2008 Sport/Utility of the Year Contenders

Saturn's new Vue is one of the first in-the-sheetmetal manifestations of the brand's newly synchronous orbit with GM's European Opel arm, and, for the most part, color us impressed. In an ever more crowded field where being noticed is half the battle, the Vue's exterior appearance made the judges think crossover cool. The praise continued for the cabin's new digs. The Vue's interior packaging is worlds better than the outgoing model's and is arguably the best Saturn effort to

date-especially considering its relatively inexpensive base price. Save odd touches like the steering wheel that feels as big as a wagon wheel and a quirky cargo-net setup, judges now think the Vue is more than capable of holding its own in its five-passenger market niche-at least before you turn the key.

Our test Vue came with the optional 3.6-liter, DOHC 24-valve V-6 rated at 257 horsepower, mated to a six-speed automatic. Good thing, too, because every last horse bucked loudly getting the Vue's porky 4109-pound mass up to speed. An impressive number of engine options are available (including GM's new two-mode full hybrid in 2008), while more than a few judges thought the base four-banger would be an unwise choice, considering the Vue's poundage. The six-speed tranny put the power down adequately to the AWD vehicle's wheels, although in manual mode (the toggle-shifter is located on the gearshift knob-yep, you read that right) one judge noted some unusual behavior.

On our test loop, the Vue's steering felt heavier than Jared before Subway, and attempting to whip more than two tons of fun into and out of the curves, while wrestling with the oversize wheel wasn't an experience judges recall with fondness. Carlike isn't a word that springs to mind.

So while the new Vue didn't distinguish itself on the tarmac, it's still more attractive, offers a plethora of options and models, and also boasts world-class safety features. It's a package that should help get more customers into Saturn dealerships, but it's not one that's going to make our winner's circle.