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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  Dont be fooled by GM Marketing Dept. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By pCow10 - January 7 - 2:23 pm

  This is a large, very comfortable SUV. But, we purchased this vehicle over competitors based on advertised fuel economy of 10/26. Those number are a comlete lie - our Saturn averages about 12 mpg in town and 17 mpg highway. If you need a truck this size, its good, but be warned - you will get traditional SUV mileage - dont believe GMs lies about its efficiency.

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  Best in class - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Nancy Lippert - January 7 - 5:50 am

  After owning a Mercedes ML and a BMW X5, the Saturn Outlook competes very well even in the luxury segment. Pure quiet and a great ride.

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  Never Again! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By nileteacher - December 15 - 7:06 am

  I realize that this vehicle is no longer being made, but I warn you not to buy an old used model either! We have had nothing but problems since we bought this vehicle at the end of 2009. A loose airbag connection, replaced radio, rebooted computer/software issue, replaced 2 coil packs at different times, a leaking strut, a leaking water pump, a rebuilt transmission and a malfunctioning rear hatch door. It has only 60,000 miles on it, and most of this has been since it hit 40,000. Worst, most unreliable car Ive ever owned! Back to Mazda for me! Will never purchase a GM product again!

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  From Aztek to Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By gunneytim - November 15 - 10:56 am

  Love my Outlook so far. Great for family trips and didnt cost a fortune to build to my specs.

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  I love my Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By jkwood - November 15 - 4:06 am

  I was on my 2nd Suburban, which I loved, but not the gas mileage. Or the cost to fill it up. I was looking for something with a lot of room and comfort inside with better gas mileage. This is the car. We debated between this and the Acadia. We drove both, but in the end we liked the Saturn better. The ride in this car is its best feature. It also has adjustable middle captains chairs which helps when you have someone tall riding in the middle seats. The back seat is comfortable for kids or short people but no less room than the suburbans 3rd seat. Overall I would say they did a great job combining comfort, room for 7, with economy.

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  headlights and misfires - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By breaid - October 18 - 5:13 pm

  i bought this car new.around 20000 i started havin issues with it.since ive owned it it has been to the dealer several times.ive had 3 headlights burn out and a 4th right now.1 time they said the harness terminal melted. also i have taken it in forcheck engine light that comes on around every 5000 miles.its always seems to be the same thing.misfire on 6 2 times and misfire on 2.its sputters often but i just have to wait for the check engine light to come on again.dealership is 30+ miles away.this car has made me not want to ever buy a new car again!it hasnt ran like a new car since it has hit 20000!im now at 39000 and just waiting for the engine light to come back on.

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  I cant believe I love GM now - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By tgresla - September 29 - 6:06 am

  I pulled into the Saturn dealership in my Sienna just to see the Skye parked out front. I couldnt wait to get rid of the minivan but still had 5 months left on the lease. The salesman asked if he could get me out of my lease for no additional cost would I be interested? Sure, why not. I ordered an Outlook XR AWD loaded with every option. As a long time fan of Honda, my Toyota minivan was a big reliability disappointment. Ive always hated GM since the 1980s when they built really crappy cars, but I feel the Saturn brand really had the right approach. I love this car! They really got it right, unfortunately a little too late. Drives well, solid, quiet, no problems in 2 years.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Indy or Bust - September 21 - 9:23 pm

  This is easily the best car Ive owned. This vehicle handles great, is very comfortable and feels like a luxury car. We went with the Cocoa w/ black leather. Everyday we comments on this car. We cant get over how much room there is. It really does seat 8 comfortably.

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  DO NOT BUY A SATURN 2007 OUTLOOK - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By gftodd - September 18 - 6:48 pm

  I have had problems with this car since I bought it used in 2009. This car is a disgrace and I fear driving every time I get in the car. My husband was just driving it recently on a major highway and the car just stalled out and he couldnt steer. Now how about if that was me and my 6 yr old son and we would have gotten into a major accident. I had to buy a new transmission, struts, now its in the shop again for another problem. Do research on any car before you buy. I will never buy another GM again. I always told people to buy AMERICAN but apparently they dont care about screwing us over!!

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  One thing after another - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ric - September 10 - 6:13 pm

  My wife and I researched vehicles for months and finally decided on the Outlook. Since purchasing last July the vehicle has been in the shop 8 times. I didnt expect this for the amount that we paid. The list includes everything from a leaking sunroof to a series of rattles and vibrations throughout the vehicle to shorts in the electrical system. Given the choice to do it again, we would not buy a Saturn.