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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  Nice looking but thats it. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jason - December 1 - 4:13 am

  My wife loves the car but cant seem to find enough gas money. Fuel economy stinks! The layout is perfect for a family. The car has no power and is a nightmare in the snow or ice traction control is a joke! I would have rather bought a Tahoe better fuel economy and better performance!

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  Love my Saturn Outlook - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Flora Rowland - November 18 - 7:06 am

  This is without a doubt the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever owned. I took a trip, drove 18 hours straight and got out of the vehicle with no back pain. The whole trip was relaxing. The Outlook handles great on snowy, slushy roads. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Horrible Car - Do Not Buy - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By steppiemay - November 10 - 12:53 am

  I previously owned a (used) 2002 Nissa Altima that gave me all kinds of hell. I decided to buy American and thought Saturn made good cars. This car has proven me wrong. In the 4 years Ive had it, (purchased in 2008 - original owner), the car has overheated twice. Check engine light came on 3x. Ive had to replace an engine solenoid valve, temp sensor and H20 pump and fix a leaking transaxle. This morning I received a stability trak DIC. So off to the dealer I go again. This car is a big piece of junk! Pre-own buyers beware!!

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  Disappointment in Fuel Economy - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Dan - October 30 - 2:46 am

  I recently purchased my Outlook in. I thought I was ahead of the game by purchasing an Outlook instead of the Toyota Sienna. My number one reason for purchasing the Outlook was the advertised fuel economy. I thought it was too good to be true and I was right. I have exactly 2,596 miles on the vehicle. I use the cruise control religously on the freeway with just myself in the vehicle going at the speed of 65mph and I can never get better than 20mpg. I also had the time to test the outlook driving in the city until I had to get gas with just myself in the vehicle at all times and the best mileage I got was 13 mpg. I am so unhappy. Next time I will rent a car before I purchase.

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  Saturn lies - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook - October 19 - 7:36 pm

  Gas Milage was a lie. Around town maybe 14 hwy is 17 at best. Brakes are bad! When seats are down and you are hauling something they dont stop you. You need to add a lot of extra footage to stop. I drove my daughters Honda Pilot and hauled the same amount of things and had no problem stopping. I am upset with braking system and milage. Now when I call about milage I am told when your car reaches 10K it will start to get better milage. Well, I now have 12K on it and no change at all. What a joke.

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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.