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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  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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  Love it - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By tjones - January 19 - 4:23 pm

  I have finally found a car that I know I will not want to trade in within a couple of years. This vehicle has everything - comfort, style, safety, space. This is my 4th Saturn that Ive owned and Im convinced it will be my last! Well, at least until the kids are out of the house. Its a great size without feeling like youre driving a Semi down the road.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By glxpassat - January 10 - 10:33 am

  I bought my 2007 Outlook as last years model with only 50 miles on it. I love the looks of the SUV. The MPG isnt too bad for a big automobile, and the room is great.

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  Best I have owned in a long time. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By John Layton - December 1 - 2:20 pm

  Looking for a SUV and were considering the Toyota Highlander, and the Saturn Outlook. Rather hard choice, until we saw that 100 % of the Toyota was made in Japan. Sorry Toyota. We saw each vehicle about equal in performance even thought the Outlook was new. Te ride was outstanding--Our last 3 vehicles were Ford Conversion Vans, and this Saturn topped them in confort, and cabin space. Could actually stretch out my feet instead of being scrunched up. Some options we did not want at first, but after taking them on the vehicle we wanted, I would not be without XM radio, onstar, and phone service ever again. I have been driving for over 55 years, and this SUV knocks my socks off. Excellent.

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  2007 Saturn Outlook fuel economy facts - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By NOMOGM - November 12 - 3:20 pm

  We were excited going into this vehicle as we were anticipating the added room and fuel economy GM had advertised. We have fallen way below the mileage rating, currently getting in the mid 13s in town and around 18 on the highway. Total mileage to date is about 5,500. Asking the dealer about possible reasons for the bad mileage, we got a couple of responses...first it must be the way we drive, second, the break-in period for this vehicle is 15K miles, both rubbish as far as we are concerned.

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  Converted Volvo owner - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jtweiss - October 8 - 4:03 pm

  We were looking for a vehicle that wasnt a minivan and could comfortably seat 5. Weve owned a Volvo for many years and looked at the XC90 first. The drive and room of the Outlook made far surpassed the Volvo. Drove a the big Toyota SUV and a Yukon- GM got it right with this crossover. This summer, a 1200 mile family road trip was the most enjoyable car ride in memory. Kids were happy with room, headphones, and plugs for games. Seats were comfortable, and we averaged about 20/gallon. I was hoping for a little better gas mileage (EPA states 24 hwy), but other than that, no complaints.

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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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  Underwelmed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Bob - September 25 - 2:46 am

  The mileage is way below what is advertised (17/24). I drive almost exclusively highway and am averaging about 16mpg. Geez, I got that in my 4WD Avalanche driving the same routes and speed. 6 speed transmission shifts out of overdrive on the mildest incline even at 70+mph on the highway. When going very slow the low gear pitches you around on wavey surfaces such as in a parking lot. It has that annoying accelerator lag, and it has a very pronounced shift lag when its cold out. Its free wheeled the engine (like missing the gear when trying to quick shift a stick?) when it lags and you take your foot off the gas. Gas gauge erratic, drops 1/8 in 20 mi or says on fumes with 1/4 left.

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  New Outlook - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By TX5Williams - August 31 - 10:00 pm

  I love our new Outlook. It is perfect for our family. I love the seats and the option to have 8 in the car at once. We have 3 kids who actully dont mind being in the middle seat together. It is very roomy.

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  Yes that is a Saturn! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By red jewel fan - August 23 - 2:16 pm

  My wife has been wanting a new Outlook since the first time she saw it. After driving it, so did I. Great riding vehicle. So much space for a midsize SUV. This car can definitely compare with any other SUV in its price range. If youre looking for a vehicle that will keep your kids content on a long trip, trust me, please put the Outlook on your list. The hardest decision will be deciding which color.