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:

• 

  2009 Saturn Outlook XR fwd - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Robert whiting - October 29 - 4:53 pm

  This vehicle is extremely stable. I have avoided three potential accidents by being able to swerve hard to avoid hitting idiot drivers not watching while changing lanes. The computer control stability system really works well. It has all the power needed plus some. (290hp) I got 23.5 mpg on a trip to Texas. 16 to 17 in town with a very light foot. Love the design in and out!! No rattles or squeaks. Door closes like a vault door. Quiet on the road with little wind noise. Love the sliding center armrest! Tons of cargo space with the seats down.

• 

  Sorry to see it go - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sbullard - October 17 - 9:16 pm

  Basically wife gave me a list of what she wanted (Navagation and DVD) we found this one at the local dealer has all the bells and whistles and overall has been excellent Vehicle. we have had for 2 years and have 62,000 miles had to replace the rocker arms, DVD had quit working had extended warrenty replaced unit. didnt check the onstar when we picked it up and week are so later when we checked it found out the quote the onstar computer has quit working and even though it goes thru the radio they are sure that changing had nothing to do with it, not a problem new onstar module only 850 dollars. The DVD/Stero was over 1200. I like saturn but cant trust the GM dealers service so Addios!

• 

  vibration n peddle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By joeee1 - October 1 - 6:59 am

  iWell this is are first saturn and we traded in a durmax diesel cause we needed hte room for the kids..well first off we have a vibration in the peddle when going 35 to 40 mph had one place tell us the trany.so since theres a warrenty take it to gm .they tell us theres nothing wrong with it that its set for economy better gas milage.if we wanted to change it we would lose 2 miles per gallon..so please help us figure this out we just bought this a month ago and hate they way it shifts all together but like it other wise...

• 

  I bought a Saturn and... wow! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By James B - September 28 - 9:50 am

  I bought my wife an Outlook XR for the new family hauler, and we love it. She saw the Acadia when it came out, and fell in love, but the Saturn is the best bang for the buck in the Lambda platform. We were able to buy a well- epuipped Outlook for less than base Acadia money. We found the Enclave(the Traverse would also) to be much harder to see out of because of the ramped up rear side window and small back glass. The Outlook has the 2nd best-looking interior after only the Enclave. It is averaging a true 18.9 mpg, which is better than I expected. It is very smooth, has a quiet ride, with very decent power for a 4600# car. I never thought Id buy a Saturn, but after year 1, Im glad we did

• 

  Wow what a car!! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By tony fiore - August 24 - 11:33 am

  "Awesome",to quote my kids. Excellent looks and ride. More car for the money. It easily outshines other, more expensive cars on the road. The interior is spacious. The engine is powerful and quiet. No road noise and great feedback from the steering and handling. When you look at it, then drive it, you feel you should have paid more. Without a doubt in my mind I made the absolute right choice in this purchase. Way to go GM. P.S. my family and friends want one now.

• 

  Not a Loser Cruiser - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Moms car - August 12 - 8:13 pm

  I love my new 08 Outlook. It has the room of a van and the stylish look of an SUV. The seats are easy to fold for the younger children and any one who rides in the back has plenty of leg room. Road noise is non existent and the dual air controls for the back lets everyone have the temprature that they want. I recommend this vehicle to everyone who likes a nice ride.

• 

  Great car as long as you dont want an engine that runs - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By csa1 - July 20 - 10:56 pm

  Our 2008 Outlook has 46000 miles on it and we are having to have the engine torn down. The dreaded timing chain problem that GM claims doesnt exist in the 2008 model DOES EXIST! For some crazy reason GM has extended the timing chain warranty on every other year of this vehicle except 2008. Our last GM had cronic problems as well but not this bad. Honestly I love the vehicle but GM has lost this customer. I am so disgusted.

• 

  Good car overall - but recent transmission issues concerning - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By jfazio - July 14 - 12:26 am

  We bought this car brand new and have taken relatively good care of it. Overall we like the drive, quality etc. At 78,000 miles however the transmission tanked. And we have researched online that this is a common occurrence. This is about a $4000 repair. Outside of the this, no other major complaints - but thats a pretty big one.

• 

  Our 4th Saturn... and the best so far - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By smakahead - July 12 - 11:46 am

  My 2007 Outlook is my 4th new Saturn vehicle, and were very impressed! Mostly we love the interior - very roomy and comfortable, the fit and finish is much above the previous Saturns weve owned. The leather seats are comfortable and durable. We have the captains chairs option, so our Outlook seats 7, but there is plenty of room in the third row (my wife sits back there alot for more room to relax). The performance is very commendable - the V6 engine (shared with some Caddy models) shifts nicely and has plenty of top-end if you need to gun it. Mileage is a bit low right now (~18 mpg). It handles like a car so its easy to drive. The best part - people ask about our Outlook all the time!

• 

  A whole lot for the price - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ken Sabo - June 27 - 7:06 pm

  I consider this Saturn XR to be an outstanding vehicle. After pricing other comparable SUVs, you realize that you are getting a lot for your money. It is big, roomy, very comfortable and quiet. I love the styling that GM gave this SUV. I feel the interior is well thoughtout and made extremely well. When optioned out the Saturn XR is $10,000 to $12,00 less than a Ford Expedition. The 3.6 liter engine with the 6 speed automatic transmission has plenty of power to get this big guy moving up to speed easily. GM has definitely got a winner with this one.