for me and real nice to drive.
My Orange planet
I love my Vue. It is fantastic for the money, good mpg, easy to drive, plenty of room. I love the orange color and little touches that make it a pleasure to own, I got $3000 of MSRP and the ride is great. I traded in a terrible V6 Mustang and never looked back. I am very pleased with my dealer and the Saturn product. I bought off the lot, I would have ordered it with some different options had I been able to, but very pleased overall with the purchase. Glad to say goodbye to my gas- hog Ford! (16 mpg)
What a car!
Looked at them all and have owned Lexus RX & Honda Pilot in past. This SUV is the best I have owned so far. Only have 3000 miles on it but have nothing but praise for performance and quality. First US made car in many years. The VUE brought me back. Did 2000 mile trip in first 2 weeks and it was flawless. GM can compete if they keep the mentality they put into the VUE. Stopped by dealership on a lark and owned the car in one day. 4 cylinder just didn't make it, but 6 is a dream. Make sure you drive it before you buy anything else, I know you will love it.
Near Luxury and Unbelievable Value
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!
Saturn Hybrid
I have had my hybrid now for 1000 miles, no significant complaints. There is a blind spot and I am trying to get use to using the big mirrors to overcome it, but may have to buy small stick on mirrors to overcome the flaw. The low rolling resistance tires perform well on highway; the ride isnt as good on local streets or unimproved roads. Gas mileage has been excellent so far, my first tank was 26.3, second 26.5 and after a short road trip, I averaged over 28.7.Still modifying my habits to maximize mileage and keep the "econ light" on. Seats could me more comfortable, power seat on pass side should be an option. Lumbar support adjustment is very good.
Wasn't sure about this purchase!
We were after the 07 closeouts. Couldn't find one in black - but there was an 08 on the showroom floor. Hubby liked it - I wasn't sure. This is a great little vehicle. Rides nice, handles well, is fun to drive and is very suitable for cost- effective driving to work every day. The style has really grown on me, too. There are other similar styles out there but these definitely outstyle the others. Kudos, Saturn - fine job. This is our first Saturn and we couldn't be happier with it. OnStar offers a comfort zone and the directions feature is great.
Happy Driver
The new 2008 Saturn Vue was a complete surprise to me. My friend had suggested I add it to my lists of considerations... which were the Lexus RX 350, Envoy Denali, and the BMW X3...I wanted a small luxury type suv. I completed rejected the idea. My fiance and I happen to drive by the Saturn dealership and I saw it....I feel in love with the exterior, was amazed by the interior, and after driving it I had to have it! I got all the features and looks I wanted without the heavier price tag. I'm absolutely loving my new Saturn Vue XR and from the comments and looks I receive so are others.
Excellent Car. Saved my life.
Enjoyed driving. Solid ride. Was just involved in accident where a Dodge Ram truck slammed into the rear of my Vue. I was stopped at a light, they estimate he was driving 50+mph. My husband and I walked away from that accident without a single scratch. Unfortunately, my Saturn was totalled. Heck, the Dodge Ram Truck that hit me actually looked worse, and I'm quite sure it was totalled also. Going tomorrow to buy my new Saturn Vue!
Big Mistake!!! (Should've kept my CR-V)
The design pulled me in at first. Nice test drive. Then things started to go wrong. Cruise control is terrible, it revs really high when going up the slightest incline. Brushed metal trim on steering wheel started peeling off and cut my wife's finger twice. Had it replaced, only to find out the audio controls on the new wheel didn't work. Had a 3rd wheel put on. A few weeks later, the chrome passenger door handle started peeling as well. Had to have that replaced. Gear shifter rattles when temp is cole or hot. Dealer can't find anything wrong.Very limited storage in the back (holds 1 stroller). Should not have even offered a 4 cylinder option. Wish I still had my '05 Honda CR-V.
Opt for the v6 over the 4
Originally purchased the 4 cyl model with all the bells and whistles. After driving it for a week, I found myself almost always using passing gear going up hill. Took it back and switched it for the v6 and wow, what a difference. Ride was much more smoother and quieter. Low end power is great. It will hold freeway speeds at under 2000 rpm. This is my 5th Saturn and it's the best by far.
First SUV
This is my first SUV. I traded my Honda Civic in last year. I love this vehicle. I have a few complaints but this vehicle made me an SUV lover. I agree seats stain easily and are not very comfortable.
