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2008 Saturn Outlook Full Review
Date Published: 4/05/08
Also in the 2008 Saturn Outlook Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Saturn Outlook Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Saturn Outlook Review
The 2008 Saturn Outlook gets a few new features following its 2007 introduction. This crossover shares its basic design with the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is available. Base XE and uplevel XR trims are offered. Both have a 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. XEs have 270 hp, XRs 275. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 lb. Standard seating is for eight with 2nd- and 3rd-row bench seats. XRs offer optional 2nd-row buckets for seven-passenger seating. All Outlooks have GM's Smart Slide 2nd-row seats designed to allow easier access to the 3rd row. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Remote engine start and DVD entertainment are available. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are exclusive XR options. For 2008, rear obstacle detection is now available on both XE and XR, and a rearview camera is included with the navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
Outlook is new on the scene, so no changes are expected for a year or two.
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2008 Saturn Outlook Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Maneuverability |
| Drivetrain refinement | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Surprisingly strong for a large, heavy vehicle with a V6 engine. Outlook is particularly impressive in highway merging and passing. The transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to the powertrain's polished performance.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Surprisingly strong for a large, heavy vehicle with a V6 engine. Outlook is particularly impressive in highway merging and passing. The transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to the powertrain's polished performance.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD XE averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving. Test AWD XR averaged 17.5 mpg with more highway use. Outlook uses regular-grade gas.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD XE averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving. Test AWD XR averaged 17.5 mpg with more highway use. Outlook uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Firm, but comfortably composed and devoid of sloppy motions. Larger bumps register, though they are heard more than felt.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Firm, but comfortably composed and devoid of sloppy motions. Larger bumps register, though they are heard more than felt.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Impressive for a vehicle this size. Body lean is well controlled. The steering feels natural and progressive. Outlook's sheer size is a hindrance in close-quarter maneuvering.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Impressive for a vehicle this size. Body lean is well controlled. The steering feels natural and progressive. Outlook's sheer size is a hindrance in close-quarter maneuvering.
Quietness
Generally hushed, though broken pavement can induce body drumming. Little coarse-surface tire thrum. The refined engine is muted in routine driving and growls pleasantly under full throttle.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Generally hushed, though broken pavement can induce body drumming. Little coarse-surface tire thrum. The refined engine is muted in routine driving and growls pleasantly under full throttle.
Controls
Gauges are large, clear, and conveniently backlit even with headlights off. Controls logically placed, including an intuitive audio deck.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Gauges are large, clear, and conveniently backlit even with headlights off. Controls logically placed, including an intuitive audio deck.
Details
Outlook's interior combines soft-touch surfaces with hard plastic to overall good effect, though some testers find the fabric upholstery lacks quality feel. One test vehicle suffered an intermittent rattle from beneath the front-seat-area floor.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Outlook's interior combines soft-touch surfaces with hard plastic to overall good effect, though some testers find the fabric upholstery lacks quality feel. One test vehicle suffered an intermittent rattle from beneath the front-seat-area floor.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Among the largest midsize SUVs, Outlook's cabin feels especially roomy. Supportive seats. High step in, but it's lower than in most traditional truck-type SUVs. Fine outward visibility thanks to big mirrors and unobtrusive rear headrests. The view to the front corners is partially obscured by thick front roof pillar bases.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7.1 |
Among the largest midsize SUVs, Outlook's cabin feels especially roomy. Supportive seats. High step in, but it's lower than in most traditional truck-type SUVs. Fine outward visibility thanks to big mirrors and unobtrusive rear headrests. The view to the front corners is partially obscured by thick front roof pillar bases.
Room/Comfort (rear)
No opportunity to test with the available bucket seats. The 2nd-row bench seat affords ample headroom and legroom, though some testers find thigh support lacking. Smart Slide 2nd-row seat has atypical fold action. Some testers found it confusing at first, though it quickly became routine. Seatbacks and cushion slide forward with a scissor action; it works well but requires more than one step to return to position. Access is tight but workable. Third-row accommodations are far better than even some large SUVs, and there's adult-size room for even mid-distance trips.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
No opportunity to test with the available bucket seats. The 2nd-row bench seat affords ample headroom and legroom, though some testers find thigh support lacking. Smart Slide 2nd-row seat has atypical fold action. Some testers found it confusing at first, though it quickly became routine. Seatbacks and cushion slide forward with a scissor action; it works well but requires more than one step to return to position. Access is tight but workable. Third-row accommodations are far better than even some large SUVs, and there's adult-size room for even mid-distance trips.
