2008 Saturn Outlook Consumer Reviews

Our 3rd Saturn since 2000 - we love them

Written by: Sarge-E5-USMC on 11/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XR 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Best car I have ever owned. Saturn (sorry to see them go) makes one hell of a quality car. We have had a 2000 L300 which we sold after 1 year only because my wife has a lead foot and thought she was "Mustang Sally", a 2004 VUE and now a 2008 Outlook XE w AWD C. There is really nothing bad I can say about them. We do/did not put more than 2,500 to 3,000 miles on these cars because we have another car that we use for tooling around town and use the Outlook and past Saturns for road trips. We have two dogs that require cages when we travel and there is plenty of room in the car for them and all of our luggage. Best investment I have made was buying Saturns & especially the Outlook. Great car!!

Favorite Features

Driving it and the illumination on the dashboard - very very easy to read with the color combination and positioning they chose

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any

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nice car but it has major leaking issues

Written by: unfancynancy on 10/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XR 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have a 2008 Saturn Outlook and recently had some major leaking problems (like having to hold a cup to catch a lot of water!) I turned the corner and my car sounded like a bucket of water sloshing from side to side. That same evening, water started leaking through all the seams in the front of my car (ie: the airbags on the side columns, the 3 buttons used for remote openers, my visor and the emergency brake area etc... ) I also had warning lights and alarms going off because there was water in my electrical system! I had the car towed to the Saturn dealership and they claimed it was a problem with the drain flaps. I don't have room for more. Check out Edmund's Forums for my full post.

Favorite Features

We like the Captains seats, the overall comfort of the car and the nice ride.

Suggested Improvements

fix the (major)drainage problems, better gas mileage, ability to open the back hatch window. Horrible customer service through the Saturn company!

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Still doing great

Written by: rperich on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XE 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I've had the car for none months now. The mileage is getting better as the car wears in. We started off getting around 17 MPG, but we're now averaging around 20. We have the FWD, so that makes a difference. I still think this is a great vehicle and I'd recommend it.

Favorite Features

Lots of room. We had no trouble fitting four adults, two infants in car seats, and two strollers in the car. We have a basic package, but I still like the features. Recommend the front and back air controls. Love the on-wheel controls for radio. XM is great.

Suggested Improvements

Really need to have split air controls for the front seat. This should just come standard. Also, forgive me for saying this GM, but I am not paying for OnStar phone usage when I can use my cell phone. Maybe in states where you must be hands-free.

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First Time American Car Buyer

Written by: carfanatic on 06/16/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XR 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

This is my first ever American car. I have been accustom to high end European cars as I enjoyed their speed and performance. I decided to add the Saturn to my list and I have to admit, the ride is smooth, quiet and very comfortable. It has all the bells and wistles I need and more space than I can use. There is a delay in acceleration which is tolerable for now. The fuel consumption is good compared to my RR which I am giving up. After a month of driving the Outlook, I now find my 5 series and 996 a little too rough to drive. I feel a road trip coming up this summer!

Favorite Features

Space, space and more space. OnStar gives added piece of mind. Instrument panel is easy to understand and within reach. Cup holders is great compared to my other cars. It also has more than enough storage compartments that I have to remember where I keep what.

Suggested Improvements

Need to improve quality and checks for the Saturn Certified vehicles. Dealer should buff scratches and replace floormats if it cannot be cleaned. Have to admit my other certified cars were like new as compared to the Saturn I just purchased. Dealer should look into quality improvement.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Look-out for the Saturn Outlook!

Written by: Rick S on 04/22/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XR 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We've had our Outlook XR for almost 9 months now and have never had a problem with it. It is very spacious and comfortable inside. The exterior design is bold and aggressive. (Especially with the Carbon Flash finish and 19" wheels.) I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with a large or small family like ours. Even small families need extra room at times. I can't wait to take it on vacation to Florida. Don't pay too much attention to the negative comments and problems that owners have mentioned on this site. Sure, some are warrented but, there are many, many more owners that have not had problems and love their Saturn Outlook. Bottom line is, this is an awesome Crossover SUV!

