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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  Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Julie Chaudoin - March 20 - 4:53 am

  Excellent vehicle. Did test drives on sixteen vehicles. At the time of the test drives all vehicles were a 9.0 or greater on Edmunds. Compares to Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350, and is about 10K less.

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  I am sold! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Oklahoma - March 16 - 9:33 pm

  Have enjoyed everything about the Outlook! I get lots of compliments and people wanting to ask questions. I will take a road trip soon and am very anxious to see how I enjoy the long trips. I just wish that I could keep it from being dinged by other parkers. I park as far as possible to help keep the body top shape.

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  Nice looks, poor quality - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jswig - March 4 - 11:48 am

  The Outlook looks very nice. This is the reason my wife and I decided to purchase this vehicle. We didnt know they had lots of problems. Have had wheel bearings go bad at only 65,000 miles. Have leaks around the sunroof, back rotors replaced, various exterior lights not working, and now at 74000 miles the transmission is bad. This is very common with this vehicle. Buyers beware, do plenty of research first. Im only writing this to help others out so they dont find themselves in the same situation Im in. Go with a newer Ford or Honda --- trust me. You dont want a vehicle from a company that had to get the bailout.

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  AWD Worth the Wait - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By njrazd - February 19 - 8:40 am

  I also fell in love with the Enclave, but the price was more than we wanted to pay. We had to order our Saturn AWD with a 8 week delay, but it was worth it! I drive on some awful dirt roads down in Mexico and the Outlook handles very well. I do notice some reduced power going uphill, but does not affect the overall enjoyment of the ride. Im getting 16 mph around town, which is what they advertise. I love having all the interior room and my 6 son has room to spread out in the 2nd row bench seat. And our three dogs enjoy all the room in the spacious cargo area. Were very happy with our purchase.

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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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  Yet another transmission victim! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Tim - February 1 - 11:10 am

  This past May I had my transmission replaced for the second time within three years. Since May I have had to take my car back to that same shop three more times and now my starter just went on me. This car has given me nothing but grief and if I didnt owe more on it than it was worth it would have been traded in by now! I am absolutely done with GM. Unfortunately, I may be done with American cars period at this point.

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  Love it! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kristanlynn - January 29 - 11:36 am

  The Saturn Outlook is a soccer moms dream car. Coming from a minivan, driving the stylish Outlook is as much fun as it is versatile to accomondate my 3 young boys. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a roomy car, with fantastic standard features as well as available upgrades to the base packages.

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  New Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Patrick Kiefer - January 25 - 4:20 pm

  Looks great, ride is solid, and I love the XM radio! It has the extra width that compares to riding in a full size pick up, but handles more like our VUE.

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  Best SUV ever - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Hb - December 16 - 6:36 pm

  Love my Outlook! Its fun to drive and looks fabulous! I was tired of the minivan, so this is perfect! My kids love the double sunroof and DVD. It is the ultimate family vehicle. Saturn service has been great. Owned the Outlook for 1 year and have had no problems. Free oil changes and tire rotation! My only complaint is the mpg. My average is about 18; however, I drive about 80 mph on the freeway 90% of the time! The premium sound thumps! Love it!

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  Problem mobile...... - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By itchypopkin - December 8 - 6:51 am

  I have been a loyal General Motors customer but that might have to change after owning this vehicle. I really like the design of this vehicle inside and out. My main complaint is that it has major problem after major problem. The only good thing is that so far everything has been under warranty. The first thing to go was the rack and pinion at 30,000 miles. At around 35,000 miles the right strut started leaking and had to be replaced. It started leaking again at 60,000 miles, I don’t know if it’s bad luck for me or a design flaw. The next thing to go was the water pump at 50,000. Finally at 68,000 miles the transmission went. Thankfully it was still under warranty (with only two months to spare) and the dealership had to replace 3rd, 5th and reverse gears. Overall this has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. I would never recommend this vehicle to anybody. All owners appear to have the same main problems and I can’t believe General Motors doesn’t offer some type of buyback program as they did for the Vue.