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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  Disappointed... - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jessica Williams - August 21 - 6:33 am

  When I first bought this car... It was love at first site. Beautiful outside, perfect size for my family, ran very well... But that didnt last long. After the first week of having it, I couldnt run my heater for too long because it would get too hot ( the car, not the temperature) and I had to avoid overheating, then it would periodically say "traction control turn a/c off" even when it wasnt running. Now it does it 7-10 times a day. I cant drive it a certain distance because I get a message that says "transmission hot engine idle" Ive tried method after method to figure out how to fix this problem and nothing has made a difference. This car has been nothing but problems and I can already tell its gonna shit out on me anyday now.... So disappointing.

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  I love this car! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most elegant and stable suv I have ever owned. Ive had a Chrysler Pacifica, a Jeep Commander and my last was a Ford Edge. They all pale in comparison to the Outlook.

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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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  Best For the Buck - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By quickwhitt - October 20 - 11:50 pm

  My Budget didnt account for the Luxury vehicle we wanted but the Outlook was an amazing solution. It is dollar for dollar everything I expected and more. It has the look and feel of a Luxury vehicle and Ive noticed more heads turning and more compliments than I have with our previous vehicles. I keep hearing, " I didnt Know Saturn made anything this nice."

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Sue - October 16 - 1:03 am

  We have owned Saturns in the past. We currently own a SC2 thats 13yrs & have had no issues. And during these past years have recommended Saturn to many relatives & friends. After many months researching for a new growing family vehicle, we chose the Outlook 4wd XR. We were thrilled of the many standard features, 8 seats, mpg, and that it handles the road well. But, once having it home driving on our many hilly roads, unlike the flat roads near the dealership, the shifting is horrible. Then our front passenger door leaked, got that fixed. Next the front drivers side door leaks & today we noticed the drivers side rear seat belt slot is leaking!!! Whats next?! Hence the disappointment

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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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  Best car we have owned...highly recommend! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By mrbellyputter - September 11 - 2:41 pm

  1st of all...we highly recommend buying your next car at CARMAX [violative content deleted] What a great, fun car buying experience! As for the car, easily the best car we have owned! We have/had Honda Civic, Nissan 300 Z twin turbo, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Sierra Truck. This car drives like a dream! Safe, quiet, responsive, functional controls, kid friendly, seats reconfigure effortlessly...what more can I say?...we got it at a great price at CARMAX too! If you are looking for a SUV/mini van capacity, with performance like a sports sedan...then look no further...this is it! Satur Outlook will be less expensive than GMC Acadia (even though they are both the same car)!

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  Outlook...Stylish and Roomy! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By cnbln07 - September 10 - 10:20 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a vehicle with room for 3 kids and storage behind 3rd row seat. We had a 03 Pontiac Montana Van so we were used to having room. Nothing would fill our needs not Tahoe nor Suburban (to big). We tried to find an GMC Acadia no dealer had them. So, we looked at an Saturn Outlook XR. It was what we were looking for,better color choices than the GMC and nicer interior. I have 05 Lexus Rx330. The Outlook rides smoother and is quieter than my Lexus and has more gadgets for less money. I would rather drive the Outlook but my wife will not trade!! We have 19 hybrid travel trailer and the Outlook pulls it with ease. Gas mileage 17 in town 22-25 on highway (w/o trailer)

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  Why Buy the Other Nameplates? - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By warrenj - September 6 - 3:40 pm

  We looked high and low to replace our Honda Pilot this time last year. I saw the Outlook in a magazine and went to see it for myself. My wife wanted another Pilot. I wanted a larger Tahoe/SUV. (Glad we didnt go there now!) After the first year we can honestly say, it is the best automobile we have ever owned! But why would you want to pay more for the GMC/Buick sibling when they are made side by side in the same plant but are thousands more because of the name plate? I have suggested this SUV to many friends and all have six have purchased and all have great things to say.

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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.