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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  Multiple problems, GM Doesnt Care - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By mherold - August 11 - 7:50 pm

  Love the seating for 8, overall driving performance, handling, and fuel economy. Dislike that by 45,000 miles the struts were bad, the steering column was bad, brakes, and several other electical issues. At 78,000 miles the transmission went out and the timing chains where stretched. The 5yr/100,000mile powertrain warranty was up by 3 weeks and GM said they would "goodwill" it. Then made me pay for have of it. I understand no car is perfect. Due to the way GM handled this, I will stick to Toyota and Honda products.

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  Lookout for the Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By jonhel - August 9 - 1:33 am

  This SUV is the cream of the crop. Just finished a 4,000 mile vacation, and had a MPG of 25.6 MPG. The trip included both interstate highways and city driving. The ride is so smooth and quiet its hard to believe you are actucally in a vehicle Couple of drawbacks-the 12 VDC outlet in the dash, will not take a drink and a charger at the same time, due closeness of the cup holder to the DC outlet. The clothes hangers in the rear, are over the third seat area. Although I made a full length rod from electrical conduit, the clothes still folded up with the luggage. Other than those two items, I found nothing wrong with the vehicle.

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  Snow Eater! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Mike - August 6 - 1:13 am

  We bought our Outlook in August 2008 (traded in a BMW 330CiC). We bought it for its HUGE interior and cargo space as well as its seating for 8. No other vehicle can compare within its class. It drives great, gets decent fuel mileage for its size, and is very comfortable. We had our first "big" snow here in DC a week ago (6-10) inches and my wife was hesitant about driving the Outlook in the snow. We have owned other SUVs in the past and snow was not their strong suit. However, this thing was like a snow plow. No slipping, sliding, or any problems. She loved the fact that she didnt have to "do anything" because it is AWD. Great winter vehicle!!

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  Unmatched - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By momof5 - July 24 - 11:36 am

  There is nothing on the market like the Outlook. It has a smooth, quiet ride. The engine is powerful, but fuel-efficient. The seats fold flat. The third-row seat is functional. The interior gives you more room than a Sequoia and you get better gas mileage

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  No more American Mades - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By trh1013 - July 9 - 1:20 pm

  I took a leap of faith and decided to purchase an Outlook in Jul 07. Definitely a transmission problem with this vehicle. After I had the update transmission got worst. In Jan 08, I was driving along one day and I started to hear this loud noise coming from the back that sounded like an airplane. Took in for service they said that the wheel bearings had gone bad. On the day I had the wheel bearings replaced, while I was driving home my steering wheel became really tight like it had no power steering took it back the pump in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. I have been in for service way too much. I havent even had my first oil change. Heading to import dealer real soon.

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  Lots of Room - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Mike - May 9 - 10:23 pm

  Shopped really hard for crossovers to replace our aging minivan, but had trouble finding anything with as much room, until my wife fell in love with the Buick Enclave. Fortunately, our checkbook steered us to the Outlook! Much more affordable, even with leather seats and DVD. Enclave had softer ride, but lots of pricy "extras" that we really didnt need anyway. Acadia was in-between priced, but maybe even more truck-like. Our FWD Outlook has good MPG 22HWY and 20 mixed without much break-in yet. Still has good performance and power, quiet ride, transmission shifts well (not too picky here).

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  1st American made - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By akjagarcia - May 4 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had my XR just under a month now and aside from the horrible MPG I love this car. The V6 is a little under powered for a vehicle this size. Im averaging 12 MPG city and 21 on the highway.

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  Fine Ride - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Driver8 - April 24 - 2:46 pm

  An excellent vehicle for what it is intended for. Buyers need to know what they are looking for in a vehicle. The Outlook has great comfort, quietness, good ride quality, and luxury (XR). Steering has good feel and weight, but you are not going to carve canyons like a Porsche. This is a great looking and performing FAMILY vehicle with a good dose of luxury and it evidences quality.

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  Great buy/best room and comfort - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Great buy/best room - April 7 - 3:10 pm

  We took a great length of time in evalauating all available SUV and CUV and found Saturn Outlook to be best in class. This is our first American car. It has more head and leg room overall. This is the only vehicle in SUV/CUV class with a practical 3rd row, enough leg and head room for 3-adults. Saturn has outdone themselves with this product, its comfortable and stylish with excellent finish both inside and outside with lots of well thoughtout details for convenience and comfort. We found this vehicle to be better then Acura MDX, Nissan Armada, and even Audi Q7 and it cost atleast 10,000 less then those automotives.

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  Worst Car I have ever Owned - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By antcoop - March 21 - 12:30 am

  In the past 4 months I have replaced two engine mounts, bushing, power steering pump and week later the transmission needs to be rebuilt (it is stuck in low gear and wont go in reverse). I have also had to replace the throttle body. Stay away from this car at all cost! It is a giant money pit!