New Saturn VUE Review: 2008 Saturn VUE in test

The 2008 Saturn VUE is the perfect example of a crossover car model. The Opel Antara has been introduced to the American market by general Motors, rebadged as 2008 Saturn VUE, which is already being considered quite a decent purchase with starting price of about $21,000. Thankfully, General Motors did not decide to change the look of the German beauty to cater to American style expectations. The all new 2008 model feels as good as it looks. This good looking 5 passenger sports utility vehicle is quite different from its predecessor, yet good as ever.

For an everyday car, this model fits the bill. You could easily use this as a friendly companion to drive you back and forth the supermarkets. The interiors are spacious and you get room for resting your legs comfortably. As for performance, the new Saturn VUE is rock solid reliable. The German suspension has been retained with 4-6 speed automatic transmission. Steel body panels add to the revamping. This one is slightly wider and taller than the Opel. The steering has been redesigned so that the driver actually gets a feeling of control over the wheel motion. The car comes with a good stability control feature. As far as safety is concerned, standard features are included here. The car’s interiors are plush though the cargo hold could do with more room.

The cabin has been a great delight this time round. You can adjust the seats manually. Everything feels good and the cabin itself is cozy while the instrument panel is easy to manage. The exteriors don’t have anything special but the good old designs are good enough. The body is now sleek and shapely, the old box style done away with. The road test recorded a smooth performance and this car certainly takes you comfortably. A perfect blend of American ease and German reliability, this car in all 6 trims is a driver’s delight and a passenger’s dream. So there, get yourself this affordable SUV and you’ll be the proud owner of a great vehicle.
Engine: 3 out of 5….. Trims go up to 257 hp, which is quite good for any car.

Transmission: 4 out of 5…. Easy 4-6 speed automatic transmission.
Handling: 4 out of 5… excellent handling and steering control.

Safety: 4 out of 5 … standard safety features as in other SUVs.

Value 4 out of 5… Good value for your cash
Tech Specs
Body: 4 door five passenger car and a sports utility vehicle.

Engine: 257HP, 3.6L V6 for the FWD trims

Transmission: 6 speed standard automatic transmission with overdrive.

Torque: 248 at 2100 (ft-lbs) for the Red line trim

Power: 257 at 6500 (horsepower at rpm)

Tires: radial construction, passenger tires with front and rear disc brakes.

Verdict: rock solid car with superb control and driving experience. Also styled well and is convenient for today’s customers.

For: styling, safety, handling and performance all score well in the 2008 Saturn VUE.
Against: hardly any negative points for the 2008 VUE but yes, the cargo space could have been more for convenience.