Vue XR Love it.
Searched hard for something in this size category. After renting one for a week, I knew this was it. It is quiet! The car is tight and easy to drive, not floaty. The steering remains on center except for full throttle take offs. I find the seats comfortable even though the seat bottom is a little short. Great attention was paid to details, for instance the glove box is lined with a felt like material to keep things from sliding on plastic and be quieter. The gas door is sealed with a gasket. Wind noise is very low. The headlights even come on when the wipers come on.
Great all around.
I drive my Vue for a living five days a week and love the high mpg and XM radio. It is a little under powered but that is a given with the mpg and once you drive it for a wile you become accustomed to it.
Definitely worth a look!
I needed a commuter with space for some cargo. I didn't like the look of the Rav4/CR-V, and the others didn't match up to the Vue. Full complement of airbags, standard (my 08 Accord is actually rated lower in crash tests than this Vue). No major issues; all minor ones were successfully resolved by the dealers. As-advertised MPG (I get 22city/26hwy/25combined). This is one vehicle that GM should be showcasing as a reason they can and should survive.
So Far, So Good
Overall, my experience with my new Vue is very positive. Although, I very seldom make a major purchase on impulse, this car was an exception. As soon as I saw it on the lot, I knew I had to have it. Over the last year or two, whenever a saw one of GMs foreign competitors crossover vehicles, I would think if GM (Im a GM retiree) would make something like that I would buy it.
08 vue
I recently traded in my 06 vue for an 08 vue xr due to an extremly good deal on the 08. Wasn't really sure how well i would like the 08 but i have to say it is a big improvement over the plastic vues. being all steel now the 08 weighs more and that gives it a better ride and better road feel.Drove both v-6's and the 3.6 is so much better than the 3.5.The interior is much improved as well,with less 'cheap' feeling plastic parts. Only have a couple of complaints -1 being the fuel economy.it's about 5-6 mpg less than my Honda powered 06. i'm sure part is due to the extra weight (500#)but also to the fact the the engine is now GM built.and 2,the torque steer is worse than my 06.but overall better
Better than all the rest in it's class!
After researching small suv's such as the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, and Ford Escape I finally decided on the 2008 Vue. The Vue offers much more for your money. Saturn did a great job on redesigning this model. Looks and drives like a luxury car. More bells and whistles. Saturn customer service is amazing. My experience was stress free. I would have never thought of Saturn before. No one can believe it is a Saturn. Check it out...great buy!
Buyers remorse
It only took me 2 days to realize I had made a very bad choice. I was really excited to get an suv and upgrade from my 2005 mazda 6. When I bought it the visor buzzed so I took it back in and they politely fixed it and now the whole car buzzes. I drive down the road banging the roof of the car so that the buzzing will stop. The windshield is so windy it sounds like it isn't secure. The inside also looks very cheap. I am very disappointed and have been searching for a new suv ever since.
LOVE MY VUE!!
I have had my 2008 Saturn VUE XR Front wheel drive since June 2008, and LOVE it! I have a little over 10,000 miles on it. My Mom just purchased a 2009 VUE XR FWD, replacing a 1996 Ford Taurus wagon. I hope that the Saturn brand keeps going. By the way, this is my 2nd Saturn...I had a 1994 Saturn SL2.
It's worth it!
I spent four months researching smaller SUV's. I actually ordered a CR-V in May, but it hadn't arrived when I accidentally found myself on a Saturn lot. Perfect car. Features are over the top. I chose the 4 cy so I can't complain about it. I found the car I was looking for. Great buy. Go get it.
Love this vehicle
Never thought we would buy a crossover SUV past 3 vehicles have been Buicks and loved each one - couldn't find a new one we liked at a price we wanted so on a whim we stopped at Saturn to look at the Aura - didn't like that but the Vue was sitting there and when we got in it we feel in love with the interior - took it for a test drive and was very surprised at how well the ride and handling was - very quiet ride - smooth sifting - plenty of power with the V6 -
My 2008 Saturn VUE
I have had my VUE since June 7, 2008. I love it! I had an incident with my AC button that was fixed by my dealership. I also was involved with the recent recall. It was also fixed and had my oil changed at the same time. I really do love my VUE, highly recommend it, and have been stopped numerous times in parking lots to answer questions about it. I have no regrets, especially since I got in on the zero down and 0% interest I'm really only paying cash for this car. I also love the OnStar and XM radio that came with it. Did I mention that I love my VUE?
