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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  Major regret of my life! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Margaret - October 29 - 8:53 pm

  Where do I begin....2nd day, AC stops working and downhill from there...leaky sunroof, jammed seatbelt, interior door trim falls off, bad paint job (repainted twice!), inside dash compartment mechanism broke, exterior wiper trim falls off from car wash (replaced 3 times), front suspension sway bar end links worn out (at 20K miles), musty smell from AC, loud thump when in reverse (told this is normal) and I could go on and on. I have regretted this major purchase everyday. It is always in for service. I begged them to buy it back from me after the first month. I dread the day the warranty expires.

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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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  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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  Horrible Car - Do Not Buy - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By steppiemay - November 10 - 12:53 am

  I previously owned a (used) 2002 Nissa Altima that gave me all kinds of hell. I decided to buy American and thought Saturn made good cars. This car has proven me wrong. In the 4 years Ive had it, (purchased in 2008 - original owner), the car has overheated twice. Check engine light came on 3x. Ive had to replace an engine solenoid valve, temp sensor and H20 pump and fix a leaking transaxle. This morning I received a stability trak DIC. So off to the dealer I go again. This car is a big piece of junk! Pre-own buyers beware!!

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  Saturn lies - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook - October 19 - 7:36 pm

  Gas Milage was a lie. Around town maybe 14 hwy is 17 at best. Brakes are bad! When seats are down and you are hauling something they dont stop you. You need to add a lot of extra footage to stop. I drove my daughters Honda Pilot and hauled the same amount of things and had no problem stopping. I am upset with braking system and milage. Now when I call about milage I am told when your car reaches 10K it will start to get better milage. Well, I now have 12K on it and no change at all. What a joke.

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  DO NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE !!! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By 2008outlookx2 - September 20 - 3:55 pm

  I have now had 2 of these vehicle(not by choose on the 2nd go round) I purchased my first vehicle had it for 3 days and the Transmission blowup, long story short after another 8 times in the shop for major issues in 2 months of owning the vehicle the car dealer seeing the issue advised it just this vehicle must have something wrong with it so they traded me into another 08 saturn outlook advising this one shouldnt have any problems the other vehicle was a fluke(yeah ok).So i had this one for 2 weeks and the fun began, i had to take it back for the windshield washer in the back wiper not working, then had a crunching in the front when going over bumps in the road and going slowly over speed

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  GM Gremlins Are Back - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Not Happy - June 11 - 11:53 am

  Poor quality returns to GM. My 40k car is in and out of the shop every 90 days with recalls, electrical issues, and power steering and other problems. They have covered everything but not my time. Service says the first 9 months they had build issues....I wanted to buy domestic to support the cause and what I got was a UAW Union American Waste of money. I feel bad GM is going under but bad products deserve to fail. Go buy an american built mercedes and avoid the hassle.

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  Transmission troubles - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jswig - October 7 - 6:38 pm

  Just recently having transmission trouble. The problem is that it will not engage into drive or reverse. It just sits and revs up in any gear. I have not did anything with the car yet. Hoping someone can help me contact G.M. and get some help as I cannot afford the expense that most others have went through to get the trans fixed.

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  Disappointed In Wyoming - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Becky - April 25 - 8:23 pm

  Did a lot of research when buying my first new car. Looking for a reliable car to go on road trips. (loved my two used Suburbans I had previously) Poor gas mileage. Get 12 in town averaging 15 mph/19 on the highway 53 mph. Took it in twice- Mechanic says Im getting 16/22. It broke down out of state. Had to have computer replaced at 2000 miles. The passenger seat bottom had to be put back on. Cant get used to the small window in the rear hatch. Cant see distance to back up/park. Frustrating. Now I am anxious about going far from home for fear it will break down again. Defeated the whole purpose of a new car!

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  So Dissappointed - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By scli1 - May 28 - 6:09 am

  Purchase my 08 Saturn XE 3 yrs ago. The Outlook drove nicely on the open road at highway speeds. (unfortunately thats where I test drove it). On side streets, in stop and go traffic its bulky, non responsive and just not pleasant to drive. Terrible turning and very hard on tires. We get 15.5 mpg in City driving. Ive never gotten near the 24 MPG on the highway. Best on a 450 mile trip was 22.5. Never saw that again. 19 - 21 is about the best I get on the same trip. I have my Saturn serviced by a professional. Always problems. Stalling, hesitation, idiot lites, etc. Always resetting codes. Making repairs. Not reliable. Going back to Ford or Dodge. My Expedition is easier to handle!