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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  water leaks, bad strut mounts - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By upset2 - March 20 - 11:33 am

  At first we loved this car, then the problems started. Ive had it in twice for doors leaking from sunroof drain tubes, going to take it again soon. Seats are ruined from water damage. Have had the strut mounts replaced, windshield wiper blades recalled, cant seem to get the popping noises fixed underneath. We are very upset, also the car wont even make it up our driveway because of the gravels. It stinks for a front wheel drive! wish we never traded. I feel like we have been cheated. This car is a lemon!!

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  One year - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By George - December 19 - 10:06 am

  If it wasnt for the great service this would of been gone. Windows that would not go up or done, front end replaced, moon roof that leaks so bad we had over an inch of water inside. Transmission that wont shift right, rear wiper would not stop. The ride is great but its hard to find a comfotable driving position. The steering wheel blocks the MPH, that should be swap for the tach. MPG is 15/22 city/hwy.

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  Disappointment - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Katie - August 30 - 9:33 pm

  We are very disappointed. Since I first bought the vehicle Ive had a weird rubbing sound coming from the front left wheel well. Its been in at least 5 times in two years & they never could re-create the problem. When they finally did they tell me it is the traction control sys and ABS kicking in. Hmm, why is it only turning left & going down a hill? The A/C system is awful. Sometimes blows hot, when you want cold, takes forever to switch from hot to cold & vice versa. There is no comfortable temp. A/C controls are now wiping off (the paint/display). Now my steering wheel constantly squeaks & would cost $800 to fix. 3 out of 4 headlights went out, they had to fix some wiring, another $200

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  What quality control? - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Indy Outlook - June 15 - 9:06 am

  ABS brake system clicks everytime you start the car doing a self diagnosis. Very annoying. Dealer says this is normal. Power seats have a rough spot in the fore/aft adjustment. Three new sets of rails were sent, all defective. Dealer removed rails from new vehicle on the lot and replaced ours. Same problem, now passenger seat does the same thing. Rear seat cushion does not latch properly. Dealer inspected other new Outlooks and all do the same thing. Dealer says this is normal. Loud engine sound when warm possibly power steering related, dealer can not identify. Concidering trading after 12K miles. Has been in the shop 12 days in 6 months.

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  Problems - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sherri - July 10 - 10:43 am

  Ive owned my Outlook for 14 months and have had several problems. Transmission leak in 9th month of ownership; two "repairs" on leaking sunroof and now an oil leak. Love the car otherwise; MPG is around 18 City. Im selling it - a car this expensive should not have transmission problems before a year is up!

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  Love It & Hate It - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By zr77 - February 22 - 1:47 am

  We bought our Outlook used with 40K miles, and thankfully I bought an extended warranty, its paid for itself many times over already in the 2 and 1/2 years weve owned this car. We traded in a Mazda MPV minivan with 140K miles that needed maybe $800 worth of repairs over the 6+ years we owned it. The Saturn on the other hand has cost over $5000 in repairs. Luckily the warranty covered all but about $800-900. I was able to get the timing chain repaired under the recall and an issue with the transmission as well. Weve had issues with the AC, heating vents, sunroofs pour in water, brakes replaced many times, oil leaks (major), will not stay aligned, tires are junk, poor paint quality etc.

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  Good for the Desert - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By JBear - November 6 - 5:56 am

  Six repairs of sunroof leaks and three repairs of windshield wiper failures. Carpets replaced by dealer but mold is still present above headliner. Lucky I am still alive after wiper failures in heavy rainstorms. Battery has also died on me at least five times. I am embarrassed to admit that I am an American engineer. GM should be ashamed of themselves. Great design, poor execution.

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  Great car as long as you dont want an engine that runs - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By csa1 - July 20 - 10:56 pm

  Our 2008 Outlook has 46000 miles on it and we are having to have the engine torn down. The dreaded timing chain problem that GM claims doesnt exist in the 2008 model DOES EXIST! For some crazy reason GM has extended the timing chain warranty on every other year of this vehicle except 2008. Our last GM had cronic problems as well but not this bad. Honestly I love the vehicle but GM has lost this customer. I am so disgusted.

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  transmission and timing chain failure - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By ben2007 - January 22 - 12:47 pm

  I had my 2007 Saturn outlook Xe repair on 1/31/11 by GM dealer because of the timing chain and transmission cost $5626.08 Most mechanics stated that is unusually both at the same time. I had been getting a lot of recalls for this timing chain after the work was done. I found that this was an issue before by SUV needed repairs. Then i saw this notice: GM CUSTOMER CARE AND AFTERSALES DCS2552 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Date: February 9, 2010 Subject: 10287 - Customer Satisfaction Program Premature Timing Chain Wear - Reprogram ECM Models: 2007 GMC Acadia, Saturn OUTLOOK 2007-09 Cadillac CTS, SR Why would the dealer charge me, knowing the timing belt was an issue