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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  Rock solid under pressure - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Scott from Michigan - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Outlook 2 weeks ago and have already taken a 1500 mile trip to Tennessee with it. I had a blast using the manual shift in low on the twisty mountain roads and limiting the transmission to 5th gear in strong wind and rain on the highway to prevent excessive automatic up and down shifting between fifth and sixth gear. It handled excellent in all weather conditions,including heavy rain and wind that was barely noticed while driving. The gas mileage increased more while driving 80-85 than it did driving 70-75. An overall good looking vehicle with lots of room and creatures features inside. Our Outlook gets lots of looks in our hometown. We are very happy with it.

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  Excellent - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By USAF74RET - October 14 - 9:26 pm

  Love at first sight, true love at first drive. Engine seemed jerkey but on cruise, is smooth. Fit and finish is excellent. Storage could use some improvement. Back up assist indicators should have a duplicate set in the front, on the dash for people who park using just their side mirrors. All around, it is an outstanding vehicle.

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  Great road car - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By DJW - October 12 - 1:56 am

  Just made a 2500 mile trip and it was a pleasure to drive. I averaged 22MPG for the whole trip and it didnt tire my 68 year old body. This is the best car I have ever owned and should last me for all time. I had thought to get the navigation package but the OnStar is does the job as well.

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  What a Great Vehicle! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By C Pappas - September 30 - 10:33 am

  GM really did its customer research when they built the Saturn Outlook. We have now had our Saturn for 1 1/2 years and we remain extremely satisfied. In addition to wonderful build quality, the interior design is outstanding. I am 6 1" and my 13 year old son is well on his way there. With the second row captains chairs, he and I can comfortably and easily get into the third row seat, far easier than any other vehicle we tried. A great surpise: After changing my flat tire (which was quite easy) I found that Saturn had put a large plastic bag in a storage area so that the dirty damaged tire could be stored in the back so as not to make any mess! Wow! Very nice touch!

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  Love it! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Joy - September 27 - 9:00 pm

  We love our Saturn Outlook! Its comfortable and weve had no problems at all with it. Were in the market for another new car and were realizing how great of a job GM did with this vehicle. The nav system is top notch and we also really like the stereo system and overall interior design. The car drives well, has good pick up and can carry 7 adults without any problems.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jodi Shover - September 21 - 2:43 am

  I personally looked at and test drove it 5x before I purchased it. Each time I fell in love more. This vehicle has style and class, at a very reasonable price! In addition to the 8 seating capacity, there is ample storage space in the back. Saturn has combined safety, luxury, and roominess all in one. I am more than satisfied with my decision. It is beautiful to look at and equally great to drive. Without hesitation, I would recommend buying the Saturn Outlook.

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  If not for the fuel economy and the snow - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Marco2068 - August 12 - 6:53 am

  We bought this car for the advertized fuel economy and to buy American. I alway buy AWD, but thought FWD would be fine and thought mild increase in fuel economy would be good. Wrong!This car cant get out of its own way in the snow. Its so heavy in the rear there is no weight on the front tires. Forget about pulling onto a street after a snowstorm. The MPG is 15.5 at best. You can get near the 24 on the highway if you dont exceed 65 MPH. All in all, 15.5 is not 16-24 that they advertize. I am a sad consumer when 2 of the three reasons I bought it were a fraud.

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  Very happy - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By DDog - August 3 - 10:53 am

  We bought the Outlook in November 2007. A month prior to buying I had never heard anything about the car. We saw it and thought it looked very nice. Since we bought the 2007 we were able to get it fully loaded and got a very good deal. I never thought I would ever buy a fully loaded car and I am very happy with things that I thought were unnecessary like heated seats, mirrors, heated window washer fluid and the GPS. Im not sure i want or need OnStar and Im pleasantly surprised with XM radio I even renewed it for a year. Only thing Im a little disapointed in is gas mileage is really at best 17mpg city. Its also a little difficult to park due to its size.

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  Very pleased so far - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Rick Olson - August 1 - 10:40 am

  I traded in my 03 Honda Pilot 4WD for a loaded 07 Outlook XR. Absolutely terrific vehicle so far. Design and build quality is top notch. Looks great. It will be the best car Ive owned if it maintains the high reliability Ive experienced with numerous Hondas and Toyotas.

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  Really nice SUV - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Dierdre S. - July 31 - 12:53 pm

  The Outlook is my very first automobile purchase, and I absolutely love it. The ride is very smooth and if youre not paying attention you could easily hit 80-85 mph. So, cruise control definitely comes in handy. I spend a lot of time on the road so it had to be comfortable. I get 20 MPG which isnt bad, but it could be better. This vehicle is really fun to drive, and the White Diamond is beautiful.I would definitley recommend this vehicle.