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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  A great choice. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By ron ahlhorn - July 14 - 7:50 am

  I looked at SUVs for over a year and then attended the Houston Auto Show. Looked at every SUV in the house and kept coming back to the new Outlook. A great choice. The gas mileage is as advertised and the overall styling is sharp. Most impressive is the interior room and styling. Only drawback I have found is the view out of the rear window is restricted when vehicles are close.

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  Best In Class - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Derreck - May 29 - 4:46 am

  Has the room of a minivan without the look. Build quality appears better than the Honda and Toyota and is much more fun to drive. The third row is big enough for adults which is rare in this vehicle category. The 3.6 engine and 6 speed auto supply plenty of power even though this vehicle is around 5000 lbs. I think GM and Saturn have a winner and its built here in Lansing, MI.

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  My only problem is the transmission - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jay - May 20 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car with every option in the book. It is very comfortable and spacious. The cargo space, even with the third row seat up is very good. The only problem I have ancountered, and it is not a small one, is the sluggish transmission. Once youve passed take off, the thing will stay on gear forever before shifting to the next speed. This usually happens at or around the 40 mph mark. Its like its stuck on that gear and wont move up unless you put the pedal to the floor. If they could do some sort of software update on the throttle/gear ratio the car would be perfect.

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  Done WIth Cadillac Hello Saturn - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By NJ Saturn Outlook - May 12 - 5:33 pm

  All my cars have been premium luxury cars (Cadillac, Corvette etc) and until now I would have never looked at a Saturn. Until now! This 2008 Outlook has changed my life in so many ways. I fit better than any other car or SUV on the market 9Escalade, Lexus RX, GX, Ford Edge, Explorer, Audi, porsche Cayenne etc) I can go on but no others compare. The Outlook overall is just an amazing tour de force of engineering, comfort, ergonomics, class and quality. The main reason I like this car is because it rides like an enlarged car not a modified pickup truck like most other sport utes out there. A V8 would be nice but not required.

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  I am in love with my Outlook - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Bar10Jen - May 8 - 8:46 am

  I love everything about my XR. It is sweet to look at, it is even sweeter to drive. The sunroof and moonroof combination are a dream. Navigation system rocks. The auto-start is great with the heated seats being fired up when it is cold and the a/c being blasted when it is hot. Remote opening of the back hatch is very handy, pop it then pick up what you are loading and load it with ease. Captain seats in the 2nd row is a great idea, I tote a lot of stuff and people. I have put over 10,000 miles on it since October and I love road trips in it. I have tried out every channel on my XM and I love the fact that the radio downloads local radio stations so I dont have to search the airways.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By TC - May 4 - 5:53 am

  I love my Outlook XE. Its just fantastic. The only downfall is the gas mileage. I truly believe I get 24 miles to the gallon on the highway but the city mileage is questionable. I think if the gas mileage improves in upcoming models this vehicle will be the crossover of choice. At least it is for me!

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  Love it other than gas mileage - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By kh fort myers - March 5 - 8:56 am

  I traded in a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. I bought the XR with the leather trim, touring and audio package and also the dual sunroofs. Its a fun vehicle to drive, very smooth and is easy to handle. I get compliments on the looks and classiness of my Outlook all the time. I drive 50 miles back and forth to work each day of which 45 are highway miles. I am disappointed about the gas mileage, for all the highway miles I am lucky if get 16MPG and sometimes that stretching it. I bought this vehicle in hopes that I would actually get better mileage than my Rodeo but that has not been the case. I took it back into Saturn and I guess they tweaked the transmission but it has not helped the gas mileage.

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  Finally some innovation from GM - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By SBudd - February 18 - 3:13 pm

  We traded a Chrysler minivan in the hopes of getting a vehicle that was just as versatile, yet easy on the eyes and decent on fuel economy. We chose the Saturn over the Acadia because of the looks (the Acadia was too "chromie", in our opinion) and the uncomplicated purchase process. It literally has it all: versatility, comfort, solid build, space, looks, and a V6 (versus a thirsty V8). We dont go offroading or tow a trailer, so this was perfect. Long trip comfort (500 miles) was excellent! No "trucky" feel. This is the first new GM vehicle I have ever purchased, and did so because of the innovation they have finally demonstrated. I hope first model year issues do not arise.

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  My Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kay - January 22 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my Outlook in April because we were getting ready to have another baby and needed more room. I had a Nissan Altima. We test drove all of the competition and this was the one we wanted. Loved the advertised gas milage but that didnt quite happen we got about 21. But we did get a K&N filter on ebay and now we get a lot closer to the advertised gas around 25. Love the style and drive after getting the update on the transmission it shifts great. It is a great first year model. The 3rd row could be a little easier to get into but is very nice when needed and love the space of folding down for a huge back space for cargo. All in all we really love our Outlook.

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  Worst vehicle we have ever owned - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By sbzg - January 18 - 5:02 pm

  This has been by far the worst car we have ever owned. The transmission was completely replaced under 50k miles (shuttered all the time). The lift gate struts broke. It over heated with thermostat problems at 25k miles. The AC randomly speeds up and slows down. The front headlamp assembly melted causing the headlights to go out ($700 if not under warranty). The dash computer went out causing the dash to go out. The remote start has never worked... dealer has never been able to figure that one out. And the kicker... the sunroof drains into the floor on the passenger side. Sometimes when its raining and I hit the breaks, water flies from the headliner onto the dash. I will never buy a GM.