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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  The boys mom - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By mom of 3 boys - August 23 - 6:10 am

  I love my Saturn Outlook! Never owned a Saturn before and I will own more! It out performs any other car I have had on the snow and ice----which I have had a lot of opportunity to test with this crazy winter. I previous owned 2 Ford Explorers, a Ford Freestyle and a Ford Expedition. I went back to Ford when my Freestyle Lease was up---they tried to sell me a KIA--yuck. I bought the Saturn and I am so happy with it....it is roomier than the Explorer and the Freestyle. Although less comfortable seats than the Freestyle. The anti lock brakes and traction control have made it easy to get around while I watch other cars sliding all over in the crazy icy- snowy weather we have had.

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  Much better than the minivan - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Husker - June 20 - 11:00 pm

  We purchased the Outlook XR AWD as a replacement for a Town & Country minivan. The Saturn has been very reliable, is extremely comfortable (even for adults in the 3rd row) and gets good mileage for its size. Were very happy with the purchase.

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  $1000 In repairs - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By penson - June 18 - 3:11 am

  Bought it new in May 2007. Happy to to trade it in. From day 1, loud tire noise due to poorly designed or def tires and they lasted only 40k miles....before the tire replacement the AC went out...a leak in one of the hoses (after the warranty expired) Cost: $300 to repair. The road noise went away after the tires were replaced. Had decent feul eco for size but dissapoointed in quality.

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  Great SUV, Mileage OK - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Brian K - June 5 - 9:00 pm

  Great vehicle for traveling and hauling large groups. Plenty of middle seat leg room. Fit and finish is very good. Folding rear seats are a quick, one hand accomplishment making it easy when your hands are full. With all the seats down there is plenty of room to haul most anything you can imagine from a dresser to a large roll-around tool box. AWD seems to work great and keeps car under control. Very quiet ride and for a large SUV the handling is awesome. No body roll. Vehicle feels safe and very controllable. The larger wheels make for a smoother ride as well, especially off road which has occurred while in the mountains on a couple of occasions. Get the service update for the transmission.

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  Best car type vehicle I ever owned - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By DENNIS - May 21 - 12:10 am

  We buy a new truck or car every year since 1996. We purchased the v6 ho engine and we have every option plus we had dual DVD units dealer installed with a little known headrest available option. Grandchildren can sit in the rear buckets and watch the same movie on each unit or different movies with wireless head phones. We immediately left southern Oregon to Boise then Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and so on all the way to Louisiana. We never reset the trip meter the entire trip just filled it up. When we arrived, the dash unit read 23.5mpg I was thrilled. We are temporarily in Louisiana on a project and for 6 months the car gets 12.6 in town, bad. Leather seats are 10. Had 07 Explorer loaded, cant match.

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  Worst vehicle ever! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dissapointed9 - May 18 - 7:40 am

  This is the worst vehicle weve ever owned.It was purchased new in 07 & has been a complete dissapointment since.It started with engine problems(cams/housing was manufactured incorrectly) & was in the shop apx. 2 weeks for a rebuild. Within days of this repair, the power steering pump failed. This happened at apx 40,000 miles. This spring the wipers failed, leaving us in a dangerous situation.Within a few months of that incident, the transmission failed and again was in the shop several weeks. Immediately after the transmission repair, the low gears failed to engage. Conveniently, it was a computer problem, so not covered under warranty. Today the dash lights/displays failed.Whats next?

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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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  Way to Go Saturn - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By cherdis - April 30 - 7:16 pm

  I had heard about the Outlook coming out for about 6 months before we saw it. It only took a test drive to know that this is what we wanted. We are having our 4th grandchild and this has the room for all of us, but yet a class act also. The drive is so smooth that you really have to watch your speed, if not you will be hitting 80 or 90 and not have a clue. Everyone who sees it is so impressed. My grandson whom is 10 is finding all the extra features and it is great. Thanks Saturn

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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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  2008 Outlook Beats Buck and Arcadia - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Don G - March 21 - 8:06 am

  Evene before we purchased our 2008 Outlook XR AWD we first saw it at the Maine Mall. Now that we have poruchased we made the right choice this is a great crossover SUV. It meets our needs and we do a number of trips to Massachusetts. We enjoy everyhting about the Outlook