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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  Sadly Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Sue - October 16 - 1:03 am

  We have owned Saturns in the past. We currently own a SC2 thats 13yrs & have had no issues. And during these past years have recommended Saturn to many relatives & friends. After many months researching for a new growing family vehicle, we chose the Outlook 4wd XR. We were thrilled of the many standard features, 8 seats, mpg, and that it handles the road well. But, once having it home driving on our many hilly roads, unlike the flat roads near the dealership, the shifting is horrible. Then our front passenger door leaked, got that fixed. Next the front drivers side door leaks & today we noticed the drivers side rear seat belt slot is leaking!!! Whats next?! Hence the disappointment

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  Multiple problems, GM Doesnt Care - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By mherold - August 11 - 7:50 pm

  Love the seating for 8, overall driving performance, handling, and fuel economy. Dislike that by 45,000 miles the struts were bad, the steering column was bad, brakes, and several other electical issues. At 78,000 miles the transmission went out and the timing chains where stretched. The 5yr/100,000mile powertrain warranty was up by 3 weeks and GM said they would "goodwill" it. Then made me pay for have of it. I understand no car is perfect. Due to the way GM handled this, I will stick to Toyota and Honda products.

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  No more American Mades - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By trh1013 - July 9 - 1:20 pm

  I took a leap of faith and decided to purchase an Outlook in Jul 07. Definitely a transmission problem with this vehicle. After I had the update transmission got worst. In Jan 08, I was driving along one day and I started to hear this loud noise coming from the back that sounded like an airplane. Took in for service they said that the wheel bearings had gone bad. On the day I had the wheel bearings replaced, while I was driving home my steering wheel became really tight like it had no power steering took it back the pump in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. I have been in for service way too much. I havent even had my first oil change. Heading to import dealer real soon.

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  Worst Car I have ever Owned - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By antcoop - March 21 - 12:30 am

  In the past 4 months I have replaced two engine mounts, bushing, power steering pump and week later the transmission needs to be rebuilt (it is stuck in low gear and wont go in reverse). I have also had to replace the throttle body. Stay away from this car at all cost! It is a giant money pit!

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  2007 Saturn Outlook fuel economy facts - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By NOMOGM - November 12 - 3:20 pm

  We were excited going into this vehicle as we were anticipating the added room and fuel economy GM had advertised. We have fallen way below the mileage rating, currently getting in the mid 13s in town and around 18 on the highway. Total mileage to date is about 5,500. Asking the dealer about possible reasons for the bad mileage, we got a couple of responses...first it must be the way we drive, second, the break-in period for this vehicle is 15K miles, both rubbish as far as we are concerned.

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  Underwelmed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Bob - September 25 - 2:46 am

  The mileage is way below what is advertised (17/24). I drive almost exclusively highway and am averaging about 16mpg. Geez, I got that in my 4WD Avalanche driving the same routes and speed. 6 speed transmission shifts out of overdrive on the mildest incline even at 70+mph on the highway. When going very slow the low gear pitches you around on wavey surfaces such as in a parking lot. It has that annoying accelerator lag, and it has a very pronounced shift lag when its cold out. Its free wheeled the engine (like missing the gear when trying to quick shift a stick?) when it lags and you take your foot off the gas. Gas gauge erratic, drops 1/8 in 20 mi or says on fumes with 1/4 left.

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  $1000 In repairs - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By penson - June 18 - 3:11 am

  Bought it new in May 2007. Happy to to trade it in. From day 1, loud tire noise due to poorly designed or def tires and they lasted only 40k miles....before the tire replacement the AC went out...a leak in one of the hoses (after the warranty expired) Cost: $300 to repair. The road noise went away after the tires were replaced. Had decent feul eco for size but dissapoointed in quality.

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  Nice looks, poor quality - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jswig - March 4 - 11:48 am

  The Outlook looks very nice. This is the reason my wife and I decided to purchase this vehicle. We didnt know they had lots of problems. Have had wheel bearings go bad at only 65,000 miles. Have leaks around the sunroof, back rotors replaced, various exterior lights not working, and now at 74000 miles the transmission is bad. This is very common with this vehicle. Buyers beware, do plenty of research first. Im only writing this to help others out so they dont find themselves in the same situation Im in. Go with a newer Ford or Honda --- trust me. You dont want a vehicle from a company that had to get the bailout.

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  Problem mobile...... - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By itchypopkin - December 8 - 6:51 am

  I have been a loyal General Motors customer but that might have to change after owning this vehicle. I really like the design of this vehicle inside and out. My main complaint is that it has major problem after major problem. The only good thing is that so far everything has been under warranty. The first thing to go was the rack and pinion at 30,000 miles. At around 35,000 miles the right strut started leaking and had to be replaced. It started leaking again at 60,000 miles, I don’t know if it’s bad luck for me or a design flaw. The next thing to go was the water pump at 50,000. Finally at 68,000 miles the transmission went. Thankfully it was still under warranty (with only two months to spare) and the dealership had to replace 3rd, 5th and reverse gears. Overall this has been the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. I would never recommend this vehicle to anybody. All owners appear to have the same main problems and I can’t believe General Motors doesn’t offer some type of buyback program as they did for the Vue.

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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!