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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  Awesome! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By BIG PAPPI - July 13 - 10:43 pm

  I love my Outlook. I just took it to Montana from Colorado hauling a trailer. It did OK, a little sluggish in the wind, gas mileage suffered but very comfortable. I drove the entire 1800 miles there and back. XM radio came in handy. Looks great inside and out. I finally got the car other people look at going down the road.

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  Look-out for the Saturn Outlook! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Rick S - June 18 - 1:20 pm

  Weve had our Outlook XR for almost 9 months now and have never had a problem with it. It is very spacious and comfortable inside. The exterior design is bold and aggressive. (Especially with the Carbon Flash finish and 19" wheels.) I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with a large or small family like ours. Even small families need extra room at times. I cant wait to take it on vacation to Florida. Dont pay too much attention to the negative comments and problems that owners have mentioned on this site. Sure, some are warrented but, there are many, many more owners that have not had problems and love their Saturn Outlook. Bottom line is, this is an awesome Crossover SUV!

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  GM Gremlins Are Back - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Not Happy - June 11 - 11:53 am

  Poor quality returns to GM. My 40k car is in and out of the shop every 90 days with recalls, electrical issues, and power steering and other problems. They have covered everything but not my time. Service says the first 9 months they had build issues....I wanted to buy domestic to support the cause and what I got was a UAW Union American Waste of money. I feel bad GM is going under but bad products deserve to fail. Go buy an american built mercedes and avoid the hassle.

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  So far so good - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Tim - June 4 - 2:20 pm

  I have owned this car for two months. It has nearly 9,000 miles on it. I have received a recall for the air bag system, but have had no other problems. I have carried 7 men in the car, fairly comfortably, they tell me, on a 300 mile round trip. The car has performed well, and has been excellent in snow. Overall I would reccomend this vehicle.

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  The Perfect SUV for all ages - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jorge Baeza - May 26 - 4:53 am

  First time I saw it was during the 2007 car show in Houston. My wife and me, we were very impressed from the beginning. We didnt know which one to choose between the Acadia and the Outlook, we decided for the outlook because it has more of a luxury type inside. Its a lot of fun and comfort to drive it. My friends are also very impressed with it. I bought the Diamond White color one with the tan interiors. Excellent.

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  Love It! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By christina - May 13 - 8:33 pm

  I compared this to an Acadia, Pilot, Tahoe. The Outlook topped them all! It drove the best, had more options, and had the better price. I love it. I have the captains chairs in the back and I would never have one without them. My insurance went down $300 a year because of all the safety features. My husband is 62" and he has plenty of room. I have been getting so many compliments on the style of it. I love the OnStar, XM radio, and DVD player. All of the reviews are correct on line, you will love it!

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  Lots of Problems with Sunroof - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By M&M - May 7 - 5:20 am

  Overall owning the Outlook hasnt been too much trouble except for the sunroof leak which has been present ever since weve had it. Its been back at the dealership a total of 3 times, soon to be 4, and its still leaking. Other than this little problem, no issues.

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  Typical GM junk! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Deckman88 - May 5 - 11:58 pm

  GM does not care about its consumers. My Outlook needed a new transmission for $5000 (a common problem from a faulty wave plate) and it should have been recalled. Also replace countless other items worth probably an additional 2500 in repairs including new front struts, alternator, gauge cluster and oil cooler. I was stupid to buy this vehicle as before it I had a Hyundai with 150k on it that never required one single repair!

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  I love it - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mr. Adams - March 28 - 4:46 pm

  Its been almost a year and I have to say I still love my Outlook. I have only one issue, I really wish I got a little better gas mileage. I am averaging about 17 mpg city right now. Would love a couple of miles more. I have a baby and lots of god children and the Outlook carries all our stuff around no problem and everyone has their place. I have only owned Saturns and they are definitely getting better with age.

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  The Best Car "Out(look)" There - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By outlook owner - March 28 - 2:20 am

  It is an adorable car! The "coaco" color is so cute! This is my most reliable car ever! Ive had it for over a year, no problems so far. Not even a little oil leak! I love it!