2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD

2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD

2008 SATURN VUE XR AWD AutoWeek

AS-TESTED PRICE: $31,295
DRIVETRAIN: 3.6-liter V6; awd, six-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 257 hp @ 6500 rpm, 248 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 4325 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 18 mpg

OPTIONS: Navigation package ($2,145); premium trim package including leather seats, leather shift knob, driver and front passenger heated seats ($1,075); convenience package including rain-sensing wiper system, remote vehicle start, universal home remote, heated windshield washer system ($505); trailering package including hitch and wire harness ($350); advanced audio system ($325)

OUR TAKE: This is the hands-down winner for most-improved player of the year—this is an excellent little SUV. It’s fantastic looking, well built and is a good driver. The interior is nicely laid out and the materials used inside are of a high quality for a vehicle in this price range. The structure feels solid, the ride is soft but not overly so, and there’s no crashing and banging over potholes like some of the other small utes it competes with. In fact, the ride and handling equation easily surpasses that of the Honda CRV.
The Vue is so good it’s hard to imagine it shares the same nameplate as one of our most detested vehicles ever. Gone is the horrific CVT transmission of the last model. All those annoying, rattly plastic body panels have been relegated to the dustbin of history, along with the nasty, unsightly panel gaps that accompanied them. That icky, completely artificial-feeling electric steering system has been replaced by a decent setup that produces a fair amount of natural feel. The cheapness that permeated the last model, from the feel of the interior materials to the vehicle’s overall styling, is utterly erased; put in its place is a beautiful design that any automaker would be proud to showcase in its product portfolio.

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This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com.

This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com