The 2008 Saturn Vue only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious transmission and engine issues. At $4,932 to $6,150, it’s not worth the money since it will spend a lot of time in the shop.
Is the 2008 Saturn Vue a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2008 is a bad year for the Vue. Owner reviews complain about high ownership costs, limited parts availability, and electrical issues.
- Interior quality is poor and feels cheap compared to other SUVs offered in the same price range. The infotainment system is easy to use, but not as up-to-date as its rivals.
- Reliability ratings are below average. Avoid models from 2006-2008 and go with a 2009–2010 which have fewer serious mechanical issues.
- Performance is average from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 offers impressive power for a compact SUV.
- The 2008 Vue is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash tests, with the lowest scores being in the rollover test, which is common for an SUV.
- Fuel economy is okay for an SUV, getting up to 22 MPG combined, which is similar to other rivals that offer a 4-cylinder engine.
What Do Critics Say About the Saturn Vue?
- Consumer Reports says the 2008 Vue is an improvement over older models, but owner satisfaction scores are still low.
- Edmunds gives the 2008 Saturn Vue a 4.3/5 praising the smooth suspension, but disliking the uncomfortable front seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Saturn Vue 4.3/5 and enjoy the spacious cabin, but don’t like the lack of technology.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Saturn Vue Have?
Common problems found on the 2008 Saturn Vue include transmission failures, engines failing to start, and worn-out steering racks. Overall, these problems are very serious compared to most of the competitors on the market.
Transmission failures are the most widespread complaint from owners at around 90,000 miles. The components in the transmission wear out quickly, and cost around $3,400 to rebuild. Some owners choose to replace the transmission, which costs over $4,500.
Engines failing to start are another issue mentioned by owners at around 40,000 miles. The problem is usually a computer issue, and replacing the damaged parts costs around $1,000.
Worn-out steering racks show up on a lot of Vue models at around 95,000 miles. The steering assembly gets damaged as it gets older, and replacing the rack assembly is about $1,250.
There are 3 recalls, with the most serious being for the power steering line which can rupture and cause a fire in the engine compartment.
How Long Will the 2008 Saturn Vue Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Saturn Vue should last around 150,000 miles, half as long as top-rated competitors like the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other SUVs, at $537 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Since most 2008 Vue models have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace items including the head gasket for $1,500, windshield wiper motor costing $400, and the fuel injectors which cost $300.
How Much Is the 2008 Saturn Vue Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,932 to $6,150, making it thousands less than a Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4. When new, the price range was $21,525 to $29,300. Depreciation is worse than the average of 10%, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Saturn Vue?
There are three models of the Vue available for the 2008 model year. Technology was just updated for 2008, and the vehicle was discontinued after 2010 when Saturn shut down. Parts are still available though since it shares parts with many General Motors vehicles.
XE is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- AM/FM/CD Stereo System With Satellite Radio & 3.5mm AUX
XR is a step up adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Mirrors
- Upgraded 6-Speaker Stereo System
Red Line is the sport model and adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather & Suede Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Sport Suspension
- Chrome Exhaust
What Engines Come In the Saturn Vue?
- The base engine is an average 2.4L-4-cylinder which makes 169 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG combined.
- A step up is the more powerful 3.5L V6 making 222 horsepower, which gets up to 17 MPG combined.
- The flagship engine is the stronger 3.6L V6 which produces 257 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 7.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Saturn Vue Come In?
How Big Is the Saturn Vue?
The 2008 Saturn Vue is an average compact SUV, similar in size to rivals including the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue. Passenger space is okay throughout the cabin, but there’s limited legroom for taller passengers in the backseats.
Cargo space is lower than rivals, with only 29.2 cubic feet of space behind the seats and 56.4 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. There’s still enough room for 4-5 suitcases, but larger items will have a difficult time fitting.
How Does the Saturn Vue Compare to the Competition?
The Chevrolet Equinox is a rival costing about $500 more. Passenger space is better in the Equinox, but the technology is more up-to-date on the Saturn Vue. We do not recommend either SUV, though, since they both have a lot of widespread mechanical issues.
The Toyota RAV4 is a competitor which costs about $3,500 more. Passenger space and reliability are better in the RAV4, but the Vue offers a more up-to-date infotainment system. We recommend the RAV4 since they last significantly longer and cost less to own.
