2007 Saturn Outlook First Drive

Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

Saturn jumps to the front of the crossover pack

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Introduction

Saturn Outlook - 2007 First Drive: Like Always: Great customer service, no haggle prices.
Like Never Before: Good cars that border on great. Looks like Saturn's put some real sizzle into that ad slogan. From the Saturn Sky roadster to the Aura sedan and the new Outlook SUV, what was once a fading brand is on the move and taking names. And while the Sky may be sexy, the new Outlook crossover, with its combination of room, ride and style, is about to shake things up over in import land, to be sure. Add to that a friendly dealer network, and this could be the continuation of something big at Saturn - something, indeed, that's bigger and unlike anything before.

Origins

Built on the new GM platform named Lambda and brother to the upcoming Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and an unnamed Chevrolet, the Outlook replaces the woeful Saturn Relay minivan and has a distinct advantage: now, the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are chasing GM when it comes to larger crossovers that drive small. Interestingly, the launch of these new GM vehicles was reportedly delayed because officials were afraid that they would steal sales from all-new SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. They were right to worry: The Outlook offers buyers a capable and spacious utility vehicle that seats up to eight. Flaws in the Outlook package include its weight, some comfort issues in back and a few other nits, but overall it's a strong winner.

Standard Features

Saturn Outlook buyers choose between two trims: the base XE starting at $27,990 or the uplevel XR with a $30,290 price tag (including the $735 destination charge). XE standard equipment includes cloth seats with rear 60/40 split benches and GM's new Smart Slide entry method; a stereo with CD/MP3 player, rear A/C, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power door locks andwindows, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Up-town XR models add body-color side molding, wood grain interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a driver information center, and fog lamps.

Safety Features

Standard safety features for the 2007 Saturn Outlook include 12 free months of OnStar's Safe and Sound Plan, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak stability control, a rollover sensor that works with airbags, traction control and a full complement of airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows.

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