Description Of The Car

2007 Saturn Outlook Preview

The 2007 Saturn Outlook debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show, a crossover SUV able to seat up to eight passengers. Yep, that’s right: eight.

See, this is actually a full-size SUV, even though it’s designed to compete against vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander. With 116.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third-row seats folded down, how could it be anything but a full-sizer?



Representative of Saturn’s emerging corporate look, the 2007 Outlook features a bold and bright grille, projector beam headlights with jeweled reflectors, chrome-accented taillights that resemble those on the Sky roadster, chrome-trimmed door handles for an upscale look, and standard 18-inch wheels. Inside, Saturn’s effort to make the 2007 Outlook feel roomy with great outward visibility appears successful, and the materials used to construct that cabin are of much higher quality than you’re accustomed to seeing in a Saturn.

The Outlook, an eight-passenger crossover, is no exception. Although not the most visually effective of the new-kid Saturn bunch (that title goes to the Saturn Sky Red Line), the Outlook nevertheless manages to be an interesting take on an otherwise overdone genre. The same bright grille and headlights found on the Sky and Aura adorn the front of the Outlook, and its stance and proportions reflect a more sporting, European approach. Although some have criticized the Outlook’s appearance for being a little too copycat-Continental, we think it’s still a step in the right direction.

Power comes from a version of GM’s corporate 3.6-liter variable-valve-timing V-6. Two different output levels are available (the 265-hp XE model, and—hold onto your hats!—the 267-hp XR), and the more potent version comes complete with dual exhaust tips. A six-speed automatic is standard, and a choice of either two- or four-wheel drive is available.

Saturn is in dire need of an image boost, and crossover SUVs are among the hottest market segments today. The 2007 Outlook, one of three new vehicles upon which the GM division is pinning its future, gives Saturn a roomy and capable crossover while debuting a new styling theme intended to banish the brand’s bargain-basement image, bumping it upscale to better compete with imports like Honda, Nissan and Toyota. Plus, it’s made in Lansing, Mich., so if you’ve wanted to buy an American crossover SUV made by American workers, the new 2007 Saturn Outlook meets your need.

The engine is GMs latest and most technologically advanced V6 unit. It displaces 3.6 litres (217 cu in) and generates 267 horsepower and 247 foot-pounds of torque when equipped with dual exhaust in the upscale XR model. Without the benefit of twin pipes, the sophisticated powerplant puts out a respectable 265 horsepower and 244 foot-pounds of torque. This is the same V6 engine used in several Cadillac products of late. The honey-smooth DOHC mill features 4-valves per cylinder and variable valve timing to ensure linear torque delivery across the rev band. The engine is also designed to dispatch smooth, quiet performance and long life expectancy.

Theelectronically controlled 6-speed GM Hydra-Matic transmission backing the Outlooks powerplant achieves improved fuel economy and performance over more traditional 4-speed autoboxes often found in FWD and AWD vehicles (the Pacifica only has a 4-speed automatic, for instance); in fact GM claims an 8 percent improvement in performance and a 4 percent fuel economy improvement. Over the lifetime of a vehicle, a 4 percent increase in fuel economy is significant.

Aiding in the Outlooks estimated fuel economy of 13.8 litres and 9.4 litres highway per 100 kilometres is a very low coefficient of drag of just 0.361. The combined city/highway rating is 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the FWD Outlook and 10.5 L/100 km for the AWD version. These are decent ratings for a full-size, 8-occupant vehicle, and appear significantly better than the Pacifica and at least on par with the Freestyle fuel-economy outcomes (FWD Freestyle EPA rating is 11.8 city and 8.7 highway, so its slightly better - Ed.), which is surprising given the Outlooks heavier curb weight of 2,142 kilograms (4,722 lbs) in FWD and 2,239 kilograms (4,936 lbs) in AWD trim. In both FWD and AWD configurations the Outlook maintains a minimum ground clearance of 189 mm (7.4 in). Clearly this vehicle is not intended for serious off-roading, but in return it provides lower step-in height than typical SUVs.

The Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 6, which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system capable of notifying participating 911 centres of an incident with the goal of reducing emergency personnel response times - something family purchasers would be wise to take advantage of. They may also wish to take advantage of the wide array of comfort and convenience equipment available, including ultrasonic parking assist, remote vehicle starting, power rear liftgate, DVD entertainment and DVD-based navigation.

Another advantage of the lower ride height is a reduced likelihood of rollover, an issue that has dogged the SUV market since its inception. Even with a reduced propensity to expose its undercarriage, GM has wisely loaded the Outlook with six airbags as standard equipment; they include head curtain airbags covering all three seating rows. Extending the benefit of curtain airbags is GMs rollover-sensing system, which can preemptively activate the curtain airbags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In such a case the airbags will remain inflated longer to not only provide occupant protection but occupant containment as well. Of course preventing a crash or rollover is the best means of protecting occupants, and thats exactly the intention behind GMs StabiliTrak electronic stability system, available on the Outlook.

What’s inside

By all indications, the 2007 Saturn Outlook will make a great family vehicle. It seats up to eight people, with 19.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat when it’s in use – a surprising figure for any SUV. The cargo space is cube shaped, and includes a covered convenience center under a panel in the load floor. Saturn says that adults will be comfortable in the third-row seat, and has designed an articulating Smart Slide second-row seat to make access and exit easier. Buyers can choose the standard 60/40 split folding bench for the second row, or available bucket seats.

Available features on the 2007 Saturn Outlook include leather upholstery, a DVD navigation system, and a DVD entertainment system with rear input jacks and a 110-volt outlet. You can also get an ultrasonic parking assist system, a power liftgate, remote vehicle starting, and a heated washer fluid reservoir. In terms of safety equipment, the Outlook comes with standard dual-stage front, front side impact, and side curtain airbags for all three rows; GM’s rollover sensing system keeps the airbags inflated longer in that kind of wreck. And if you do have an accident, the Outlook includes OnStar communications with a free one-year Safe and Sound plan that features Advanced Automatic Crash Notification when the airbags deploy to help get rescue teams to you sooner.