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:

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Engine Failed, the worst car ever - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By mginsc - August 1 - 1:07 am

  This car fit the bill for a single mom who had to shuttle around kids to events, friends, trips, etc. Soon after purchase, I took the car in for repair after the check engine light came on. The timing chain was replaced under a recall. I was told that metal was in my oil because of it. Then my transmission began malfunctioning and it was the transmission control module. Then my power steering went out because of faulty design on the hose. Then oil was leaking into the throttle body so a gasket was replaced. After that final repair, I made it 3 miles down the road and my engine seized. Do not buy this car. I will never buy GM again. Ever.

• 

  Buyer Beware!! GM knows about problems - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By anglins4 - February 28 - 7:06 pm

  There are not enough characters allowed to convey all the problems you will have if you purchase this car. We bought ours new in 07 and loved the space in the car and how it drove. Within the first year we started having problems with leaking from the sunroof, windows, airbags, under the glove box. We had to pay $600 for repairs when hundreds of others had complained to GM about the same problem. GM has a recall/bulletin on the exterior lights but say our VIN number is not included so even thought we have the exact problem they wont even listen to us b/c of the VIN number. Crazy! Do Yourself A Favor....Stay away from this car!

• 

  Saturn Outlook - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Kim - September 21 - 12:43 am

  I wanted to write and warn anyone who is considering the Saturn Outlook that this vehicle has been a nightmare for me and my family. We have had it for 5 months and it has been in the shop for repairs 6 times in the last 6 weeks. We have had water leaking, engine light on, engine running when the keys are out of the ignition, radio coming on when we are not in the vehicle, and finally the complete lack to start. Saturn has been very difficult to deal with and we are in the process of a lemon law claim. Our vehicle has been repaired several times with after market materials and its always returned to us in filthy condition. I strongly suggest not purchasing a Saturn Outlook.

• 

  Dont be fooled by GM Marketing Dept. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By pCow10 - January 7 - 2:23 pm

  This is a large, very comfortable SUV. But, we purchased this vehicle over competitors based on advertised fuel economy of 10/26. Those number are a comlete lie - our Saturn averages about 12 mpg in town and 17 mpg highway. If you need a truck this size, its good, but be warned - you will get traditional SUV mileage - dont believe GMs lies about its efficiency.

• 

  Never Again! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By nileteacher - December 15 - 7:06 am

  I realize that this vehicle is no longer being made, but I warn you not to buy an old used model either! We have had nothing but problems since we bought this vehicle at the end of 2009. A loose airbag connection, replaced radio, rebooted computer/software issue, replaced 2 coil packs at different times, a leaking strut, a leaking water pump, a rebuilt transmission and a malfunctioning rear hatch door. It has only 60,000 miles on it, and most of this has been since it hit 40,000. Worst, most unreliable car Ive ever owned! Back to Mazda for me! Will never purchase a GM product again!

• 

  outlook transmission failure - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By jerry194 - June 26 - 12:24 pm

  Over all car is "okay". Transmission has serious problems. Had to be rebuilt at 58k miles, control module replaced at 111k, speed sensor at 115k, and now looking at another rebuild at 141k. Vehicle is unreliable and I would defiantly not recommend it. GM quality is long gone, never buy another.

• 

  Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook - May 24 - 1:33 pm

  Good car in the desert but week in the rainy areas. Sunroof leaks because of poor design, drain tubes to short, drain tubes not connected. Rain causes shorts in the electrical system and disables much of your equipment until able to completely dry out. Rain comes in from the just below the sunroof all the way back to the second row passenger airbags as well as down the firewall onto the driver floor. This causes your shoes to soak up water and become slippery on the petals.

• 

  No Longer GM Customer - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By lstonge1 - May 24 - 10:49 am

  The Outlook looks great inside and out, unfortunately mechanicly the vehicle is garbage. I have spent more money in 11 months of ownership on my 08 Outlook than I have in my last three vehicles combined. My next SUV will be a non GM product.