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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  Gret Car - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jeff - August 5 - 5:06 pm

  I was looking at a variety of vehicles as I come from an SUV history. This meets all my expectations and was cheaper than its cousin the Buick Enclave. I am totally satisfied with my choice

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  Quite a surprise for a GM product - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By formerbmwowner - July 25 - 9:43 am

  We needed an SUV that could tow our boat, seat the family and the dog comfortably, and not break the bank at the gas pump. The interior room on our Outlook is unbelievable, even in the third row of seats. Towing is competent, but lack of a V8s power is apparent. A remarkable amount of techno-goodies (hint: the Saturn is a much better value the way it is equipped than an Arcadia or Enclave). Wont win any prize for looks, but not bad, either. Gas mileage is a question mark. City driving were getting about 14, highway better at 22- 24. Transmission is annoying, shifts back and forth on the slightest grade, although it seems to be getting better. Pefect family cruisemobile!

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  So happy - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By sooo happy - July 16 - 10:26 pm

  Excellent car. Didnt plan on buying one. Had to have it after test drive. Extremely happy with the purchase great looking car inside and out. Saturn has really stepped up their game with car.

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  Problems - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sherri - July 10 - 10:43 am

  Ive owned my Outlook for 14 months and have had several problems. Transmission leak in 9th month of ownership; two "repairs" on leaking sunroof and now an oil leak. Love the car otherwise; MPG is around 18 City. Im selling it - a car this expensive should not have transmission problems before a year is up!

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  We love this car - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Allison Steed - July 4 - 3:00 am

  We absolutley love our Outlook. It is awesome in the snow and all around it has been a great vehicle for our family. We have had zero problems as long as we have owned it. We would recomend it to everyone.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By rush - June 22 - 6:16 am

  We bought the Outlook after purchasing an 07 Aura a few months back. We were so impressed with the Aura we figured we couldnt go wrong with the Outlook. We were right. It gets good gas mileage for a large SUV. The ride and interior are very comfortable.

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  Lookout Honda and Toyota! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kelly Kilroy - June 2 - 6:33 pm

  Just picked ours up, and what a car! We ordered ours with everything but middle row buckets, GPS and the trailering package. Ride is supple and very quiet. Handles like a car. Tan leather interior is beautiful. Seats are very comfortable. Lots of gizmos to fool with, including OnStar, park assist, auto liftgate and remote start. All and all very pleased. Most impressive was the 3rd row seat. Couldnt find a Pilot with one, and the Highlander we test drove it appeared Toyota put it in as an afterthought. Our kids couldnt even access it without coming in throught the rear hatch and climbing over the seat. On the Outlook the smartslide feature makes access very easy!

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  Good Ride - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dtroiter - April 19 - 11:43 am

  Great effort at large crossover vehicle. Good looking inside and out. Huge interior volume for carrying people and cargo. Good fuel economy for a vehicle this size. My wife averages 19mpg with almost all short city trips. Ive had vehicles half this size get 15-16mpg. People who say increase power, increase MPG. You definitely wont get both, especially at this price point. Direct Injection will help, and probably will several years in the future. It isnt GM advertising these numbers. These are EPA numbers, governed by the EPA testing process, not a GM supplied number. I have found them to be accurate based on moderate driving habits.

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  Luxury of a Minivan without the stigma! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Lexi - April 2 - 5:16 pm

  We bought this car after doing a lot of research over the past year. We needed a car with 7 passenger seating, and we didnt want a minivan. Yes, the gas mileage needs to be improved, but isnt much less than a minivan. For the money, this car has it all. We got a back-up camera, cargo rails, a sunroof, and 7 passenger seating...a must when 2 car seats are installed to insure access to the back row. Speaking of the back row, there is enough room for a carseat (latch in the middle seat) and a normal sized adult on both sides, with out feeling too squished. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs more than 5 passenger seating and is hesitant to but a minivan.

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  Love It & Hate It - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By zr77 - February 22 - 1:47 am

  We bought our Outlook used with 40K miles, and thankfully I bought an extended warranty, its paid for itself many times over already in the 2 and 1/2 years weve owned this car. We traded in a Mazda MPV minivan with 140K miles that needed maybe $800 worth of repairs over the 6+ years we owned it. The Saturn on the other hand has cost over $5000 in repairs. Luckily the warranty covered all but about $800-900. I was able to get the timing chain repaired under the recall and an issue with the transmission as well. Weve had issues with the AC, heating vents, sunroofs pour in water, brakes replaced many times, oil leaks (major), will not stay aligned, tires are junk, poor paint quality etc.