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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  Pleased with our choice - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By iresponse - March 23 - 7:20 pm

  Shopped nearly all makes of crossovers and minivans to replace our aging Windstar, and couldnt be more pleased with our Outlook. Have not had any problems, it is a pleasure to drive, solid feeling, and very smooth on the freeway. Selected the XE with most options because we liked the interior appearance better than the XR.

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  Love it ! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Simon - March 14 - 7:00 pm

  Great SUV! Interesting design and confortable interior. A little heavy on the gas but its not too bad. Superb cargo capacity.

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  Yes, Its Really a Saturn! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By tabjaxx - March 7 - 4:23 am

  Test drove GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica, bought a 2008 Outlook XR FWD. The Acadia didnt ride as nice as the Outlook and had a few rattles to it. One practically melts into the Outlooks leather seats. Nice leg room in 2nd row. The ride is smooth, but can be rather stiff over bumps. It is quiet--you can hardly tell the engine is running; road noise is minimal. The interior is handsomely designed and the amber lighting over the front seat console is a nice touch. Impressive fit and finish. Engine power is adequate, although it is not the quickest out of the gate. Transmission is smooth but is hesitant to downshift. Not bad gas mileage (18 cty, 21 hwy). Nice vehicle. Good job GM!

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  I love this SUV - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Chris - March 2 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had this SUV for a little over 3 weeks and so far its been exceptional. No concerns here. If your looking into getting a resonably priced full size suv than the Outlook is the way to go.

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  GM got it right! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By John - February 25 - 3:10 am

  Finally General Motors has built a vehicle that is outstanding in every way. I read the review on the GMC Arcadia and went to my local Saturn dealer to see the outlook. I was very impressed. I went back a month later and drove one. That was it I was sold. This SUV performs like a car. Great power from the engine, great amenities, quiet and a well thought out design for the interior and exterior. Very comfortable on long trips. The HID lights, 19inch wheels, dual sunroofs are great touches that you dont see a lot in General Motors vehicles like this. They didnt hold back with this one.

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  Best Family Car Available - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By matt - February 11 - 9:40 am

  This car is without a doubt to me, the best car for a family currently on the market (for those who are non-minivan lovers). The driver and passenger feel like they are in a luxury car, while the kids feel like they are in a roomy minivan-like environment, with a DVD player, 110V outlet for the x-box, and easy in and out due to the lower than most SUVs ground clearance. Our 3 year old can easily get in and out himself. Overall, its a fantastic car that is fun to drive yet has all the features that a busy family is looking for.

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  Solid, solid crossover - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By dealing3000 - February 10 - 3:30 am

  We looked all over for a 7-8 passenger vehicle that met our needs. Since our family is growing we needed something bigger. We looked at many other SUVs/crossovers and this is the best of the bunch for the dollar spent. My wife and I love this vehicle. It drives great and hugs the road for an SUV. We recently went on a 1000 mile trip and it was the easiest ride I have ever undertaken. he fit and finish is top notch (way better than my 2007 VW Passat Wagon) and I really like the exterior and interior design of the vehicle. After 2000 miles we are getting 16 city and 24 highway. We hesitated at first when considering Saturn but we could not be happier with our purchase.

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  Best Crossover - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Nichole - February 4 - 4:26 am

  I absolutely love my new vehicle. I was in the market to upgrade to a larger vehicle (Civic before). With the growing family and traveling 100miles/day to work, I need a vehicle that would be comfortable and with good mileage. I was not quite ready for a minivan so I continued to explore car lots until one caught my attention. This car is excellent on the road. It is a very smooth ride all the way. I could not be more pleased with my choice.

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  Saturn Transmission Problems - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By BobP - February 1 - 3:00 am

  Traded in a 2006 SL2 that had severe transmission problems. Got the Outlook, have 4K miles on it now. Transmission problems on the new vehicle!!! Hard shifting and the vehicle jerks every time it shifts. Have been in and out of the dealership 4 times in the past 3 months. They finally agreed to replace the transmission. Very poor mileage. Too much wind noise

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  Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Stewart Crozier - January 17 - 6:40 pm

  I studied every brand of vehicle and visited many dealers all around comparing every way I could. Outlook claimed the best mpg (with other great features) so I bought it. After my great disappointment I began talking to other owners and reading reviews. I now believe I see enough agreement with my experience to warrant some kind of study to expose false advertising. Wondering if Im alone in this. I am "rethinking Saturn"