Overview & Reviews

The Saturn Outlook was one of the four "Lambda" crossover SUVs in GM's stable until the 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, when the Saturn brand met its end. Like the other Lambda vehicles, the Outlook packaged the eight-passenger seating, cavernous cargo capacity and carlike driving character of a minivan into the more fashionable shell of a full-size crossover SUV.

Compared to traditional body-on-frame full-size SUVs, the unibody Outlook provided advantages in terms of ride, handling and fuel economy. Its advantages continued inside, where an attractive interior boasted seating for up to eight passengers and more than 100 cubic feet of available cargo space.

The Outlook's large size limited its maneuverability and handling performance, though. As such, other three-row crossovers with slightly smaller dimensions proved more enjoyable to drive. But for families with large people-hauling or cargo-toting needs, the Outlook was one of the best crossover SUV choices, and it remains so as a used-car option.

Most Recent Saturn Outlook

Produced from 2007-'09, the Saturn Outlook was mechanically similar to the Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia crossover SUV family. Aside from styling, it was primarily differentiated with a lower price and lesser quality interior materials.

There were two trims, XE and XR. Included on the XE were alloy wheels, heated mirrors, power accessories, cruise control, front and rear climate controls, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio (2009 only) and GM's OnStar service. The XR added dual exhaust, a power driver seat, a trip computer, steering-wheel audio controls, Bluetooth (2009 only) and wood trim.

Standard safety features on both models included antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags protecting all three rows. Among the options were xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, keyless engine start, a navigation system (which received real-time traffic for '09), a back-up camera (2008-'09), a rear-seat DVD player, Bose audio ('09 only), leather seats and second-row captain's chairs that reduced seating to seven passengers.

All Outlooks were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that initially made 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque (275 and 251 with the XR's dual exhaust). When direct injection was added for '09, those numbers went up to 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque (288 hp and 270 lb-ft in the XR). A six-speed automatic was the sole transmission, and all-wheel drive could be ordered in place of front-wheel drive on either model.

On the road, our editors found the Saturn Outlook to be a pleasant drive. GM's modern V6 gave the Outlook decent acceleration and fuel mileage, while the Outlook's unibody construction and all-independent suspension gave it ride smoothness and handling ability superior to GM's previous SUVs and vans. The six-speed automatic transmission could have been more responsive, and the near-5,000-pound curb weight was hefty even for this segment, but the Outlook's overall driving sophistication was definitely up to class standards.

Unlike many competitors in the crossover SUV field, the Saturn Outlook could accommodate adults in all three rows. Granted, comfort was only adequate in the third row, but the fact that grandparents could sit back there at all was a feat in this class. In addition, the Outlook's "Smart Slide" second-row seat feature was advantageous, as with the pull of one obvious lever, either of the captain's chairs (or 64/40-split bench halves) easily tilted, slid and sandwiched up against the first-row seats to ease access to the third row.

The Outlook's size also enabled it to swallow up to 117 cubic feet of cargo while most others take around 90. Despite subtle hints of interior cheapness and some buttons that are either too small or hard to find, the Outlook's dashboard was also among the more attractive in this segment.

For families seeking a truly functional alternative to a minivan or full-size, truck-based SUV, a used Saturn Outlook merits serious consideration. Those who'd rather go the new route should check out the related Acadia, Enclave or Traverse.

User Reviews:

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  Needs Refining - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By King - October 3 - 3:50 pm

  Was very excited about initial purchase and like most buyers, noticed areas that can be improved upon. I expected fuel economy to be higher than 21 -still better than 17/18 with my 2005 Explorer. Im having issues with slack in the drivers pwr seat and all 4 of the function buttons on the mid dash suffer from intermittent operation. The sound system is worst than my 2003 Focus - I suspect the speakers are sub-standard. Overall I love the styling and comfort -especially the dual exhaust tips. Forgot to mention the service on the transmission after 2 months- leaking fluid due to a defective gasket.

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  First time Saturn Buyer - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By T& J - August 19 - 11:56 am

  Purchased our new Saturn three weeks ago. We fell in love with the styling, and roomy interior. We have decided to use the exchange option that Saturn offers. With less than 1300 miles the car has developed camshaft problems, and a noise from the rear end every time we turn a corner. This 275 hp engine is not very strong when driving up hills. Its been in the shop three times in three weeks. If the exchange vehicle is not any better, we will probably never purchase another Saturn.

