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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  TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!!!!!!! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jd1979 - May 29 - 11:39 pm

  Sudden acceleration, hard shifting, not catching gears, slight hesitation when shifting gears is a few. It would usually work fine after pulling over and restarting the car. As time went by the car would not go out of first gear at times. It never lasted long enough to get it a half hour away to GM. I attempted to and by the time I arrived the light went off and it would be fine. Months later we had to have it towed in. AT 84,OOO MILES! two weeks later I received a call telling me what I already knew...that the 35 WAVE PLATE and VALVE CONTROL MODULE in my transmission needed replaced. Same problem EVERYONE IS HAVING w this car. Its a major flaw that needs to be RECALLED!!!!!

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  Great vehicle! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Thomas Coulter - April 13 - 11:40 pm

  I really like my Saturn Outlook. I replaced a Toyota 4runner that had multiple problems over the two year lease I had. The Outlook kills the Toyota in every way. Build quality and quietness is way better than the Toyota. I would buy another saturn in a mnute. I will never buy another Toyota

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  Really? Thats a Saturn? - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By sailbretthd - April 13 - 7:06 am

  Bought this to replace a Nissan Armada that was totalled in a head-on collision. Chose this over another Armada based on comfort, price and gas mileage and have not been disappointed. In 4K miles including a 2K mile road trip towing a pop-up camper we have found the vehicle to be an excellent choice for a family of five (3 kids in booster/child seats) that needs AWD and towing capacity. Looks great inside and out and many people are surprised to see the Saturn badge on such a nice looking vehicle. Bigger inside than you would guess from exterior, handles 8-12 inches of snow easily. I consider myself a car guy and never thought Saturn would build something I like- they did.

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  Outlook buyers, look out! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By LCS - March 9 - 7:45 am

  My car may have been a lemon, but I had issue after issue with my 08 Outlook. GM actually extended our warranty after we filed lemon law paperwork, which at least helped with the numerous costly repairs it needed. Oil leaks, fuel tank replaced, cylinder heads, power steering, A/C repair twice, and more. The XR model was comfy inside, however, and spacious enough for 3 kids and 2 dogs.

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  Comfort! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By m king - February 24 - 7:26 am

  By far the most comfortable car I have ever owned. An SUV that handles like a car. 60,000 miles and had only one engine problem that was taken care of by GM dealership at no charge due to 100,000 mile warranty. I cant say enough good things about it. My Brother owns the same year Pathfinder and I like my ride a great deal more.

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  transmission and timing chain failure - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By ben2007 - January 22 - 12:47 pm

  I had my 2007 Saturn outlook Xe repair on 1/31/11 by GM dealer because of the timing chain and transmission cost $5626.08 Most mechanics stated that is unusually both at the same time. I had been getting a lot of recalls for this timing chain after the work was done. I found that this was an issue before by SUV needed repairs. Then i saw this notice: GM CUSTOMER CARE AND AFTERSALES DCS2552 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Date: February 9, 2010 Subject: 10287 - Customer Satisfaction Program Premature Timing Chain Wear - Reprogram ECM Models: 2007 GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK 2007-09 Cadillac CTS, SR Why would the dealer charge me, knowing the timing belt was an issue