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We have a 2008 Outlook. I wish we could have held out for another year as the 2009 models have direct injection (might be worst than the regular injectors when time comes to replace them) which improves mileage and power. Yet I am not disappointed with it at all. The design is a little decieving for size as it looks smallish from a distance, but when you pack a whole family in there you realize it's a dang big vehicle. We have a baby seat and four other children that regularly crowd into our Outlook, and there is plenty of space. The third row seat and access to the third row seat are what sold us on the Outlook.
I was absolutely opposed to buying anything American and was actually settled on buying an Acura MDX before we happened to stop in at the Saturn dealer. With the rear seats folded, there is over 6 feet of length in the rear and actually more roomy than a Tahoe. The third row seat access and roominess is unmatched by any other 3rd row seating SUV. The drivetrain is a proven system (engine anyhow, but the tranny was well designed).
Fit and finish is typical American. The interior plastic is thin and flimsy...and very plastic. The exterior panel don't fit as well (look at how the front facia hangs and how the hood hangs) as I would expect in today's manufacturing environment. The plastic exterior trims are...plastic.
We have the XR AWD version with leather trim and the Touring option. It handles very well and drives much better than the truck base SUV's I've driven. The interior features make for a very comfy ride as well. We took the family on a 2500 mile road trip last summer, and everyone was fine in it. Five kids in the vehicle for those many miles and everyone was happy.
With almost 9,000 miles in a year's ownership we are very happy with the Outlook. I think it's a great value for the money also if you need a large vehicle. With employee pricing and 0% finanacing, it's an even better bargain than when we purchased our Outlook.
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