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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Loving It So Far - 2008 Saturn Outlook
By Melissa - January 3 - 4:56 amSo far the vehicle has been a great town and city cruiser out with friends. Love the center console and rear console for second and third row passengers. Love ride quality
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Wow! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
By tlongmoble - January 1 - 2:26 pmI have had my Outlook for over a week now and cant say enough about it! It drives smooth and is powerful on the road. Cant wait to wake up tomorrow for the drive to work!
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One year - 2007 Saturn Outlook
By George - December 19 - 10:06 amIf it wasnt for the great service this would of been gone. Windows that would not go up or done, front end replaced, moon roof that leaks so bad we had over an inch of water inside. Transmission that wont shift right, rear wiper would not stop. The ride is great but its hard to find a comfotable driving position. The steering wheel blocks the MPH, that should be swap for the tach. MPG is 15/22 city/hwy.
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Big and comfortable and flexible - 2007 Saturn Outlook
By BBaltz - December 12 - 8:33 pmWe were looking for a 7-8 passenger vehicle and chose the Outlook over the CX-9. The Outlooks extra space was well worth it. Ive sat in the rear row with my daughter with no problem. The middle row has all the room of a limousine when pushed all the way back. My wife gets ~17 mpg in all-city driving. I get 20-24 mpg on the highway but driving over 65 really kills the mileage the faster you go. This was our first GM car and we had a number of build quality issues: catching compartment door, finicky reading-light switches, dead seat heater. It was one of the first 1000 built though if I read the VIN correctly.
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Switched from Toyota Sienna - 2008 Saturn Outlook
By Jackie - December 6 - 3:26 amI was ready to get out of the minivan but wanted to keep my seating config...2nd row capt.chairs and fold down split bench in the 3rd row. This is exactly what I wanted. My Outlook has just about everything except the Nav system and the dvd but this is why I opted not to get those...since I have OnStar I figured I would use that if I needed help with directions. Why pay for OnStar if you arent going to use it? Also, I didnt really like having a screen come down in my sight line from the ceiling so I opted for a portable dvd with wireless headphones which turned out to be a good decision as I can bring it on airplanes too. The only dislike is the low city mpg 15.6 (hwy mpg is fine, 23+)
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Trouble since day 1 - 2007 Saturn Outlook
By R. Stradford - December 5 - 5:20 pmI have an 2007 Outlook and it is bad. Since the first month the car makes some sort of noise that they can not fix. The things in the inside keep breaking. Mirror, dashboard compartment, CD player. I must have a lemon car or something. I may not ever buy another Saturn again in my life. This has been the worst year as a car owner since I have been old enough to buy a car.
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Great--But - 2007 Saturn Outlook
By JAW - December 3 - 5:36 amI have had 2 cars by Saturn and loved them both. I like everthing about this new (07) Outlook but the MPG is nothing liked advertized. My wife gets mad just getting in the car. Which makes it had to use. Perhaps I need more time. I only have 3,000+ miles.
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nice car but it has major leaking issues - 2008 Saturn Outlook
By unfancynancy - December 2 - 7:00 amI have a 2008 Saturn Outlook and recently had some major leaking problems (like having to hold a cup to catch a lot of water!) I turned the corner and my car sounded like a bucket of water sloshing from side to side. That same evening, water started leaking through all the seams in the front of my car (ie: the airbags on the side columns, the 3 buttons used for remote openers, my visor and the emergency brake area etc... ) I also had warning lights and alarms going off because there was water in my electrical system! I had the car towed to the Saturn dealership and they claimed it was a problem with the drain flaps. I dont have room for more. Check out Edmunds Forums for my full post.
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$40,000 Saturn - 2007 Saturn Outlook
By Rob - November 1 - 7:43 pmI am very impressed with Saturn. I have been looking for a replacement for my wifes 02 Chevy Tahoe for a year now. Something a little smaller and a little better gas mileage, but did not want to give up the room we had. Well we found it the 2007 Outlook XR. I will admit I was apprehensive. We have owned our Tahoe for 5 years and have looked at every make and model on the market. My wife wouldnt even go to the lot with me to look at it (its a Saturn she said) but after I drug her down there and she drove it she liked it...now that she has been driving it for a little while she loves it. If youre in the market, give it a chance and at least go look at it. I dont think you will be disappointed.
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Disappointment - 2008 Saturn Outlook
By Katie - August 30 - 9:33 pmWe are very disappointed. Since I first bought the vehicle Ive had a weird rubbing sound coming from the front left wheel well. Its been in at least 5 times in two years & they never could re-create the problem. When they finally did they tell me it is the traction control sys and ABS kicking in. Hmm, why is it only turning left & going down a hill? The A/C system is awful. Sometimes blows hot, when you want cold, takes forever to switch from hot to cold & vice versa. There is no comfortable temp. A/C controls are now wiping off (the paint/display). Now my steering wheel constantly squeaks & would cost $800 to fix. 3 out of 4 headlights went out, they had to fix some wiring, another $200
