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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  Don and Sue - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Don Foreman - October 24 - 10:13 am

  We drove this new vehicle from Oregon to Missouri and back, puting over 5,200 miles on it and only show 21 MPG. Otherwise, the Outlook is very quiet and comfortable. We have owned new Cadillacs in the past and this unit is close.

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  Brand new to Saturn and very happy - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By MikeNSteph - October 4 - 6:13 pm

  So far this vehicle has been impressive to me. Id buy another Saturn just based upon this one, and I always thought they were budget vehicles. Youd never guess it was a Saturn. I looked at both the Buick and the GMC, the Saturns prices are better, the cars are all exactly the same to us, with some aesthetic differences but not enough to justify the huge price gap.

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  What a Vehicle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By malabarbob - September 29 - 5:33 pm

  I get stopped all the time at a light when people roll down their window to ask me what kind of car it is. Gets almost 30 mpg at 55 mph and about 24 at 75 mph. Around town it gets a good 17 mpg. We got it loaded except for DVD and GPS. The diamond white tricoat really makes it and it stays a lot cooler in Florida. The remote start and electroni tailgate are awesome. Long rides are a pleasure and set ups for two drivers in seat placement and mirrors make it easy to adjust. Full airbags all around - front to back are well worth the price and I love my OnStar. Bought extra minutes just in case we loose phones during a hurricane. Polished aluminum wheels and exhaust chrome tips a plus.

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  No Surprise - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Maine man - September 23 - 10:43 pm

  Saturn has come back! This is the best vehicle Saturn has ever offered. It has style comfort and class. It holds its own with anyone. The quality and ride is in par with larger SUVs. We love this vehicle our large teenagers fit in it with ease. Often we have to transport kids to and from sports and extra things. We have purchased a Saturn for the first time in 1991 and loved that car but we soon out grew it. Now that Saturn has come out with this true crossover it helped us to come back to the Saturn name. The engine has plenty of power for hauling kids and gear plus it can tow a small camper or a trailer for our snowmobiles. We are very pleased with our new Saturn Outlook and will enjoy.

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  Best SUV Ever! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By dawn143 - September 22 - 1:30 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and its a Saturn! I just came out of a loaded 2006 Range Rover HSE and I would have never even thought about a Saturn Outlook XR AWD but after test driving it, I fell in love with everything about it. It is so roomy inside, the styling is very up to date and it drives with so little effort. It doesnt look big from the outside, the profile is very low but dont let that deceive you, inside is spacious with room for 7. Its a little sluggish off the line but if you downshift you make up for that. My only complaint are the doors, they tend to close on their own after opening them, tough with kids but you over look it. A must buy!

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  Our 3rd Saturn since 2000 - we love them - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sarge-E5-USMC - September 15 - 4:36 am

  Best car I have ever owned. Saturn (sorry to see them go) makes one hell of a quality car. We have had a 2000 L300 which we sold after 1 year only because my wife has a lead foot and thought she was "Mustang Sally", a 2004 VUE and now a 2008 Outlook XE w AWD C. There is really nothing bad I can say about them. We do/did not put more than 2,500 to 3,000 miles on these cars because we have another car that we use for tooling around town and use the Outlook and past Saturns for road trips. We have two dogs that require cages when we travel and there is plenty of room in the car for them and all of our luggage. Best investment I have made was buying Saturns & especially the Outlook. Great car!!

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  Back to American - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Steve - September 5 - 9:53 pm

  After having a couple Honda Pilots, GMC Yukon along with several other SUVs... My wife absolutely loves this one! I think GM finally is ahead of the competition with all that this vehicle offers. EXCELLENT Mpg, comfy, plenty of room yet not overwhelmingly large like some. Job well done!

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  Bigger - Sleeker Lexus SUV - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Aleta Lewis - September 5 - 3:16 am

  When I first bought my Outlook, a month later I had an Electronic Control Module problem. But that was corrected immediately by the dealership. Since then, I have hadnt had anymore problems. I love my Outlook. Its a full sized SUV but the gas mileage is that of a small standard automobile. It sits up high with a smooth style and body thats awesome. Its like a bigger, less expensive, more sleeker Lexus SUV. An Eight Passenger Wonder! Its great! It will be a long, long time before I purchase another vehicle.

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  Do not buy this car - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By apow - August 13 - 3:48 pm

  I bought this car used and liked the styling, etc. But, my transmission failed, brake fluid is leaking into the master cylinder, the air bag sensors are shot, and theres some noise coming from my front end. The car only has 80,000 miles on it! Ive heard so many others are having the same problems with this car. I wish I had read reviews of it before I bought it!! As a comparison, my Dodge Caravan had almost 300,000 miles on it when it died and my husbands Ford F150 has 315,000 miles on it. This car is such a nightmare. I dont know if I should bother to fix it because it sounds like others have had it fixed only to have MORE issues come up. GM should be ashamed. Ill never buy a GM again.

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  A Surprise! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Bill - August 8 - 10:06 am

  Just moved out of an 2003 Olds Silhouette Premier into the Outlook XE. What a difference! For the same money this car feels more competent, is quieter, more powerful and more comfortable. We should get comparable MPG. Yes, it is a different class of automobile (minivan vs crossover). However, we are not giving up much in terms of usable space and gaining in so many other categories. Besides, my wife wanted a functional car that did not scream "soccer mom." I am thoroughly impressed. GM did a great job designing it. Lets hope it proves to be reliable. More details to come.