2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid
Based on analysis of 27 VUE-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Saturn VUE Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid ranks 27 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the Saturn VUE Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The VUE Green Line is a gas-electric hybrid SUV that offers decent gas mileage at an affordable sticker price. However, it can't match the more refined performance and even better fuel economy of some other hybrids, resulting in a ranking near the bottom of both the Affordable Compact SUV and Hybrid SUV classes.
Redesigned for this year to match the redesign of its gasoline-powered counterpart, the Saturn VUE Green Line offers weaker performance than its competition. What's more, several auto writers point out that the Green Line's affordable price may have a hidden cost. The New York Times adds, "Were good mileage the only criterion for likability, this review would be over. The problem, though, is that every auto credit requires a debit, and accountants' fingerprints can be seen all over this Vue." Some also point out that the Saturn is not a full hybrid and cannot operate on electric power alone. Expected for 2009 is a two-mode version that GM says will improve gas mileage by 45 percent.
But the 2008 VUE Hybrid's 25/32 mpg rating still places it near the top of its class for fuel economy. With gas prices setting new records in 2008, fuel-efficiency may be a reasonable argument for many to consider the gas-electric VUE.
The hybrid VUE commands a $2,000 premium over the gasoline-powered model, but it should make up for the extra cost in increased gas mileage. In fact, almost every reviewer likes the Green Line's low sticker price relative to the competition, with some noting that the VUE achieves similar fuel economy at thousands less than the Ford Escape Hybrid or the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. However, those cars offer better performance or nicer interiors.
The VUE Green Line is available only in front-wheel drive with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine.
- "The Vue Green Line is not luxurious, but it is well-appointed for its price range. And as hybrid SUVs go, it is the real deal when it comes to fuel economy." -- Boston Globe
- "The Vue Green Line is not the answer to everyone's transportation needs, but it will work well as an economical suburban and urban workhorse for delivering kids, picking up groceries and a host of other chores associated with the growing family." -- The Family Car
- "The price, size and functionality of the car should always be factored into any buying decision, and the Saturn Vue Green Line wins in all three of those categories. Let's see, Eco-happy, Easy to park, fits a family of 5, their dog, and some groceries all within a budget. Sounds like a smart idea to me..." -- Mother Proof
- "If revolution is what you seek in hybrids, then perhaps its best to direct your attention towards the Tahoe Two-Mode, or something daringly cutting edge, like Lexus forthcoming LS 600h, because there is simply nothing monumentally different about the Green Line's system." -- Automobile.com
VUE-Hybrid Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)
Reviews say that the 2008 Saturn VUE Green Line offers adequate performance, but it pales in comparison to other Affordable Compact SUVs, leading to a performance ranking near the bottom of the class. CNET concludes: "Performance is not the Vue's strong suit, although it does provide a comfortable ride around town with enough pep for most urban situations. The hybrid system's electric motor does what it can to help out on the freeway, but this is one car that won't spend much time in the left-hand lane." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why test drivers are disappointed in the Green Line's handling. continue
VUE-Hybrid Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
Most reviewers have no strong opinions on the Saturn VUE Green Line's exterior, which looks almost the same as the gasoline-powered VUE. Consequently, its styling ranks in the middle of its large class. "The Vue looks like what it is -- a friendly family vehicle with no phony macho pretentions," says The Auto Channel. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the VUE Hybrid's exterior differs from the gasoline-powered model, or check out our Photo Gallery to see for yourself. continue
VUE-Hybrid Interior - 6.4 (Mediocre)
Reviewers generally find the five-seat interior of the 2008 Saturn VUE Green Line to be of good quality for such an affordable vehicle. "General Motors has also done a nice job with the overall interior of the Vue: three different textures mark the soft-touch dash, door panels, and other areas," says the Boston Globe. However, the front seats get mixed reviews on their comfort, and the back seat is criticized for being too small, leading to an interior score near the bottom of the class. Continue with our Interior Review to learn why reviewers complain about the VUE's air conditioning unit, or check out our interior photos. continue
VUE-Hybrid Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)
The brand-new 2008 Saturn VUE Green Line does very well in federal government crash tests. While reviewers criticized last year's model for lacking safety equipment, this year the Green Line gets standard electronic stability control and side-curtain air bags. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the VUE Green Line's other safety features. continue
VUE-Hybrid Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Saturn VUE Green Line comes with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the warranty covering the VUE Green Line's battery pack. continue
