2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Consumer Reviews

Very good value for the money

Written by: Richard on 10/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

I am pleased so far with my VUE, have had it for about 6 weeks. Real world mileage is 26+ around town and on two short trips averaged 31+. Very good for a 3800lbs vechile. For the price compared to other hybrids, it's a great deal, wish GM would extend this BAS technology to other vechiles in their line

Favorite Features

OnStar, for directions. (now my wife cant yell at me) extending arm rest is also good, wish it was longer. Fit and finsih are very good.

Suggested Improvements

Passenger side front door should have its own lock release, slightly rough ride on unimproved roads. Still have noise when i make left and right turns, dealer told me this is "suspension loading". Saturn should address it on their next build

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Buyer Beware.In the shop since purchase.

Written by: Erik on 08/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

I had my Vue for aout 4 weeks before it started acting up, rough idle, no start etc. I brought it to the shop 4 weeks ago, and they have resolved nothing (not to mention have no leads on the problem) as I drive around in a lender car that is full of dog pee/hair. Stay away from this product. It took the dealership 4 weeks to get the car to act up as had described. The most unreliable car on the road today. Buyer Beware! Also important to note, that thus far, Saturn/GM has taken no additional steps to remedy the situation. Telling me that this is why there is an initial purchase Warranty. I will never again step foot in or near this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks

Suggested Improvements

Engine/Battery

7 out 12 people found this review helpful

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I made the right choice for the times.

Written by: Glad i bought. on 07/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

With the price of fuel never to go back down, I traded my van for better mileage. I used it for extra room for the things that I needed to carry on weekends and such. I was looking for something with room, comfort, and better mileage, and found it with the Vue-Hybrid. Just drive one and you will be sold.

Favorite Features

Ride is good, I think it is quiet, controls are easy to operate. The seats are fine for me, I am 5'7 with a bad back all has been great. XM and Onstar a big plus. I love the color Golden Cashmere and interior color. Crash test results a big plus, I think Saturn are putting safety first with this Vue.

Suggested Improvements

I would also liked a moon roof, but I can live without it. Keep up the good works,and improvements. With gas going where it is and not stopping, increase the MPG. I am getting 28 with only 200 miles driven. t will get better and so will my driving habits.

20 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle

Written by: Mark on 06/13/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

Just picked up my new 2008 Vue Hybrid, it took 6 months from date of order. I drove a Ford Explorer before and the Vue is a big improvement in terms of mileage. (Just a touch smaller but works for me.)

Favorite Features

The savings in terms of gas. Well equipped when purchased with optional equipment.

Suggested Improvements

Vue Hybrid doesn't come with auto dimming rear view mirror.. even with all optional equipment. It should be available.

9 out 15 people found this review helpful

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Love at first drive

Written by: Dave on 05/25/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

After researching minivans, SUV's and sedans for almost two years we decided to purchase a hybrid VUE. We had a Saturn SL2 before and decided to stick with Saturn for their customer service and reliability. Would have looked closer at a hybrid Hilander but they are very expensive. Came down to VUE and Escape hybrid and the VUE was a little cheaper. I love the outdoors and will always have a bigger four wheel drive for my hobbies that we can take the family on trips so we needed something a little bigger that we could fit a larger stroller and the dog for everyday driving but still get decent MPG. This vehicle fit all of our needs and we are expecting to get close to the same MPG as SL2

Favorite Features

I really like the European feel to it. I think it drives really well. The engine can be a little sluggish if you slowly press on the gas pedal but if you stomp on it the electric motor kicks in and it takes off. I can usually chirp the tires. I like we get the same fuel economy as a sedan.

Suggested Improvements

I am 6' and the seats do not support my long legs. I wish we could have gotten a sun roof like the '09's but not a deal breaker. Would have liked to have seen a nav system. Saturn needs to make more. Out of 5 dealers in area there were only four VUE's total. We put down $ to reserve one.

