Teresa’s View
The all-new 2007 Saturn Outlook isn’t an SUV as much as it’s NAM — Not a Minivan. It has the chief components we expect in a minivan — practicality (seats up to eight in three rows? Check); versatility (flexible cargo area and ease of entry? Check); and a car-like ride (like butter? Check). Just don’t call it a minivan. The Outlook is a midsize crossover — half car/half SUV — from that “Different Car Company.” As Saturn’s initial foray into semi-sport-ute-dom, the Outlook is a handsome, feature-laden first step.
Although it looks like a compact sport-ute, the Outlook’s dimensions stretch the outer limits of the midsize category; from behind the wheel it feels like a much smaller vehicle. Then there’s all that cargo room! I’m usually the first to complain that vehicles meant to haul a passel of people seldom offer enough space for their gear. Kudos to the Outlook designers. There’s excellent cargo room despite seating for up to eight.
The Outlook is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 that delivers 270 horsepower in the entry-level XE trim and 275-hp in the upscale XR version. Both trims are outfitted with a solid six-speed automatic transmission and are offered in either front- or all-wheel drive.
Saturn designers didn’t forget they were building a mobile family unit. Each Outlook comes standard with anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control systems and six airbags, including the popular head curtain variety.
The Outlook is also notable for what it doesn’t have — Saturn’s traditional no-rust body panels. The new crossover joins other steel-body Saturns such as the Aura and Sky.
What Is It?: The new Outlook is a four-door, crossover from Saturn. Built on the same platform as the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, the Outlook was the first of the three out of the box when it hit showrooms in late 2006. With a starting price of $27K for the front-wheel drive XE, it’s also the best value.
Gadget Rating: 7.8 out of 10. Standard features on the XE include front and rear air conditioning, cruise control, keyless remote, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power windows, mirrors and door locks and an audio system with CD and MP3 playback capability. The XR adds a power driver’s seat, dual-zone AC and an audio upgrade. But where did GM get these tiny audio controls and why don’t they give them back? Demerits for everyone.
The Back Seat: A clever Smart Slide feature makes scrambling into the third row just a bit easier. The second row comes with a choice of a split bench or an optional set of Captain’s chairs.
Safety: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Outlook five out of five stars for safety in front and side crash tests.
Gas Alert: The Outlook takes regular fuel.
Cheat Sheet: Saturn is a member of the General Motors family.
So, Where Are Ya From?: Surprisingly, the final assembly point for the Outlook is not Spring Hill, TN, but Lansing, Mich.