Happy With My Vue
I have had my Vue for almost a year and am very happy with it. It is a fun car to drive and the interior is very comfortable. It gets reasonably good gas milage and has been very reliable.
Vue
The Saturn Vue is on the comfortably small side. It is very quiet, smooth riding and sure footed. I would recommend that if you live in hilly country, move up to the V6 with the 6 speed automatic. Gas mileage has been between 24 and 25 miles per gallon mixed driving with the 4 cylinder, 4 speed auto. The only thing I would add would be a temperature gauge
Love My Vue
I love this little SUV. It's fun to drive, hauls everything I need, including three kids to college, and gets much better mileage than expected (21 in suburban Chicago and 27 on the highway). Too many times to count, people have ridden in the vehicle and asked, "What is this again?" When I tell them it's a Saturn Vue, they are amazed. Several have mistaken it for a Lexus SUV, which cracks me up!
100% satisfied like a Snickers bar!
I just purchased the Vue(redline) I must admit Saturn was the last on my list. Now I have my foot in my mouth. I saved a lot of money, fell in love with the interior and all the additional perks. Above all the drive-like butter. Spacious room for my 3 kids and we feel safe unlike other x-overs that have plastic side doors. Aerodynamic shape and airbags and sufficient leg room. Traction is excellent and I must say this car is underexposed!We give the Vue a shout out! If the kids can give this car props, I must say the Saturn Vue is a true winner! The truth sets you free and you definitely have a winner! Thank you!
2008 Vue
Performance is fine as I wanted a 4 cylinder for the fuel economy. Overall very satisfied with the vehicle.
Lousey SUV
I thought Saturn was the car it was meant to be when it first appeared on the market but was sadly mistaken when I bought a 2008 Vue which has given me nothing but problems since I bought it and I am writing this review while it is at the dealers for major problems for the fourth time in a year. Always loved GM products but this one is a joke. DO not buy one.
Good small SUV
I am happy I decided stop in to see the new Vue. I did the usual and checked out the CRV and Rav4 as well as the new Forester. I have a 97 Outback and love it even with the unbearable seats. I so much wanted the new Forester to make the grade, but the seats were to much to take. In dismay I drove into the nearby Saturn dealer and test drove the Vue. I was knocked out by the quality, fit and finish and comfort. The details are great from rain-sensing wipers to forgotten turn signal warning tone. I have had it for about 3 months and love this vehicle.
Great Ride, Poor Fuel Economy
I love my '08 Saturn Vue. I got it for my wife for her birthday and it is as my wife say's" So Cool". But the fuel economy is not good at all. It is so bad that I am wondering if something is wrong with it. And it only has 38000 miles.
First SUV, second Saturn
I narrowed my choices to the 2008 Vue and Rav4 months before they hit the lots, test-driving them both the same day. I'd also narrowed my choices between Toyota & Saturn 10 yrs earlier when I bought a Saturn SC2, and for pretty much the same reasons the Vue was an easy choice. Saturn makes good-looking vehicles w/superior color choices, that come well-equipped with lots of luxuries that make them especially fun to drive. I was impressed with its nimble handling, tight steering and solid stability at cornering. The 4000-pound 6cyl can haul 3500 lbs. Between OnStar and standard alarm, it's safer from theft. I upgraded to the premium package, and now own one stellar car.
I love this car...Period!
I drove my last truck until it died. When I had to get a new one, I knew I needed an SUV despite high gas prices, because where I live, we get a lot of snow. I bought the AWD Vue, and while I saw on the sticker that I could get about 24 MPG, I was still excited because my old vehicle got more like 8. I'm not a professional hyper-miler by any means, but I am able to coax out 30 MPG on my daily drive to work and back. Add in the very nice design, the awesome feel and power of the vehicle, and I'm getting far more car for my money than I expected when I bought a Saturn. Their "Rethink" campaign is fitting, because I have "Rethought" my previous view. I love the view from my Vue!
