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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  Great Value - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Troy - September 29 - 9:23 pm

  We picked up our all new 2007 Outlook over the holidays in December. We have purchased or leased 17 vehicles over the past 18 years. So far it is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned. The engine is strong (same 3.6 litre that is standard in the Cadillac STS. The 6-speed automatic shifts smooth. The ride is firm and confident. Our XE model is front wheel drive (better fuel mileage...so far we are averaging almost 20 mpg). We just had a snow storm and the stability control system worked very well.

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  Saturn Outlook - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Kim - September 21 - 12:43 am

  I wanted to write and warn anyone who is considering the Saturn Outlook that this vehicle has been a nightmare for me and my family. We have had it for 5 months and it has been in the shop for repairs 6 times in the last 6 weeks. We have had water leaking, engine light on, engine running when the keys are out of the ignition, radio coming on when we are not in the vehicle, and finally the complete lack to start. Saturn has been very difficult to deal with and we are in the process of a lemon law claim. Our vehicle has been repaired several times with after market materials and its always returned to us in filthy condition. I strongly suggest not purchasing a Saturn Outlook.

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  Still doing great - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By rperich - July 24 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had the car for none months now. The mileage is getting better as the car wears in. We started off getting around 17 MPG, but were now averaging around 20. We have the FWD, so that makes a difference. I still think this is a great vehicle and Id recommend it.

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  Great Outlook for Saturn - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Sandy - July 8 - 11:00 pm

  I traded in my Toyota Sienna for this Outlook. It seemed to be the right fit. It is big enough for my family of five and all their stuff, but not too big. It has plenty of space, handles exceptionally well, and best of all it is not a mini-van. I test drove an Explorer, Vera Cruz, Acadia and the Outlook. The Acadia and the Outlook were the only ones big enough. I honestly feel that the Saturn label has more of a younger, hipper image than GMC. My husband and I both love it,it is cool enough for my teenagers, and for my eight year old. From the outside it doesnt look like it would have a third row, but it is amazing how much room there is in the third row.

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  2008 good review - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By DAVID MANGUS - June 17 - 1:20 am

  Just purchased my outlook in Nov 08. Fun to drive. Getting in and out is easy. Seat belt needs a little work

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  From Van to Crossover - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By CGuf - June 4 - 1:50 am

  We previously owned a Honda Van and were ready for something else, but still wanted the third row of seating for the kids. We ordered the XR with seven person seating, leather trim, Ocean Mist exterior and dual sunroofs. Our order to delivery took approx. 2 weeks. Good power and smooth ride. Very low noise levels. Not as hard to park as I thought it would be. We constantly get positive comments from bystanders. Fold down seating offers excellent options. Fit and finish are better than our Honda Van. Very pleased with purchased.

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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!

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  Attractive with room to spare - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jaw2th - May 21 - 8:33 am

  I have had my Outlook for a little over 2 months now and there is a lot to love about this crossover SUV. First, its external beauty. The overall appearance and lines of this vehicle borders on stunning. The interior is well designed, the ride is comfortable and the handling is decent. I have not taken a long trip yet but the city mileage is about as good as the smaller 2001 V6 Tribute I had. Still Im only getting avg.17 miles/gal in the city. Not that great considering the trade-off; a slow responding transmission. The car gets pushed around in heavy crosswinds. There is no help handle on the drivers side. The side door pockets are awkward. Still I love this car. Admiring stares rule!

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  This vehicle s**ks! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By AS_2015 - March 30 - 2:24 am

  too many issues similar to the other consumers here... although I bought the vehicle used summer of last year, transmission was replaced (shortly after I bought it.. luckily I bought an extended warranty on it which covered about 2/3 of the costs.. ), acceleration (or lack of...), rack & pinion needed to be replaced this past summer, water pump, alternator/starter, electrical issues.. in other words.. I think you can use the word "Lemon" in this case and it sounds like the same for others posting their comments here as well... if this is what the GMC Acadia is like since the Outlook and the Acadia are similar in parts, service , etc. , I am going to steer away from GMC!!

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  Saturn Outlook Excels - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By GlennG - March 28 - 3:10 am

  We have been driving our Saturn Outlook XE AWD for a few weeks now and must say that we have never had such an enjoyable new car thrill which only grows the more we drive it. With a combination of a growing family and rising fuel prices we needed a car which would come to the rescue. The Saturn Outlook was the solution period. Compared to all other competitors (especially the so-called high quality foreign models) Saturn Outlook delivers an enormous level of cabin space, power and fuel-economy. The absolutely stunning handling and ride of this car just blew me away. Braking and road presence feed back to the driver make this respond like something much smaller. Wow