Saturn Outlook

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. The Outlook went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model. 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 entire Saturn brand in 2010, with the 2011 model year having several hundred models built to use up extra parts.

Saturn Outlook
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	2006–2011
Model years	2007–2011
Assembly	United States: Lansing, Michigan (Lansing Delta Township Assembly)
Designer	Bryan Nesbitt
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size crossover SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	GM Lambda platform/GMT966 (Series GMT960)
Related	Buick Enclave GMC Acadia Chevrolet Traverse
Powertrain
Engine	3.6 L LY7  V6 3.6 L LLT  V6
Transmission	6-speed 6T70 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	118.9 in (3,020 mm)
Length	200.7 in (5,098 mm)
Width	78.2 in (1,986 mm)
Height	69.9 in (1,775 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Saturn Relay

Saturn Outlook rear

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.

Year	Exhaust	Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
2007–2008	Single	3.6 L LY7 V6	270 hp (198 kW)	248 lb·ft (331 N·m)	6-speed 6T75
	Dual	3.6 L LY7 V6	275 hp (199 kW)	251 lb·ft (335 N·m)
2009	Single	3.6 L LLT V6	281 hp (210 kW)	266 lb·ft (361 N·m)
	Dual	3.6 L LLT V6	288 hp (215 kW)	270 lb·ft (366 N·m)

Yearly American sales

Year	Sales
2006	144
2007	34,748
2008	25,340
2009	13,115
2010	3,637

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. Production on the Saturn Outlook and its twin the GMC Acadia had both begun on May 24, 2006 for the 2007 model year.

In December 2006, all production and sales 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, 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. 3,637 2010 model year Outlooks were built, 2,507 of them were assembled in the calendar year of 2010.

Following its discontinuation, the bodyshell of the Outlook was revived as a mid-cycle refresh of the 2013 GMC Acadia. The bodyshell of the 2013 Acadia was mostly unchanged from the Saturn Outlook, GM had only made changes to the 2013 Acadia where necessary.

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.

External links

• Official site
• "Saturn Has An All-New Outlook" (Press release). GM. April 11, 2006.
• IIHS Top Safety Picks 2008