DecodedCars2008 Saturn Vue
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Cuv FWD Xe, 4dr Cuv FWD Xr/Red Line, Hybrid 4dr Cuv FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 180.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,790–4,076 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2008 SUV - (18.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Saturn Vue is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,825 lb (4dr Cuv FWD Xe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 48% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 204 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.2L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 26 to 28
- Lightest version 582 lb heavier
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Vue →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Cuv FWD Xe | 180.3 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 106.7 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,825 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Cuv FWD Xr/Red Line | 180.3 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 106.7 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 4,076 lb | 61/39 |
| Hybrid 4dr Cuv FWD | 180.3 in | 72.8 in | 66.9 in | 106.7 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,790 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vue Hybrid Hybrid | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +48% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Vue FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Vue FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Vue FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Vue AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | +3% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Vue AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | +3% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Vue AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 17 | -2% | $3,950 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Saturn Vue under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Saturn Vue (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Saturn Vue.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Saturn Vue is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Saturn Vue buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 56 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Steering — 52 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 48 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 106,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Saturn Vue. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Vue years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saturn. How we calculate this →