Model years 2007–2010 | Production May 24, 2006–2010 Body style 5-door SUV | |
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Class Full-size crossover SUV | ||
The Saturn Outlook is a full-size crossover SUV that debuted at the New York International Auto Show, and was based on the GM Lambda platform, which it shared with the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. Production of the Outlook started in 2006. The Outlook featured the lowest sticker price among GM's Lambda crossover SUVs, slotting below the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. The Chevrolet Traverse would ultimately take the place of the Outlook as the family-oriented model following the introduction of the Traverse for the 2009 model year, and the demise of the Outlook, along with the rest of the Saturn brand in 2010, with the 2010 model-year being the final model-year for the Outlook. The Saturn Outlook was discontinued after the 2010 model-year.
Contents
Following the withdrawal of a bid by Penske Automotive to acquire Saturn, the Motors Liquidation Company of General Motors announced in September 2009 that it would phase out the Saturn brand by October 31, 2010 when it ceased operations.
Driveline
The Outlook was powered by the 3.6 L V6 DOHC 24-valve HFV6 engine with Variable Valve Timing, available with either single or dual exhaust. Both versions use the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, and available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Seating configuration
The Outlook can seat eight in a three-row setting. The front row consists of two bucket seats, and the second row is available as either a 60/40 split-folding three-passenger bench seat or two individual "captain chairs." The third row is a 60/40 split-folding three-passenger bench seat.
In the press release accompanying the Outlook's launch, GM emphasized the "industry first" SmartSlide second row. In case of both bench seat or captain chairs, the seat cushion flips forward while the seat is being slid forward, which allows for "compression" of the space used by the seat in the foremost position. If the third seat is folded, this allows for expansion of the cargo area. The system also allows for fore-aft adjustment of the middle seat to change the spacing between the second and third-row seats for more legroom.
Production
The Outlook, along with the other Lambda-based vehicles, was built in the Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan. The first pre-production Outlook rolled off the assembly line at the Delta Township plant on May 24, 2006.
In December 2006, all sales of the first batch of the Outlook (and the GMC Acadia) were temporarily stopped due to the engine mounts not having holes drilled to release accumulated water, as well as an issue with potentially faulty rivets in the load floor just forward of the rear hatch. The assembly process was quickly adjusted, and dealerships were told to fix the problems themselves before offering the Outlook (or the Acadia) for sale again. Sales resumed within days of the notice.
Production of the Outlook was halted in late 2009. However, for a few weeks starting in February 2010, GM resumed production of the Outlook to use up remaining parts prior to the closing of the Saturn division. It is not known how or where they were sold. 3637 MY2010 models were built, among which 2507 were assembled in calendar year 2010.
Following its discontinuation, the bodyshell of the Outlook was revived as a mid-cycle refresh of the 2013 GMC Acadia.
Crash test ratings
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Frontal:
Side:
The Outlook was an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for 2008 and 2009.