The Saturn Outlook was a full-size crossover SUV produced from 2006 to 2010, sold as 2007 to 2010 model years.
Design and Introduction
Saturn dipped its toes into the SUV market starting in 2002 when the compact crossover SUV Saturn Vue was released. Then in 2006, Saturn and its parent company, General Motors, decided to venture further into the segment, stepping up with the slightly larger Saturn Outlook SUV. The Outlook shared the GM Lambda platform as seen on the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. Like many Saturns, it was a value-focused offering from GM. In fact, the Saturn Outlook had the lowest price of any GM Lambda-based vehicle at the time. Unfortunately, although GM tried to expand Saturn's appeal in the early 21st century, the brand failed to deliver the sales needed to keep the line around. The Saturn Outlook was one of the last models produced under the make. The exterior styling of the Outlook was quite modern, especially when compared to Saturns of the recent past. The Saturn sedans and previous Vue SUV both featured distinctive front ends that used rigid lines to create a unique look. This proved relatively successful in the 1990s with Saturn's S-Series vehicles, but the same success failed to translate to the 21st century. The Outlook shook things up by incorporating more generic GM look with a rounded front end, clean shoulder lines running from front to back, and a generally appealing style. Unlike many Saturns of the past, the Outlook might be difficult to differentiate from the other GM Lambda models if you removed the emblems and grill.
Saturn Outlook Engine and Performance
The engine featured in the Saturn Outlook was a 3.6L LY7 V6 engine with dual overhead cams and 24-valves with variable valve timing. The Outlook was available with single or dual exhaust. The single-exhaust variant produced a respectable 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-exhaust version pushed that up to 275 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. In 2009, the 3.6L engine moved to the LLT V6 design, still offered in single and dual exhaust options. The single-exhaust option produced 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque now, while the dual-exhaust went up to 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. These figures were quite competitive at the time, especially considering the Outlook's value-oriented market. The Saturn Outlook was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants. Those who wanted the all-wheel drive capability could select this option to provide increased traction on slick surfaces, allowing the Outlook to be a decent option for snowy climates and some limited off-road use. All of the available engines were paired to a six-speed Hydra-Metic 6T75 automatic transmission that provided smooth shifting and an adequate selection of gears to handle hilly driving and efficient acceleration.
Available Features and Options
Turning to the inside, the base Outlook provided minimal interior comforts without stooping too low into value territory. And for those who wanted a slightly more luxurious interior, the premium trim package includes leather first and second-row seats, heated front seats, and an 8-way adjustable driver's seat. For lamps and heated, power-adjustable side mirrors were also available, along with deep-tinted windows and automatic headlights. The Saturn Outlook could seat up to eight people. The third row was a 60/40 split bench, while the middle row could use the same layout or switch to two captain chairs, losing one passenger capacity and dropping to seven total. The front feats were two bucket seats, as found on most cars of the time and today. One notable feature was the SmartSlide technology used in the middle row, allowing the second and third row seats to store more efficiently and opening up slightly more cargo space when not in use. The Outlook sold relatively well in 2007 and 2008, showcasing the growing demand for crossover SUVs, with nearly 35,000 units in 2007 and over 25,000 units in 2008. But then production was temporarily halted in 2009, leading to a sharp decline in sales, before resuming in 2010 to use up remaining parts. The Outlook was discontinued in 2010, which is also when the entire Saturn brand was dissolved.