2008 Saturn VUE Performance Review
Based on analysis of 37 VUE reviews and test drives.
Performance - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Saturn Vue, reviewers agree, is a nimble and responsive performer with good power when equipped with one of two available V6 engines. Car and Driver, like many reviewers, notes "the Vue's admirable behavior under the heavy foot of a speed tyrant," and reports that the ride "is smooth and isolates occupants from highway bumps, returning only the smallest of jostles." Depending on trim level, the Vue comes with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, or a 3.6-liter V6. Most reviewers, citing the Vue's considerable weight, recommend avoiding the four-cylinder. Edmunds calls the V6 "an unexpectedly robust and responsive powertrain."
Handling is found to be generally impressive. "The steering felt nimble, sharp and properly weighted," writes AutoWeek. "The ride, compliant and devoid of harshness, avoided wallowing through the corners or diving into hard stops." One concern is the Vue's fuel economy. EPA estimates are "currently lower than some competitors," reports the Detroit News. This is only true, however, when the 2008 Vue's EPA estimates are compared to those from 2007 competitors. "Mileage," explains the Chicago Tribune, "is disappointing based on government changes in testing to get a more realistic figure." Many reviewers believe that the fuel economy numbers of the Vue's competitors will suffer when subject to the new testing.
Acceleration and Power
The consensus is that the Vue is a solid performer, though not necessarily a burner off the line. Reviewers agree with the Detroit News: "It doesn't feel like a race car, but it holds its own on the highway, with good acceleration for a 4,000-pound vehicle." Depending on trim level, the 2008 Saturn Vue can come with one of three engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 169 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 222 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 252 horsepower and 241 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder is matched with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 engines are paired with a six-speed automatic. Despite its power, the Vue is more fast than quick. It "tips the scales at over 4300 pounds," notes Motor Trend. "That makes it feel sluggish off the line."
Of the engines, reviewers prefer the 3.6-liter V6. Autobytel claims, "The available 3.6-liter V-6 engine and its accompanying six-speed automatic transmission are as good as any similar drive train from any other manufacturer you can name." With the V6, "the automatic shifts smoothly and quickly, although full-throttle requests can be met with harsh downshifts when passing on two-lane roads," reports Car and Driver. "Nonetheless, those passing maneuvers go quickly." The Detroit News finds the engine "provides plenty of power."
The four-cylinder Vue gets an EPA estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, the 3.5-liter V6 gets an EPA estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway, and the 3.6-liter V6 gets an EPA estimated 16 mpg in the city and either 22 or 23 mpg on the highway, depending on whether it's front- or all-wheel drive. The numbers, reports the Detroit News, are "currently lower than some competitors." As Cars.com points out, however, the numbers are "just slightly below most of the Vue's competition if you adjust their 2007 mileage numbers to account for the EPA's 2008 standards."
The transmission is generally liked, but does have a tendency to hunt for gears on inclines. Edmunds says, "The quick-shifting automatic helps deliver good city manners," and, "on the freeway, the Vue keeps pace as long as the road is flat," but "on the most gradual of inclines, the transmission seems to get confused and doesn't know whether it should downshift or stay put." Car and Driver reports, "The six-speed is prone to some gear hunting on highway grades, which we expected, given that, at 70 mph in sixth, the engine is turning just shy of 1800 rpm."
Handling and Braking
MacPherson front suspension and an independent four-link rear suspension give the 2008 Vue a smooth ride, and responsive steering gives it maneuverability. AutoWeek writes, "The ride, compliant and devoid of harshness, avoided wallowing through the corners or diving into hard stops." "This ute is tuned for a soft ride," says Edmunds, "but the moderate body roll in the corners doesn't keep it from holding its line in the corners." The Detroit News deems it "an easy vehicle to maneuver in a parking lot or on the autobahn. And it certainly feels much more car like than the previous generation."
AutoWeek reports, "The steering felt nimble, sharp and properly weighted." As for the brakes, Edmunds writes, "performance is about average for the class, as the four-wheel vented disc brakes help bring the Vue to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet. The pedal feels a little on the soft side, but the vented rotors should forestall brake fade even with a heavy load."
Towing
When equipped with the optional tow package, the four-cylinder Vue can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the V6 models can tow up to 3,500. The Washington Times points out, "This is plenty of capacity to tow a couple of personal water craft or motocross bikes." The Chicago Tribune argues, "Those who tow will appreciate the standard electronic sway control system that detects when the trailer starts to sway from improper weight distribution or too much speed."
Performance Options
The front-wheel-drive XE
This XE comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an automatic four-speed transmission.
The all-wheel-drive XE
This XE comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an automatic six-speed transmission.
The XR
Both the front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the XR come with the same 3.6-liter V6 engine and automatic six-speed transmission.
