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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  Roomy and comfortable - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mr NewM - August 22 - 9:53 pm

  We were looking for a family vehicle with 3-rows and narrowed it down to the Mazda CX-9 and Saturn. My wife won out and we got the Saturn and have loved it. Space was a major factor. We briefly had a CX-9 as a loaner recently and it seemed tiny in comparison. The mileage has been decent.

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  So far so good - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Tim - June 4 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned this car for two months. It has nearly 9,000 miles on it. I have received a recall for the air bag system, but have had no other problems. I have carried 7 men in the car, fairly comfortably, they tell me, on a 300 mile round trip. The car has performed well, and has been excellent in snow. Overall I would reccomend this vehicle.

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  Lots of Problems with Sunroof - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By M&M - May 7 - 5:20 am

  Overall owning the Outlook hasnt been too much trouble except for the sunroof leak which has been present ever since weve had it. Its been back at the dealership a total of 3 times, soon to be 4, and its still leaking. Other than this little problem, no issues.

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  I love it - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mr. Adams - March 28 - 4:46 pm

  Its been almost a year and I have to say I still love my Outlook. I have only one issue, I really wish I got a little better gas mileage. I am averaging about 17 mpg city right now. Would love a couple of miles more. I have a baby and lots of god children and the Outlook carries all our stuff around no problem and everyone has their place. I have only owned Saturns and they are definitely getting better with age.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Stewart Crozier - January 17 - 6:40 pm

  I studied every brand of vehicle and visited many dealers all around comparing every way I could. Outlook claimed the best mpg (with other great features) so I bought it. After my great disappointment I began talking to other owners and reading reviews. I now believe I see enough agreement with my experience to warrant some kind of study to expose false advertising. Wondering if Im alone in this. I am "rethinking Saturn"

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  Great Value - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By R Perich - November 15 - 2:30 am

  We were looking for a lot of vehicle at a reasonable price, and we found it with the Outlook. The vehicle is not getting the great mileage we desired (around 19), but the interior space more than makes up for it. We fit five adults and two child seats in the car and everybody had enough room. It handles well in rain, but high winds will surprise the new SUV driver.

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  What a smooth ride! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By N2005 - October 24 - 5:53 am

  I gave up my VW Passat 4 Motion b/c of electrical issues. I miss the VW engine. Once I get out of 2nd gear and on the highway the weird lag/shifting goes away. Its very aggrivating, to the point that I almost took it to the dealer thinking there was something wrong with the car. But after reading reviews I realized its something Saturn/GM needs to address and I will have to get used to. I really like my new Outlook, especially the smooth, quiet ride! I hope the fuel ecomony gets better.

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  Comfortable and roomy but tranny is awful! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By eric - September 14 - 1:00 pm

  I replaced an 02 Impala with this. I love the ride and interior appointments. Sporty handling. Very comfortable on long road trips and tons of storage. I dont like the transmission, MPG, build quality. Everyone says the MPG is not what they expected based on the sticker and Im no exception. The build quality is questionable because I had the thing in at least 10 times for piddly stuff. The worst however is the transmission. Short of a major reprogramming of the shift points and general responsiveness, this transmission stinks badly- period. I fear however that if that is done, MPG will suffer even more. It hunts in 6th, and requires an act of God (a slow one) to downshift!

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By txsoldier94 - April 26 - 3:20 am

  The Outlook is a great vehicle for families. 8 Seats is large enough for most families and then some. It does not have as much interior cargo space as some of the other full-size SUVs, but it can still carry quite a bit. All-in-all a favorite in our family.

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  2008 Saturn Outlook XR 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cy - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Best ever! - March 14 - 5:20 pm

  The best and most comfortable, quiet car I have ever owned. We drive to Fl over 1500 miles, and I usually spend about eight hours behind the wheel! With this car I feel as though I could keep on driving all day and night. My only gripe is the gas mileage. I am hoping as I drive it more, that it gets better.