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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  Brand New Saturn Outlook 2007 - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kenny - January 2 - 8:43 am

  I was impressed when I read the reviews, more impressed when I test drove one. But when my wife drove and said she loved it we had to buy it. I traded in a 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T (hemi) for this XR Outlook and Im not sorry I did. In my opinion, what a beautiful car/ crossover it is. Im a big guy and I am so comfortable driving it. Plus, all the safety features, 3 different sets of airbags to protect you no matter what happens, AWD, traction control and the super audio system with the sub-woofer sounds incredible, the car rides quiet, no wind noise. I feel that its alot of car for the money.

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  Great Value - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By R Perich - November 15 - 2:30 am

  We were looking for a lot of vehicle at a reasonable price, and we found it with the Outlook. The vehicle is not getting the great mileage we desired (around 19), but the interior space more than makes up for it. We fit five adults and two child seats in the car and everybody had enough room. It handles well in rain, but high winds will surprise the new SUV driver.

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  Love my Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By tashi - November 3 - 6:13 pm

  Just put 5,000 miles on my new Outlook. Picked it up Tues and by Thurs nite we were on a roadtrip from Houston to Boston. The engineering is superb. Cruising at high speed feels like 50. And the seating is spacious and very comfortable. OnStar and XM are real treats. Absolutely everything works like it is supposed to. The 6 speed transmission and stability control turns this big boat into a responsive sports car. I really pushed it around curves on Skyline Drive in NC and was very impressed. We even slept comfortably at a rest stop. Im 5 7" and fit across the front seat while my kid snoozed in the back. Just put a pillow on the console. The Outlook is a winner.

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  What a smooth ride! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By N2005 - October 24 - 5:53 am

  I gave up my VW Passat 4 Motion b/c of electrical issues. I miss the VW engine. Once I get out of 2nd gear and on the highway the weird lag/shifting goes away. Its very aggrivating, to the point that I almost took it to the dealer thinking there was something wrong with the car. But after reading reviews I realized its something Saturn/GM needs to address and I will have to get used to. I really like my new Outlook, especially the smooth, quiet ride! I hope the fuel ecomony gets better.

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  Cocoa Outllook - Fantastic! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Chula Vista Mom - October 18 - 3:10 pm

  The look and space are amazing! We also own a Saturn Wagon SW2 and Saturn was always top of our list for a new car. We considered a Vue but fell in love with the Outlook. Its drives like a dream; quite, smooth, powerful. The interior is wonderful. We chose second row captains chairs and all the seating is very comfortable. I am nearly 6 tall and one of my sons is 6 2" and we drove as passengers in the third row with no issues. Plenty of leg room and head room. the Captains chairs also allow you to really stretch out if needed. Of course the engine, handling, and operation are good, we expected that, but the storage is a true revelation. We also love the DVD player; high quality & fun.

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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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  great suv - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By patnpattiglenn@aol.c - October 3 - 6:30 pm

  I have almost had this vehicle for a year. I just love it. It drives like a dream and I get very good gas mileage on mine. I love the style and look of it. It has plenty of room and is very comfortable to drive and ride in. Wish I hadnt got the black interior because it shows everything. But other than that it is my third Saturn and like with the others, I have had a great experience.

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  Comfortable and roomy but tranny is awful! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By eric - September 14 - 1:00 pm

  I replaced an 02 Impala with this. I love the ride and interior appointments. Sporty handling. Very comfortable on long road trips and tons of storage. I dont like the transmission, MPG, build quality. Everyone says the MPG is not what they expected based on the sticker and Im no exception. The build quality is questionable because I had the thing in at least 10 times for piddly stuff. The worst however is the transmission. Short of a major reprogramming of the shift points and general responsiveness, this transmission stinks badly- period. I fear however that if that is done, MPG will suffer even more. It hunts in 6th, and requires an act of God (a slow one) to downshift!

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  Saturn XR AWD - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Chris - September 10 - 6:46 pm

  Recently purchased the Saturn Outlook XR AWD. Special ordered the Ocean Mist with Gray leather interior. Drives smoothly and very comfortable and spacious for family of five. Looked at Enclave and Acadia as well and with same options Saturn is a better deal dollar for dollar. We have the same options as the Acadia SLT-2 for $1500 less.

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  Saturn CUV : Feel Good/Look Good - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jaw2th - September 5 - 11:06 am

  I was attracted to this vehicle because of its outward appearance. I test drove the Highlander, the Pilot, Toyotas RAV4,and Mazdas CX9 before testing the Saturn so I could have some basis other than looks for my final decision. I saved the Saturn test drive for last. I was immediately impressed with the size, relatively nimble handling, ride, and instrument cluster in the FWD XR that I drove. The transmission shifting seemed a little awkward. Downshifting for passing seemed to engage a bit later than I was used to but when it did happen the power was quite adequate.The Nav system gets more friendly with use. The White Diamond Tricoat looks great and I feel good driving this car.