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  1st American made - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By akjagarcia - May 4 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had my XR just under a month now and aside from the horrible MPG I love this car. The V6 is a little under powered for a vehicle this size. Im averaging 12 MPG city and 21 on the highway.

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  room for improvement - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By RWood - March 15 - 12:06 am

  vehicle rides good but needs more power.I have brought it to the dealership 3 times with under 7,000 miles for a transmission problem,and they keep telling me all the codes are good.It feels like the trans is slipping and it over revs during shifts on the highway

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  Design Debacle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By justdontdrive - October 5 - 6:26 am

  Writing in after being outraged at a $3000 timing chain replacement, most of it 17 hours of mechanics labor. Come on GM, timing belts and chain replacement are as given on a car as is the tires. Why would you approve a design that requires dropping the engine to replace them! On a Honda or other Japanese car, its $400-500 event. Not so for GM. I bought the 07 new. I havent had a great deal of trouble, like some here who have all kinds of failures. But there were some: the lift gate which has a complicated motorized latch, failed so that it remained unlatched while driving. There was simply no way to hold it shut. Dangerous! Then it was $400 to have that fixed. All electrical.

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  Excellent product from GM but... - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Dave - May 4 - 11:36 am

  Hard to believe this is a GM product. Looks and drives more like a Honda or Toyota. So far after 8100 miles the car has been solid with no problems. Steering feel is very good, handling is nice for a SUV of this size, and acceleration is good once you know how to goose the transmission. There is a significant issue with the design. The doors and rear window are high. Visibility out the back is very bad and makes backing up safely a challenge. My real world fuel economy has been around 17 city/21 highway. At 75 MPH plus, the transmission does hunt in and out of 6th gear.

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  Bad gas mileage - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Better Gas Mileage - April 6 - 3:40 pm

  I have owned mine for 10 months with 27,284 miles. I use it for work and put on 600 or more highway (70 mph) a week. The problem is that I have never got more than 21 mpg. I bought the front wheel drive for the 26 mpg. Wrong! It has been in to the dealership for seven things that were broken. The transmission got a free upgrade, but shifts worse on hills or on ramps. I would suggest a different product than the outlook or Acadia from people I have talked to. I have two teacher friends with big families who thought the same as me. A nice vehicle that can fit a lot of kids and get good mpg. All of us agree city average is 13-15 mpg. HWY MPG 20-22. not 26!

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  Leaks and scratches - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jwa287 - February 15 - 4:20 pm

  Second time in 2 months we brought our Outlook in for a water leak. the first time, the rear sunroof leaked and absolutely soaked the carpets, mats, and center console in the front of the car. The second time, water was dripping from the drivers side near the side airbag hn to my wifes lap. We were told "dont park on an incline!" The back hatch door has no clearance, so it is wearing a groove into the rear bumper. We were told, "nothing we can do." The remote start didnt work for months. Plastic holding the seat belt was "razor sharp (Mechanics words) and is cutting a groove into hard plastic interior surfaces. No more Saturns for us!

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  Disappointment in Fuel Economy - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Dan - October 30 - 2:46 am

  I recently purchased my Outlook in. I thought I was ahead of the game by purchasing an Outlook instead of the Toyota Sienna. My number one reason for purchasing the Outlook was the advertised fuel economy. I thought it was too good to be true and I was right. I have exactly 2,596 miles on the vehicle. I use the cruise control religously on the freeway with just myself in the vehicle going at the speed of 65mph and I can never get better than 20mpg. I also had the time to test the outlook driving in the city until I had to get gas with just myself in the vehicle at all times and the best mileage I got was 13 mpg. I am so unhappy. Next time I will rent a car before I purchase.

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  First Time American Car Buyer - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By carfanatic - August 28 - 5:06 pm

  This is my first ever American car. I have been accustom to high end European cars as I enjoyed their speed and performance. I decided to add the Saturn to my list and I have to admit, the ride is smooth, quiet and very comfortable. It has all the bells and wistles I need and more space than I can use. There is a delay in acceleration which is tolerable for now. The fuel consumption is good compared to my RR which I am giving up. After a month of driving the Outlook, I now find my 5 series and 996 a little too rough to drive. I feel a road trip coming up this summer!