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:

• 

  Dont buy one - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Tami Vitali - September 9 - 6:53 am

  I had my 2007 in the shop over 90days the first year of ownership. They were really nice until I decided to file the lemon Law on it. The leaks were horrible and the milage was never what they claimed. I believe that there are electrical issues now from all the water that it had.

• 

  Love this Vehicle!!!! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By USN78 - August 19 - 2:03 am

  Replaced our import suv, thought we would give American another shot. This vehicle has it all. The third row seat room is awsome compared to our old vehicle (Suzuki XL7 Limited). The captain chairs are great for the kids to jump quickly into the back. Smooth ride, good looking inside and out. Get alot of heads turning. People cant believe the quality/luxury in this Saturn. GM hit a home run with this platform. Got ours loaded except minus the NAV.

• 

  Best Crossover of 2007! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By jholenko - August 8 - 1:46 pm

  I recently owned an 03 TrailBlazer and this has so much more power and giddyupness. Its amazing that it gets such fuel economy. Very beautiful colors available also. No icky colors. Very quiet. Very much recommend. Best 8 passenger CUV in the market today. 10/10 stars. Seriously, drive one. You will love it.

• 

  Saturn rampage - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By magicofbob - July 21 - 11:36 am

  I am very happy with the new Saturn. I love the vehicle. It is outstanding in every feature. It has the best mileage among large SUVs. It is the first in its kind.

• 

  outlook transmission failure - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jerry194 - June 26 - 12:24 pm

  Over all car is "okay". Transmission has serious problems. Had to be rebuilt at 58k miles, control module replaced at 111k, speed sensor at 115k, and now looking at another rebuild at 141k. Vehicle is unreliable and I would defiantly not recommend it. GM quality is long gone, never buy another.

• 

  A Bit Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook Review - June 12 - 4:13 am

  I was really excited when I purchased this SUV. But after 6 months and 4000 miles later, Im a little disappointed. There is a delay in shifting response with the transmission especially when going uphill. Delayed response even felt in the manual shift mode. The first update to the trany program was ineffective, no improvement. The fuel economy is really poor compared with the 17 city and 25 hwy. Its more like 13 city and 18 hwy.

• 

  Almost a great SUV, But... - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ryan - June 9 - 7:30 am

  Complaints first, Biggest problem with GM vehicles is there lack of respect for our lungs. NO CABIN FILTER, common guys. All the imports have them, you could at least make a Hepa grade filter to show up the imports. Do you think we are stupid? Gas Mileage average 16-17 all the time, city highway does not matter. I regularly maintenance every 5K and also had trans soft upgrade twice, does not help mileage. Other than that the SUV still looks good, has a comfortable ride and lots of space. Great family car and I could almost like it a real lot. I am very upset about the NON-CABIN FILTER! I like my lungs a whole whole lot and nothing is more important than your health. Listen up GM!

• 

  Hard to beat - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By E Louison - May 28 - 9:13 pm

  After 7000 miles, this is the most complete truck I have ever owned. Every feature is well thought out, and the quality is second to none. GM has beaten the worlds best manufacturers in the completeness of this vehicle!

• 

  Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook - May 24 - 1:33 pm

  Good car in the desert but week in the rainy areas. Sunroof leaks because of poor design, drain tubes to short, drain tubes not connected. Rain causes shorts in the electrical system and disables much of your equipment until able to completely dry out. Rain comes in from the just below the sunroof all the way back to the second row passenger airbags as well as down the firewall onto the driver floor. This causes your shoes to soak up water and become slippery on the petals.

• 

  No Longer GM Customer - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By lstonge1 - May 24 - 10:49 am

  The Outlook looks great inside and out, unfortunately mechanicly the vehicle is garbage. I have spent more money in 11 months of ownership on my 08 Outlook than I have in my last three vehicles combined. My next SUV will be a non GM product.