2008 Saturn Vue Preview

What It Is

Saturn Vue – 2008 Preview: Once known primarily for its plastic-clad sedans and coupes, GM’s Saturn brand is on a tear to reinvent itself with a growing collection of new rides. It started with the Sky roadster, then the praiseworthy Aura sedan, and most recently the capable Outlook large crossover. And now you can add a totally redesigned small SUV, the 2008 Saturn Vue. Due to go on sale during the first half of 2007, the new Vue will take on competition including the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the revamped Mitsubishi Outlander. Pricing hasn’t been announced, though we can expect base stickers to remain in the high teens to low $20,000s range.

Why It Matters

Because of those pesky petrol prices, buyers continue to seek out vehicles that are more fuel-efficient, and therefore, a bit easier on the wallet. However, many also want the functionality of a utility vehicle. For them, Saturn offers useful space as well as a bevy of powertrains, including V6 and four-cylinder engines, not to mention multiple hybrid systems. Starting in the fall of 2007, the Vue will be available as a Green Line hybrid, and will be followed soon thereafter by an additional two-mode hybrid. As if that wasn't enough, Saturn also plans a plug-in hybrid version of the Vue. In a climate of volatile gas prices, that makes the Vue one to watch.

What’s Under the Hood

Saturn will offer the Vue in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Front drivers, both base and Green Line hybrid examples, will draw power from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder pushing 164 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 160 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Green Line gets an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic, while the XE gasser gets a standard five-speed manual transmission. All-wheel-drive Vue XE models feature a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 215 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm. Top-of-the-line XR and Red Line units house a 3.6-liter V6 with variable-valve timing that’s good for 250 horses at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.