Saturn Has a New Outlook

By Joe LaMuraglia

The new for 2007 Saturn Outlook spent a week in our fleet and served duty as the official transportation module for Gaywheels.com’s trek from Atlanta, GA to Orlando, FL for Gay Days in June of this year. As we worked closely with the folks at Saturn to co-sponsor both Gay Days and Atlanta Pride, it was fitting that I made the 6 hour drive in one of their products. While the Sky or Sky Redline may have been the knee-jerk choice for such a ride, I ended up with no regrets for taking Saturn’s new people-hauler.

All car companies want to have a complete lineup of vehicles to meet the vehicular needs to as many potential customers as possible. When Saturn launched, and for a long time afterwards, they had a limited lineup of vehicles that on a good day could fit up to five people. They simply didn’t have a vehicle for the consumers that need to seat up to seven and/or haul the weekly stash from Home Depot. Think about it; once you graduate to a relationship, a house, a dog and perhaps even children, that sedan, convertible or compact SUV simply won’t cut it. Saturn’s lineup had nothing for these consumers, notwithstanding the short lived Relay minivan. Their answer to the needs of those with human or other hauling needs is the 2007 Outlook.
My first reaction to the vehicle was how pleasantly styled it is. While it resembles its corporate cousin over at GMC, it differs from most offerings in this segment by not adopting the “rough and ready” look of most SUVs. Rather, it is cleanly designed people mover that favors stylish practicality over overtly masculine bulges that hint at ostensible off-road prowess.
The design of the interior continues the theme with clean, clear instruments and switchgear. The materials are great for GM but not ground-breaking in this segment. They feel solid and should work for the long haul but they are short on luxury feel. Then again, this is a Saturn not a Cadillac.

The big story inside is the room and comfort. The driver and passenger compartments are very spacious and that continues on to both the second AND third row of seats. Two adults can travel comfortably in the “way back” – not the same can be said about others in this segment. Access to the third row is achieved by a tilt and slide seating system that allows even the flexibility-challenged to enter and exit with grace.
On the road the Outlook drives well with a solid, yet comfortable ride. The engine is perfectly adequate in the city but it is a bit underpowered on the highway. The transmission shifted a lot to keep me at cruising speed. Generally the vehicle is easy to move with good visibility with the only issue showing up when backing up. You realize how long it is when you’re in reverse navigating out of a parking space. Oddly, a rear-view camera isn’t available yet.
The only disappointment I experienced was the highway MPG. The Outlook is rated at 24 MPG and we were only able to get 20 MPG. Keep in mind that there is a bit of lead in my right foot so if you obey the posted speed limit, your mileage may be better. Bottom line is, this is a very heavy vehicle and the engine has to work to keep it at speed.

The Outlook has a plethora of features, safety and otherwise, that are becoming “de rigueur” in this vehicle class. What makes Saturn different is their purchase experience and from the feedback we got from loyal Saturn customers at Gay Days and Atlanta Gay Pride, it is a strong reason to consider the Outlook if you need a vehicle this size. Add to that their support of the aforementioned events, one of the best warranties in the business and the availability of OnStar, and you have almost as many reasons to add Saturn to your shopping list as the Outlook has seating positions.
Likes:
• Styling
• Great Saturn purchase experience
• Room for a plethora of friends and family
Dislikes:
• No rearview camera
• Highway MPG was much lower than anticipated
• Engine could use a bit more power
• Switch for power lift gate override is easily engaged without knowing it

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