The 5-passenger Vue has much more rounded lines than previous years and features molded front and rear end treatments connected by a progressively rising beltline. Gone too are the slab-sided plastic body panels in favor of more tradition steel.
While there are three trim levels, the XE and XR as well as the Red Line, our test AWD XR also included 17-inch alloy wheels, body color trim elements and a pair of chrome exhaust tips. The vertical vent in the front fenders ads a functional look as do the bright finish roof-rack side rails.
There are three engine choices, a small inline four, and a 3.5 liter V6; but most trim levels are powered by the 3.6-Liter DOHC V6 that produces 257 horse power and 248 pound feet of torque. Our test Vue came equipped with the 6-speed sequential automatic transmission.
All Vue models come with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with stability control and tire pressure monitoring standard.
The V6, all-wheel-drive XR we tested is estimated by the EPA to achieve 16 MPG City and 24 Highway.
The XR also features up-rated interior appointments such as a leather-wrapped adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, heated, power-adjustable leather seats and an AM/FM multi-disc CD player that shares its center-console LCD display with the DVD-based navigation system.
Passengers are protected by a six-airbag system that includes dual-stage front and side thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger and side-curtain airbags throughout.
The Vue has 29.2 cubic feet of luggage space and 56.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the 60/40 split rear seats are folded flat.
Base MSRP for the XE FWD Saturn Vue is $20,770 with the AWD XR carrying a sticker of $26,270 before options. All Saturn Vues are covered by the manufacturer's 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
The 08 Saturn Vue...definitely worth an up close look if a compact SUV is on your short list.