41 out 46 people found this review helpful

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Very Satisfied

Written by: Green is Good on 05/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

Overall I'm very satisfied with the vehicle. I originally wanted to buy a full hybrid instead of this mild hybrid but it was the only US made hybrid that was available. I'm now glad I got this because for the money its a better deal. I'm all for the environment but if you need a vehicle now this is the SUV with the highest highway mileage available period. When the next generation comes out and gets 70 mpg I'll be all over it. But that will be a couple of years.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage (27 mpg mixed driving) including a lot of stop/start. Haven't tested all highway yet. A lot of attention to detail on interior features. Looks good, drives good, lots of cargo space. I like the aux audio input. I love OnStar, connected to my Verizon account. turn by turn directions nice.

Suggested Improvements

Seat is not completely comfortable to my 6-1, 220 lb frame. Not bad but maybe I'm expecting too much for the price. I'm getting used to it. I'd prefer Sirius to XM but they are merging. Annoying vibration in the door. Not sure about inflator instead of spare tire. Driver info button placement is bad

46 out 47 people found this review helpful

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I love it!

Written by: Sue in NJ on 04/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

I researched hybrids for months, looked for a Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape hybrid, couldn't find one, and bought a Vue instead. I like firm seating & back support, so the Vue's seats are comfortable. The driver's seat 8 way adjustments & support are perfect for me (5'6") and my husband (6'2"). The Vue is quiet, has a smooth ride, and controls are conveniently located. There's a perfect spot on the dash for my beanbag GPS mounting unit, and we easliy located my EZ-Pass transmitter so that I can't see it. Gas mileage has been good, and, in light of gas prices, this was the smartest purchase I could have made. I drove a Tribute AWD for almost 5 years, and liked it, but the Vue is much better!

Favorite Features

XM Radio, fuel efficiency, driver's seat adjustments, one year of OnStar, hybrid system warranty, built in programmable garage door opener. Fair price for a very nicely made and appointed vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Should come with a cargo cover as standard equipment. Center console is a little small compared to what I had in the Tribute, but the glove compartment is huge.

48 out 49 people found this review helpful

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Nice Vehicle

Written by: Kevin on 04/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

Purchased for wife after typically driving more expensive vehicles (BMW's) and never setting foot in a Saturn dealership. The new Saturn styling is much more appealing then previous models. We inquired about the avail of the hybrid the day the Charlotte dealership had 3 arrive with 2 already sold. Definitely impressed with the interior and exterior look and feel. I guess I was expecting a lesser product. Unlike other hybrids, the addt'l expense seemed nominal for the economy trade-off and the cool "hybrid" badges. The vehicle has a nice, tight feel to it and handles nicely. Acceleration has a lot to be desired but probably in line with what you should expect from this size engine

Favorite Features

Exterior look, rims, XM radio, attractive interior, hybrid feature has allowed for average of 27 mpg. "Hip factor" due to hybrid. We've had more people ask about it than cars twice the cost.

Suggested Improvements

Availability of fog lamps and luggage rack on the hybrid version. A more powerful engine would be nice if comparable fuel economy can be achieved. Engine sounds a bit "tinny" if you need to jump on it.

22 out 23 people found this review helpful

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Finally

Written by: Doris Healy on 04/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

We spent several months researching and decided on the Vue. The vehilce is tight and rides very well (not too soft nor to stiff). Fit and finish are very good. Interior layout very convenient. We drive the Chesapeake Bay Bridge (under repair) and the Vue is very smooth. Shifting is smooth and quick enough for our liking. Initial gas mileage appears as advertised. Fold down seats are easy to operate.

Favorite Features

Mileage, price, interior/exterior design. We like the alloy wheels and trim. Hybrid system warranty. Ability to try OnStar for a year and 30min Verizon phone.

Suggested Improvements

So far none for ride and convenience. We placed our order in Nov 2007 and they are just now becoming available.

33 out 34 people found this review helpful

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The greatest uncomfortable car made

Written by: Ben on 04/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Saturn VUE Hybrid Green Line 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

I love the style and the performance. But the seats are made for persons of small body types. I am 5-11 inches and weigh 250lbs. The seats are just not comfortable. The dealer says there are no other seats available to switch to. All Saturns have the same seat with different upholstery. I am looking to trade it off. What good is performance if you can't get comfortable enough to enjoy the ride.

Favorite Features

Excellent vision, smooth transfer from gas to battery. Great styling, excellent gas mileage, cool insterment panel and sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Better seats. Car also needs to ride smoother. Road vibration and road noise are a concern.

61 out 78 people found this review helpful

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