Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2007 Saturn Outlook AWD XR SUV. Wow – Saturn and luxury SUV in the same sentence seems unlikely but this is it.
It will strike you I believe, as it did me, to be up there with more expensive competition. I appreciate that and am pleased to bring that thought to you as well and encourage you to take a look and support American car companies. Toyota is rapidly overtaking GM in not only the most profitable but the largest of car manufacturers. That almost seems un-American and it has been a long time coming that the US auto industry is back. Surely they will suffer from the historical arrogance that typified the attitude a generation ago.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Lansing, MI USA
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: – Aura / Green line hybrid, Ion, Outlook, Relay, Sky and Vue / Green line hybrid.
Handling & Performance:
All wheel drive makes a great difference most noticeable for me, of course, on the Crest Test mountain driving. General road ability makes the Outlook very enjoyable to drive because it hugs the road very well for a big high profile vehicle.
Unlike the paddle tip tronic shifting style manual automatic transmission feature on, say the Aura, this Outlook model utilizes the manual setting shift button on the shift lever. I thought it was fine and find the paddle style can be frustrating as you hunt for the paddles in the middle of a turn.
Styling:
Comparable with most high end luxury makes and models. Nice lines. Over 200 inches long which allows for a reasonable cargo area even with all seating rows in place? They have also provided air conditioning for the rear area seating area.
Fit and Finish:
Exceptional, although many will claim there is too much plastic. But that is consistent with most competitors and keeps the cost from escalating needlessly. Elegant look and feel of more expensive makes and models.
Cost:
Clearly it is competitively priced with even the most popular makes.
Conveniences and comfort:
Outstanding. I’m not crazy for the remote start feature but have used it in colder climates where it is nice to let it warm up while you’re in the comfort of your home.
Consumer Recommendation:
Don’t leave this out of your buying options. Saturn is a special kind of dealership experience and that too is a factor in your buying decision of a new car.
Recognized Competition:
Saturn Outlook $27,32,000, Mazda CX-7 $24-28,000, GMC Envoy $27-37,000, Dodge Durango $26-36,000, Subaru B9 Tribeca $30-33,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $21-28,000, Toyota Highlander $25-32,000, Honda Pilot $27-35,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $21-25,000, Nissan Murano $28-32,000, Mercury Mountaineer $27-34,000, Ford Freestyle $26-31,000.
Good News:
Excellent FWD handling prowess, 3rd row seat for 8 passenger seating with easy entry feature and powerful V6 engine.
Bad News:
Does not utilize the no-rust dent resistant surfaces.
Standard Equipment:
3.6 liter 270 HP V6 engine, 6-speed automatic trans all wheel drive, power steering, ride & handling suspension, stability control, traction control, dual air bags, side curtain airbags, passenger sensing system, child safety latch system, power windows and locks, OnStar 1 year included, theft deterrent system, remote keyless entry, fog lights, roof rails, rear lift gate, power heated mirrors, 18” machine aluminum wheels, cloth front bucket seats, 8-way driver power seat, 2nd & 3rd row split bench seat, smart slide 2nd row feature, climate control, stereo with CD / MP3 player, rear electric defogger, cruise control, auto dimming mirror with compass, tilt & telescopic steering wheel. Options: leather heated (front), power lift gate, ultrasonic rear park assist, remote start feature, heated wiper fluid, 115 volt outlet, rear seat audio controls, touch screen navigation system, XM satellite radio (3 months included) – $5,994.
Gas Stats:
$3.21/ Gal avg. Apr. 11 ‘07
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
17 City and 24 Highway MPG
MSRP $31,555 ($37,549 with options)
