General Motors looks to have a big hit on their hands with the 2008 Saturn Outlook, their latest entry into the hot, crossover market. It is available in two trim levels, the XE and the XR, and can be ordered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Locomotion is provided by a 3.6L V6 engine with variable valve timing that produces 270 horsepower and 248 ft-lb of torque at 3,200 rpm (275 horsepower on the XE). The capable engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Other standard equipment includes traction control, StabiliTrak with enhanced rollover protection, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, auto headlights, power heated mirrors, power locks and windows, cruise control, front and rear air conditioning, and side head and body air bags. The XR trim adds twin exhaust, unique alloy wheels, fog lamps, mirror-mounted turn signals, a power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, among other items.
The Outlook's ride may be among the smoothest of any non-luxury sedan available. A lot of the credit goes to a very sturdy unibody platform, and the rest to the fine job of suspension tuning achieved by the GM engineers.
The Outlook's interior makes a good impression with its design, execution, and quality of materials. While two rows of bench seats for eight passengers are standard, second row captains' chairs can be ordered to seat seven. The rear 60/40 bench easily converts into a flat load floor with a simple tug of a few straps while the middle row tumbles forward for easy access to a space that is surprisingly roomy for adults. The dashboard featured a wide array of controls and chrome accents surrounding the center stack's air vents are a nice touch.
Optional equipment includes the usual audio upgrades, sunroof, and power conveniences, as well as remote vehicle start and a rear seat entertainment system.
The Outlook, a brand new Saturn crossover for 2007, sees few changes for 2008.A second row console is available with captain's chairs on XR models, and XM satellite radio is standard on all Outlooks. New exterior colors available for the 2008 Outlook include Garnet Red and Carbon Flash.
The Saturn Outlook is one of the best vehicles GM has ever made. It offers more space than most large SUVs while getting better mileage, and the comfortable ride and near-silent interior are a refreshing change from truck-based SUVs. Seating for up to eight ensures the whole brood can come along, and lots of standard safety equipment will help them get there securely.
