Saturn Outlook

The Saturn Outlook is a small sized compact crossover sport utility vehicle. The Saturn outlook replaced the Saturn Relay, due to decline in the sales. The Saturn outlook was debuted at an auto show held in New York. It was based on the GM’s Lambda platform.

The sticker price of the Saturn Outlook is far lower in comparison to other vehicles marketed by GMC such as Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.

Power-Train

The Saturn Outlook has a powerful 3.6 Liter V6 DOHC engine with variable timing valve. The Saturn Outlook is accessible in 2 versions;

• Saturn Outlook XE – 3.6 Liter that delivers 270 hp with a torque of 248 ft-lb
• Saturn Outlook XR – 3.6 Liter that delivers 275 hp with a torque 251 ft-lb

Both the XE and XR versions use 6-speed automatic transmission with Hydra-Matic technology. The two trims are available with the all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Interiors

The Saturn Outlook has better legroom and it can accommodate eight seats in three-rows. The front row comprises of a couple of bucket seats and the second row comprised of a 60/40 folding and split bench seat for accommodating three passengers.

The Saturn Outlook is the first car to include the smart sliding option in the second row. The captain chairs or bench seat with cushion flips helps the seats to slide forward direction smoothly. You can get more legroom, and cargo space by folding the third row. The seating system offers you more space by adjusting the middle seat between the third row and second row.

Marketing and Manufacturing

The manufacturing of Saturn Outlook took place in an Assembly plant near Michigan with the shared concept of Lambda-based vehicles.

In December 2006, the sales of Saturn Outlook was temporarily terminated due to improper drilling of holes on the engine mount and it led to blockage of accumulated water and also due to usage of faulty rivets placed at the rear hatch.

The redesigning and assembling process took very rapidly and the problem was fixed within a short time; the sales of Saturn Outlook started once again in 2007.

Driving Impressions

Although the Saturn Outlook does not have sporty looks like other vehicles such as Mazda CX-9, you can experience a pleasant drive. Especially in view of the vehicle’s hefty size, the weight of the vehicle is around 4,700-pound, but it doesn’t hamper the performance even a bit.

The quality of the ride is very smooth and sympathetic. Although the vehicle has 6-speed auto- transmission, and better fuel economy; it can be slow with the downshifts. The V6 engine has additional power for pulling the Saturn Outlook at the recommended conditions.