Cargo Room
A high point. Good room behind the 3rd row, which folds easily to create a near-flat load floor. The 2nd-row seatbacks also fold easily. Extra small-item storage is available in a handy under-floor compartment. Generally good cabin storage includes a large glovebox, multilevel console bin, and roomy door pockets, though some testers say the console bin too small for a vehicle this size.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
A high point. Good room behind the 3rd row, which folds easily to create a near-flat load floor. The 2nd-row seatbacks also fold easily. Extra small-item storage is available in a handy under-floor compartment. Generally good cabin storage includes a large glovebox, multilevel console bin, and roomy door pockets, though some testers say the console bin too small for a vehicle this size.
Value within Class
This impressive SUV is a Best Buy for its near large-class cargo and passenger accommodations, refined, responsive drivetrain, and car-like driving experience. Aggressive pricing and Saturn's strong reputation for customer service further enhance Outlook's appeal.
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 9 | 10 | 5.8 |
This impressive SUV is a Best Buy for its near large-class cargo and passenger accommodations, refined, responsive drivetrain, and car-like driving experience. Aggressive pricing and Saturn's strong reputation for customer service further enhance Outlook's appeal.
Total Score
| 2WD XE | AWD XR | Class Average |
| 75 | 76 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Saturn Outlook Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD XE 4-door wagon | $28,260 | $26,706 | $735 |
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| AWD XE 4-door wagon | $30,260 | $28,596 | $735 |
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| 2WD XR 4-door wagon | $30,670 | $28,983 | $735 |
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| AWD XR 4-door wagon | $32,670 | $30,873 | $735 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XE
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, 8-passenger seating, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, 2nd- and 3rd-row split folding seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/65SR18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XR adds to XE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, mirror-mounted turn signals, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Pkg.
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XE
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$690
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$642
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, roof rails.
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Convenience Pkg.
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XE
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$520
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$484
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XR
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$870
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$809
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Rear-obstacle-detection system, remote engine start, power liftgate (XR), heated washers.
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Enhanced Convenience Pkg.
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XR
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$690
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$642
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4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-folding and automatic day/night outside mirrors, automatic up/down front windows. Requires Convenience Pkg., Premium Trim Pkg.
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Premium Trim Pkg.
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XR
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$1,275
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$1,186
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats.
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Advanced Audio Pkg.
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XE
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$1,055
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$981
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XE w/DVD entertainment system
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$760
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$707
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XR
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$980
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$911
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XR w/DVD entertainment system
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$685
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$637
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls (XE), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (not included when ordered w/DVD entertainment system), upgraded sound system, rear radio controls, 115-volt power outlet (not included when ordered w/DVD entertainment system).
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Carbon Flash Special Edition
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XR
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$3,650
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$3,395
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Premium Trim Pkg., Advanced Audio Pkg. plus power sunroof, special paint.
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Touring Pkg.
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XR
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$995
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$925
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Chrome exhaust tips, 255/60HR19 tires, polished alloy wheels.
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Outdoor Adventure Pkg.
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XE, XR
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$1,065
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$990
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Cargo mat, side steps, mud guards, roof rack.
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Trailering Pkg.
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XE, XR
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$425
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$395
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Heavy-duty engine cooling, trailer hitch.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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XR
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$2,340
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$2,176
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Includes rearview camera. Requires Advanced Audio Pkg. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD/MP3 player.
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Power sunroof
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XE, XR
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$1,300
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$1,209
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Include rear glass panel.
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DVD entertainment system
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XE, XR
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$1,295
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$1,204
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Requires Advance Audio Pkg.
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2nd-row console
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XR
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$250
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$233
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Requires 7-passenger seating.
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7-passenger seating
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XR
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$495
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$460
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Includes quad captain chairs. Requires Premium Pkg.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Xenon headlights
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XR
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$500
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$465
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Engine-block heater
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XE, XR
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$75
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$70
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Special paint
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XE, XR
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$95
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$88
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Premium paint
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XE, XR
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$395
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$367
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Tri-coat paint
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XR
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$795
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$693
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Saturn Outlook Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Outlook 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4936 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 117.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.6 /217 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 270 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 248 @ 3200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 6-speed automatic | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saturn Outlook 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | --/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Saturn Outlook Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Saturn Outlook Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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