2007 Saturn Outlook First Drive

Saturn Outlook – First Drive: Great customer service, no haggle prices. Good cars that border on great. Looks like Saturn’s put some real sizzle into that ad slogan. From the Saturn Sky roadster to the Aura sedan and the new Outlook SUV, what was once a fading brand is on the move and taking names. And while the Sky may be sexy, the new Outlook crossover, with its combination of room, ride and style, is about to shake things up over in import land, to be sure. Add to that a friendly dealer network, and this could be the continuation of something big at Saturn – something, indeed, that’s bigger and unlike anything before.

The Basics: Origins

Built on the new GM platform named Lambda and brother to the upcoming Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and an unnamed Chevrolet, the Outlook replaces the woeful Saturn Relay minivan and has a distinct advantage: now, the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are chasing GM when it comes to larger crossovers that drive small. Interestingly, the launch of these new GM vehicles was reportedly delayed because officials were afraid that they would steal sales from all-new suvs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. They were right to worry: The Outlook offers buyers a capable and spacious utility vehicle that seats up to eight. Flaws in the Outlook package include its weight, some comfort issues in back and a few other nits, but overall it’s a strong winner.

The Basics: Model Mix – Standard Features

Saturn Outlook buyers choose between two trims: the base XE starting at $27,990 or the uplevel XR with a $30,290 price tag (including the $735 destination charge). XE standard equipment includes cloth seats with rear 60/40 split benches and GM’s new Smart Slide entry method; a stereo with CD/MP3 player, rear A/C, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power door locks andwindows, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Up-town XR models add body-color side molding, wood grain interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a driver information center, and fog lamps.

The Basics: Model Mix – Safety Features

Standard safety features for the 2007 Saturn OUTLOOK include 12 free months of OnStar’s Safe and Sound Plan, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak stability control, a rollover sensor that works with airbags, traction control and a full complement of airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows.

The Basics: Model Mix – XE Options

Saturn’s Outlook comes with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. Additional extra-cost features include a skylight sunroof, a DVD entertainment system, XM radio and second-row captain’s chairs. Don’t fret; there’s a slew of packages, too, starting with the Advanced Audio Package and its nine speakers, 300-watt amp, subwoofer, rear audio controls, and dual-zone climate control.. Then there’s the Convenience Package which adds remote vehicle start and more. Given the Outlook’s moderately heavy cargo door, GM should find a way to make the power liftgate available on the XE, but this is reserved for the XR. An XE Preferred Package is also available, delivering an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

The Basics: Model Mix – XR Options

For XR shoppers, packages include the Advanced Audio Package (with auxiliary input jack on the XR only) and a Convenience Package with a power liftgate and parking sensors. An Enhanced Convenience Package includes driver’s seat memory, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and a four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat with lumbar. There’s also the Premium Package, adding leather to the first two rows of seats and heat to the front row, and the Touring Package, upgrading the Outlook’s wheels to 19-inch alloys and replacing the standard all-season rubber with P255/60R19 touring tires. The Touring Package also comes with chrome exhaust tips. For weekend warriors, there’s also a Trailering Package.

What’s New: Outside

GM designers hit a home run with the Sky, a solid triple with the Aura sedan and are legging out a double to the gap with the Outlook. Saturn’s signature grille, a bright and shiny element, communicates a bold new style. Other highlights include wraparound rear windows, jeweled rear reflectors, chrome-ringed taillights, and chrome door handles. With standard 18-inch alloys, the Outlook fills its wheel wells admirably, resulting in a strong, athletic stance. With 19-inch shoes, the SUV is even better looking and with the XR trim the Outlook’s roof gets some needed definition thanks to chrome rails. Overall, the Saturn Outlook has a sporty, upscale design – even in base trim – one that is a welcome addition to a group of vehicles that includes the nondescript Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

What’s New: Inside – Smart Slide

It’s a minivan. Well, kind of, but not really. It’s an SUV that seats up to eight. Well, yes, but it’s really a bit of both. With almost 20 cu.-ft. of squared-off cargo space behind the third-row seat, the Saturn Outlook defies common SUV logic, especially when you add in the fact that two adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Benefits like that say , as does the new Smart Slide second-row seat. Instead of the traditional fold-and-tip design, the Outlook’s second row seats slide forward and compress, adding impressive entry and exit room. There are, however, wide tracks in the floor in order to facilitate the Smart Slide feature. Overall, it’s a new and better way to get into the third row. Second-row seats also adjust fore and aft, giving all rear passengers a way to adjust for legroom demands.

What’s New: Inside – Style

The Outlook also gets the benefit of Saturn’s new interior design philosophy with higher quality materials, durable seat fabric and a much-improved layout. For example, the dash-top compartment lined and dampened, the glovebox is sizable, and there are sturdy side pockets that almost run the length of the center stack. In fact, when you add available features such as leather upholstery, the skylight sunroof and the DVD entertainment system, the Outlook borders on a premium grade SUV.

What’s New: Under the Hood

In the Outlook XE, the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine makes 265 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm via a single exhaust pipe. The Outlook XR makes 267 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm through dual exhaust pipes. From the driver’s seat the difference is negligible. Underneath, the Outlook rides on an independent MacPherson strut front and compact, linked “H” rear suspension, each setup attached to special mounting points designed for a smooth, isolating ride. A long wheelbase of 118.9 inches contributes to plenty of interior space while rack-and-pinion steering gives drivers a more accurate feel for the road. Four-wheel, ventilated disc antilock brakes come standard.

Driving: Test Car and Location

We spent a week behind the wheel of a Saturn Outlook XE with the Advanced Audio Package. Our experience included long drives on the freeway and in suburban areas, as well as a significant amount of time spent in the stop-and-go traffic of Pasadena, Calif. Throughout our drive, we were largely impressed with the Outlook’s family-friendly nature, whether carting around slow-moving grandmothers or hauling toys and kids to holiday events.