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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  Not so happy - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Rhonda - February 18 - 12:46 am

  Have had problems with the brake fluid leaking. On 3rd time taking it in, they found a leak in the master cylinder. First they told me they must not have topped it off at the factory and they added fluid. Next they said its hard to see the fill line so they added more fluid. Next they found the leak. There is something broken in the vent and Im waiting for parts (its been 3 weeks). The middle right seat squeaks though they cant seem to duplicate it. The acceleration is sluggish especially on a hill. The automatic start is terrible! You may as well get in the vehicle you have to be so close for it to work. The gas mileage is very low.

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  great SUV but weird transmission - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By azlan - January 24 - 8:50 am

  we bought this car over the CX-9 and Veracruz mainly for space (3 active teenagers and 11 yr-old). Gas mileage was also a consideration. Did homework, tested, and waited for right time to buy. So far, its been two years, we have no regrets. Its the best 7 plus seater weve ever owned. Excellent comfort, took the car all the way to Florida and back from Pittsburgh, no problems. The only minus is transmission. Its a little worse than a turbo-charged car - could complete a laundry cycle before it downshifts. But kinda got used to it by now. Also the gas mileage is not all that it advertises to be. A little advise - buy with fewest accessories as possible then you can avoid pain in malfunction

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  Out - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Brad Willet - December 5 - 5:36 am

  After almost 3 months the car is almost perfect! No issues other than std. first year recalls. Wish I would have gotten memory seats, and Im not crazy about the tires in the touring package, but still love the vehicle. 67" and Im incredibly comfortable, with plenty of room for the two dogs and probably a child seat next year.

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  Not sure it was a wise choice - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By pnhdad11 - October 10 - 7:03 am

  We like the looks and it is comfortable. But it has been in twice for a leaking sunroof. It also has had a transmission leak, shock absorber leak and bad bushings. This past week it was back in and needs a new starter and power steering pump. It has had work on the transmission and electrical issues, warning that the hood was open and irregular tire pressure readings. The slightest hill causes it to downshift. On the highway, I have gotten up to 25 mpg so that has been good.

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  Outlook? Outstanding! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dave - March 25 - 9:06 pm

  Family of 5: 3 kiddos 9/7/4 - replaced our 2000 Caravan Sport with the Outlook XE. We bought because Saturn didnt offer vehicles to keep up with their loyal customers growing families Other family mobile is a Suburban, this is the perfect answer! Even the 4 year old can manage in and out with the center row seat setup. Excellent performer in the ice and snow, tcs and antilocks minimize control issues. Long rides are comfortable, manual shifting is fun in the hilly-twisty road areas. Accessibility from all 5 doors is great, nothing is ever out of reach. Powerful exterior design matched to comfortable well styled interior. If youre even thinking about one, buy it, no regrets.

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  This car is a good step for Saturn. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Anonymous - January 22 - 12:06 pm

  This car is a very goo thing for a dying breed of cars: Saturn. Its comfortable, has a good fuel economy. Even the far back seats have leg space for adults! Saturn prayed for a miracle and got one!

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  2007 Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Gerald ZWick - January 15 - 12:03 am

  The belt line is very high on this car, and it is very difficult to see out the rear window. Overall the driver visability is poor. Gas mileage was not what was advertised.

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  Good family ride - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Catrina - January 12 - 4:40 am

  I have only had my Outlook for a few months but love it already! We are a family of four and needed something roomy, but wanted to avoid a mini-van at all cost, we found the outlook and it is great, there is plenty of room for the kids, and the back seating is not to bad either. There is a lot of space and overall great for a family of four..or five! The only problem I have or dont like is getting to the third row seating, its a bit hard and I wish i would have opted for the captains chairs in the second row, but over all I love it!

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  My only problem is the transmission - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jay - May 20 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car with every option in the book. It is very comfortable and spacious. The cargo space, even with the third row seat up is very good. The only problem I have ancountered, and it is not a small one, is the sluggish transmission. Once youve passed take off, the thing will stay on gear forever before shifting to the next speed. This usually happens at or around the 40 mph mark. Its like its stuck on that gear and wont move up unless you put the pedal to the floor. If they could do some sort of software update on the throttle/gear ratio the car would be perfect.

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  headlights and misfires - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By breaid - October 18 - 5:13 pm

  i bought this car new.around 20000 i started havin issues with it.since ive owned it it has been to the dealer several times.ive had 3 headlights burn out and a 4th right now.1 time they said the harness terminal melted. also i have taken it in forcheck engine light that comes on around every 5000 miles.its always seems to be the same thing.misfire on 6 2 times and misfire on 2.its sputters often but i just have to wait for the check engine light to come on again.dealership is 30+ miles away.this car has made me not want to ever buy a new car again!it hasnt ran like a new car since it has hit 20000!im now at 39000 and just waiting for the engine light to come back on.