Could be a great SUV...but
The 2008 Saturn Vue Redline has the potential to be a great vehicle but it falls short in 4 important areas: 1) the front seats are too short, too stiff and not wide enough. 2) the driver seat adjuster is supposed to be 8-way but you can't adjust it to your needs--adjust it upward and you're forced to move forward--adjust it downward and you're forced to move backwards. 3) the car does not hold the road in wet weather when making turns--a very dangerous problem. 4) the gas mileage is dismal: on a good day I get 17 mpg city and 21 mpg hwy. On the plus side this is one of the best-looking SUV's out there. The interior design is user friendly with lots of storage in the glovebox & console.
Very Pleased!
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 its thing and didnt 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 Vues value, good looks, and competitive fuel economy made my choice easy. The exterior is very attractive with clean, classic lines.
time will tell
Our 2008 Vue has the 3.5L motor, most have 3.6L or 2.4L, anyways it has lots of power and excellent braking and handling. It was a pleasure to drive last winter. We have experienced a few problems so far but nothing major. The seats stain very easily (even water left a mark),glove box light stays on when closed unless you slam it shut. Like I said nothing major. Only has 23k on it in a year and a half so time will tell if it holds up. The zero percent financing was the deal sealer.
Conditional Love
Fun car to drive and mostly comfortable. Cat loves riding on the heated seats. Have had some maintenance problems...hood release cable became twisted and snapped, power steering fluid leak, On-Star battery died, and now emission system light is going on...probably the gas tank cover needs replacing. Saturn dealership very good about fixing items covered by warranty. GM messed up in dropping Saturn. This vehicle model has real potential to outsell all other Crossovers if they would improve on its parts quality. It's just the right size, with excellent pick up and a lot of fun to drive. Someone should buy Saturn just to improve this model and keep it in production.
11000 Miles and Happy
I have had this vehicle a little over a year and have driven in all types of weather (it's a Minneasota car). I have told my wife that this is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned and having just turned 80, I have owned most of them. I am surprised to read the poor reviews this auto has recieved in "Consumer's Reports". I have had absolutely now problems at all and have been quite happy with the dealership. Could some of the reported quality problems be a function of a particular assemby plant?
Beautiful piece of machinery
A very nice and responsive car with 6 speed auto and 3.6 L smooth GM engine. Styling is good and turns people's heads for sure. Two disadvantages though -- rough ride and engine noise starting from 2.5-3,000 RPM.
1st SUV - Glad I Bought It.
A used 2008 with 15,000 miles - it was beyond a bargain. Traded my '05 Acura TL for this, my first SUV so I was used to good handling and performance. I have to say that it's much more quiet and comfortable than my old TL. Ride is very smooth, handles much better than other SUVs I've driven, and I'm not disappointed with the power. Styling is better than 'soccer-mom' type SUVs and honestly reminds me of a Lexus RX, and not a GM product. Interior instruments are simple and uncomplicated, but not cheap looking. The car had some issues when I bought it and they've all been repaired by my local Saturn dealer. The dealership was awesome and the service experience compares to that of Acura.
Gray slug
Purchased this auto late 2007 in hopes to help GM. Found out that our Vue was actually made South of the boarder. Had hopes that listed MPG of 22 was not correct, it was. Now Saturn is belly up and I own something which I should not of purchase, should have bought a Ford.
Great car!
I really like my 2008 VUE. It's fun to drive, has great visibility, and is easy to maneuver in parking lots. It was a great deal compared to other cars and SUVs I considered. I love the XM radio, OnStar, and steering wheel radio controls!I wish I could have afforded the larger engine, because it's not very peppy - especially on the highway. The cruise control is also poor - the car shifts up or down every 10-15 minutes or so, which isn't very enjoyable. I still like it, though, and I have no regrets. If I wasn't upside down on my trade-in, I would have gotten the bigger engine, remote start, and the package that included motorized seats.
Sleek SUV
Got a great deal on a 4cyl certified VUE so I went with it. The car looks great in and out, the only downfalls I don't like about it are the power of the 4 cyl (cruise control is not very comfortable) and the gas mileage for a 4 cyl(averaging about 23 mpg). I would recommend this if someone is looking for a sleek SUV that rides nice.
Very Happy After 3500 Miles
This car is just what I was looking for. It is just right for my wife and me. She will drive it but would not drive our other minivans or full sized sedans. It is a great urban auto and has been just fine on 600 mile trips. It is easy to park and has plenty of acceleration. We have had no problems at all and are now driving it in the snow with temps at or near zero F. This is a Minnesota car and will see -20F in a month or so.