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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  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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  DO NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE !!! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By 2008outlookx2 - September 20 - 3:55 pm

  I have now had 2 of these vehicle(not by choose on the 2nd go round) I purchased my first vehicle had it for 3 days and the Transmission blowup, long story short after another 8 times in the shop for major issues in 2 months of owning the vehicle the car dealer seeing the issue advised it just this vehicle must have something wrong with it so they traded me into another 08 saturn outlook advising this one shouldnt have any problems the other vehicle was a fluke(yeah ok).So i had this one for 2 weeks and the fun began, i had to take it back for the windshield washer in the back wiper not working, then had a crunching in the front when going over bumps in the road and going slowly over speed

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  Worst Car of My Life - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dieselfan - September 3 - 9:04 pm

  This was without question the worst automobile I have ever purchased in my life. (That includes a Chrysler product purchased in the mid 1980s!) Although roomy, attractive, and fun to drive, the vehicle fell apart from the beginning. Purchasing this vehicle was a decision I will regret the rest of my life. Almost immediately after purchasing the vehicle, it began to have problems. Warning lights, tailgate lock, audio system, transmission, power windows--you name it, it broke. Finally, the transmission completely failed shortly after warranty ran out. I didnt have the $4500 to have it repaired and I let the vehicle get repossessed. I will never buy another GM product in my life.

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  First Time American Car Buyer - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By carfanatic - August 28 - 5:06 pm

  This is my first ever American car. I have been accustom to high end European cars as I enjoyed their speed and performance. I decided to add the Saturn to my list and I have to admit, the ride is smooth, quiet and very comfortable. It has all the bells and wistles I need and more space than I can use. There is a delay in acceleration which is tolerable for now. The fuel consumption is good compared to my RR which I am giving up. After a month of driving the Outlook, I now find my 5 series and 996 a little too rough to drive. I feel a road trip coming up this summer!

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  Roomy and comfortable - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mr NewM - August 22 - 9:53 pm

  We were looking for a family vehicle with 3-rows and narrowed it down to the Mazda CX-9 and Saturn. My wife won out and we got the Saturn and have loved it. Space was a major factor. We briefly had a CX-9 as a loaner recently and it seemed tiny in comparison. The mileage has been decent.

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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.

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  Very Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Very Disappointed - July 24 - 1:06 pm

  Downsized from Ford Expedition strictly to save money on gas and because the Outlook would accommodate 8 people easily.A sporty and fun looking vehicle but is extremely disappointing on gas mileage. We are over 8000 miles and getting 13mpg in town and possibly less due to hot weather here in Florida. 95% of our drive is in town driving. The interior design of the track seats is totally disfunctional with small children. Anything that drops in the track stops the seats from folding up. Also the "Leather" (really cheap vinyl) seats stain so easily. Suntan lotion was almost impossible to remove from my black seats. It definitely does not clean up as well as leather.