2008 Saturn Outlook in New Bern, NC - $5,495

Engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability, the all-new Saturn Outlook crossover was introduced to the American marketplace last year. Offering three rows of seating for up to eight, the Outlook combines the capability of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. Its contemporary styling represents the new face of Saturn design. Creatively sophisticated, the Outlook is smartly organized, crisp, mannerable and smooth.

Available in XE and XR trim levels, power for the Saturn crossover is generated by a new 3.6L V6 engine with variable valve timing and direct injection. Torque is transferred to the ground through an advanced Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. The Saturn Outlook is available in front and all-wheel drive variants.

On the road, the sophisticated Outlook is quiet, smooth and responsive at speed. This crossover is easy to drive, with immaculate handling and control characteristics. The Saturn Outlook strikes the right balance between power and response.

The Saturn crossover features a body-frame integral design that enables lower step in heights and generous interior space. The integral structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a still steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual phase steel in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails.

Suspension hardware includes coil-over-MacPherson struts, direct acting stabilizer bar and a full perimeter isolated engine cradle in front; linked H-arm independent suspension and coil springs with twin tube shock absorbers mounted on an isolated subframe at the rear.

Like the exterior design, Outlook's interior exudes style and refinement. A carlike "low and away" instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances.

Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40 split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain's chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40 split third row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are an available option.

GM's industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space.

Hand grips in the ‘A' and ‘B' pillars facilitate entry and exit, while the trick center console features a deep storage bin and an armrest that slides fore/aft to add comfort for tall and short drivers alike. The attention to detail is impressive – with cupholders and powerpoints galore throughout the cabin. Even the rear windows go all the way down.

Also, a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor. Outlook's second and third row seats also fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity.

Enhancements and refinements for 2009 include: new base cloth upholstery on XE; available Touring Package with 20-inch alloy wheels and rear fascia cutouts for dual exhaust; standard leather seating on XR (optional XE); available Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround system with DVD replaces available advanced audio system; standard Bluetooth hands-free phone connection for XR (optional XE w/Preferred Package); and available backup camera.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 118.9; overall length: 201.1; width: 78.9; height: 72.8.

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: single exhaust – 281 hp at 6,400 rpm and 253 lbs-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm; dual exhaust – 288 hp at 6,400 rpm and 270 lbs-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed electronic transmission.

EPA fuel economy: 17 city/24 hwy (FWD); 16 city/23 hwy. (AWD).

Cargo capacity: 115.9 cubic feet.

Towing capacity: 4,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, head curtain side-impact airbags, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system, traction control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, dynamic rear proportioning, daytime running lamps, automatic headlamp control, OnStar communications system and remote keyless entry. XR adds foglamps.

Optional safety features include high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and a DVD-based navigation system.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/100,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Saturn Outlook crossover starts from $30,320 for the XE up to $36,145 for the XR with all-wheel drive. Destination charges add $735.

#####