Over the years, I had several opportunities to test-drive the
Saturn Vue and I was usually very satisfied. However, last winter, I was greatly disappointed by the new front-wheel drive XR model. The tires, in particular, negatively affected various key dynamics, such as handling and fuel economy. Once again, I was reminded of the importance of quality snow tires.
Trendy styling The Saturn Vue was entirely redesigned for 2008. The result is nice, although it easily blends in with the sea of
compact/midsize SUVs . The high beltline gives the vehicle a confident look, but once you sit inside, you realize that it also limits the size of the side windows.Exterior build quality is good, while the interior is particularly attractive. The combination of colors and materials is easy on the eye and pleasant to touch. Fit and finish is commendable.
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| The new 2008 Saturn Vue easily blends in with the sea of compact/midsize SUVs. |
While the cargo area is generously sized and complete with convenient tie-downs, access is complicated. The handle on the liftgate is hard to spot; you get your hands dirty while searching for it and closing the door. My lovely wife didn't like it at all. Also, the step to the cabin is fairly high. On the plus side, front occupants enjoy decent room and handy storage compartments. In the back, designers strived to create enough room for the passengers and their stuff. The HVAC system is up to the task, even on the coldest days. Meanwhile, the quality and simplicity of the stereo will satisfy most users.
What about the driver? Here's where it gets worse: the height of the driver's seat combined with the awkward tilt-adjustable steering wheel made it a bit hard for me to find a good driving position. Also, while the Driver Information Center looks comprehensive, you always have to manipulate the controls to get the desired info. When you're driving, you must turn your eyes away from the road to watch the scrolling data and find what you're looking for. Maybe I could have gotten used to it after a while, but even at the end of my test week, I was still having problems with this system. (On cold days, I like to monitor the temperature of the engine to see if it has reached its normal operating temperature -- this way, I know whether the interior will warm up quickly or not.)
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| The height of the driver's seat combined with the awkward tilt-adjustable steering wheel made it a bit hard for me to find a good driving position. |