Favorite Features

Aggressive design and solid feel. We also like the black leather interior and the dual sunroofs. OnStar with the phone activated is a great feature for hands free calling and talking.

Suggested Improvements

Rear visibility needs improved but hard to achieve with a larger vehicle. Rear hatch door is a little hard to pull down for smaller adults and it needs a retractable side mirrors option for owners with 8ft garage doors. (This may be an option now.)

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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water leaks, bad strut mounts

Written by: upset2 on 04/09/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XE 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

At first we loved this car, then the problems started. I've had it in twice for doors leaking from sunroof drain tubes, going to take it again soon. Seats are ruined from water damage. Have had the strut mounts replaced, windshield wiper blades recalled, can't seem to get the popping noises fixed underneath. We are very upset, also the car won't even make it up our driveway because of the gravels. It stinks for a front wheel drive! wish we never traded. I feel like we have been cheated. This car is a lemon!!

Favorite Features

the room inside for the family.

Suggested Improvements

service

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Saturn Transmission Problems

Written by: BobP on 04/07/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XE 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Traded in a 2006 SL2 that had severe transmission problems. Got the Outlook, have 4K miles on it now. Transmission problems on the new vehicle!!! Hard shifting and the vehicle jerks every time it shifts. Have been in and out of the dealership 4 times in the past 3 months. They finally agreed to replace the transmission. Very poor mileage. Too much wind noise

Favorite Features

After experiencing the same problems in 2 Saturns back to back, I am advising everyone I know to stay away from GM vehicles.

Suggested Improvements

Build better vehicles. Need to improve on EVERYTHING!

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Value

Written by: R Perich on 03/31/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XE 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We were looking for a lot of vehicle at a reasonable price, and we found it with the Outlook. The vehicle is not getting the great mileage we desired (around 19), but the interior space more than makes up for it. We fit five adults and two child seats in the car and everybody had enough room. It handles well in rain, but high winds will surprise the new SUV driver.

Favorite Features

Interior space is great. The seats are easy to manage. Stereo in our basic package is more than adequate for the average rider.

Suggested Improvements

One complaint is that the car is not bluetooth-enabled, but I think that's coming. Could get better mileage. Why do the options cost so much?

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Unhappy Outlook Owner

Written by: Wet Outlook Owner on 03/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XE 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We did a lot of research before buying this car. We have always been a Toyota family. We saw the Outlook and decided it was a match for us. We have had air conditioning issues since the second day we had the car. The air, when it is hot outside, will blow hot air. It kicks on and off doing that. Had it to the dealer 3 times for fix. They had to replace the entire control console. Then we had the car flooded 3 times because the sunroof is leaking. Terrible design allowing so much water to come into the car leaking from the sunroof. The transmission also seems to lag when shifting gears. We have had the car in for repairs a total of 8 times in 6 months. Toyota we will be back soon!

Favorite Features

Nice exterior design. Comfortable seats.

Suggested Improvements

The sunroof leaking issues, transmission lag and air conditioning.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Snow Eater!

Written by: Mike on 03/10/2009

Vehicle

2008 Saturn Outlook XR 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We bought our Outlook in August 2008 (traded in a BMW 330CiC). We bought it for it's HUGE interior and cargo space as well as it's seating for 8. No other vehicle can compare within it's class. It drives great, get's decent fuel mileage for it's size, and is very comfortable. We had our first "big" snow here in DC a week ago (6-10) inches and my wife was hesitant about driving the Outlook in the snow. We have owned other SUVs in the past and snow was not their strong suit. However, this thing was like a snow plow. No slipping, sliding, or any problems. She loved the fact that she didn't have to "do anything" because it is AWD. Great winter vehicle!!

Favorite Features

size, spaciousness, outward appearance, and ability to handle the snow without any issues.

Suggested Improvements

larger engine with better engagement when shifting.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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