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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  Buyer Beware!! GM knows about problems - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By anglins4 - February 28 - 7:06 pm

  There are not enough characters allowed to convey all the problems you will have if you purchase this car. We bought ours new in 07 and loved the space in the car and how it drove. Within the first year we started having problems with leaking from the sunroof, windows, airbags, under the glove box. We had to pay $600 for repairs when hundreds of others had complained to GM about the same problem. GM has a recall/bulletin on the exterior lights but say our VIN number is not included so even thought we have the exact problem they wont even listen to us b/c of the VIN number. Crazy! Do Yourself A Favor....Stay away from this car!

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  Not so happy - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Rhonda - February 18 - 12:46 am

  Have had problems with the brake fluid leaking. On 3rd time taking it in, they found a leak in the master cylinder. First they told me they must not have topped it off at the factory and they added fluid. Next they said its hard to see the fill line so they added more fluid. Next they found the leak. There is something broken in the vent and Im waiting for parts (its been 3 weeks). The middle right seat squeaks though they cant seem to duplicate it. The acceleration is sluggish especially on a hill. The automatic start is terrible! You may as well get in the vehicle you have to be so close for it to work. The gas mileage is very low.

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  2008 Saturn OUTLOOK XE - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Bob - February 10 - 10:30 pm

  Wow! I have 95,000 miles on it and never had any problems. Great car! Best car for the money.

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  Great if all options worked! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jacqui - January 26 - 1:00 am

  My frustrations have been mostly with the DVD system & NAV. After much trouble-the whole system it was replaced by the dealer. It is still not good quality-the DVDs constantly skip & pause with even a slight fingerprint or scratch. I would highly recommend not getting the factory player. Best Buy has models that are far superior in performance and can be leather matched and are still much less expensive. NAV is not close to Garmin quality either. Also, seat memory and mirror position have never worked correctly-but not a huge deal to me. And voice command system doesnt always work or respond. Great car, just dont waste money on these options to avoid major frustration.

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  great SUV but weird transmission - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By azlan - January 24 - 8:50 am

  we bought this car over the CX-9 and Veracruz mainly for space (3 active teenagers and 11 yr-old). Gas mileage was also a consideration. Did homework, tested, and waited for right time to buy. So far, its been two years, we have no regrets. Its the best 7 plus seater weve ever owned. Excellent comfort, took the car all the way to Florida and back from Pittsburgh, no problems. The only minus is transmission. Its a little worse than a turbo-charged car - could complete a laundry cycle before it downshifts. But kinda got used to it by now. Also the gas mileage is not all that it advertises to be. A little advise - buy with fewest accessories as possible then you can avoid pain in malfunction

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  Out - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Brad Willet - December 5 - 5:36 am

  After almost 3 months the car is almost perfect! No issues other than std. first year recalls. Wish I would have gotten memory seats, and Im not crazy about the tires in the touring package, but still love the vehicle. 67" and Im incredibly comfortable, with plenty of room for the two dogs and probably a child seat next year.

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  2008 Outlook XR - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By GTR - November 20 - 2:50 pm

  If you want 30 MPG, buy a CIVIC. This is an SUV and a dang awesome one. Ride is quieter than Lexus, interior awesome, rides like a dream. I drove an Acadia, Lexus GX, Toyota Sequoia. This vehicle has it all. Drives just as quiet and smooth if not quieter than the Lexus, styling is light years ahead of recent Saturn/GM models. They finally got it right, cant believe I havent seen more on the road.

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  OUTLOOK the real full size SUV - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Dan Jones - November 2 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased this vehicle to replace my Dodge Grand Caravan I bought new and drove 10 years driving 110,000 miles, the purchase of my 09 Outlook was a very great choice. Love this car and the size and performance are top-of- the-hill. Wish the mpg was a little better, average 19-21 on reg- unleaded.

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  Very pleased with this purchase - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jeff Hill - October 19 - 6:23 am

  We owned a 2002 Windstar van. We wanted something with seating for 7 and bucket seats in the middle row. Looked at the Acadia and found out about the Saturn. We love this car. My wife wanted to stick out the old van but has come to love this car. It has good performance for a V-6, the gas mileage is decent, 16 in town, 19- 21 on the highway. I think to get better mileage, you would have to sacrifice performance and it has a nice blend of both. It has ample legroom for all of us. We love the XM radio and also the OnStar. We love the way the Outlook looks on the outside. My wife particularly enjoys the radio controls on the steering wheel and she loves the heated seats

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  Not sure it was a wise choice - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By pnhdad11 - October 10 - 7:03 am

  We like the looks and it is comfortable. But it has been in twice for a leaking sunroof. It also has had a transmission leak, shock absorber leak and bad bushings. This past week it was back in and needs a new starter and power steering pump. It has had work on the transmission and electrical issues, warning that the hood was open and irregular tire pressure readings. The slightest hill causes it to downshift. On the highway, I have gotten up to 25 mpg so that has been good.