I went and looked at a Saturn Outlook.....and now I want one...

[Engineer]

I haven't bought a GM in years as the last 3 (in a row) that I purchased had issues (one bad enough to use the lemon law against). I have bought 3 Dodge vehicles in a row with little to no issues, but the damn Saturn Outlook is just lovely. I don't need the size and the mileage isn't great, but damn, I want one (*sigh*).

Hopefully, not a "clutter up the board" thread, just throwing out my general feelings toward the Saturn. It took and act of God to get me to consider a GM again and Saturn just parted the Red Sea!

 

[Pliablemoose]

Do yourself a favor & look at an 08 VUE.

Smaller, better mileage (by a bit) and if you wait a year or so you should be able to get one in hybrid form.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

This is the new benchmark of the car-based SUV. Pummels the competition.

Check out the Buick Enclave as I think the interiro materials area bit richer and who doesn't love the engine portholes!


While the new VUE is nice, the Outlook is much larger and may serve the OP better if he is looking for a people mover and cargo hauler and not a city run-a-bout SUV.

 

[Engineer]

I looked at the Enclaves last night (as well as the Acadia) and found the Outlook in Black with black leather and woodgrain to be the better choice. The VUE is better this year (than previous year VUE models, much better) but the Outlook is just stunning. I don't need a car as my Intrepid is only 4.5 years old with only mid 50's in mileage and my wife's Durango is the same age with only 35k miles on it and both have plenty of space. I was simply "luxury car" shopping and found the Outlook (not a Luxury car, just appealing to me) while looking at the Enclave.

I usually talk myself out of such purchases......we'll see if I can do this one. I haven't had a debt (at all, 100% debt free) for almost two years, so I'm not sure that I want one now!

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: Engineer
I looked at the Enclaves last night (as well as the Acadia) and found the Outlook in Black with black leather and woodgrain to be the better choice. The VUE is better this year (than previous year VUE models, much better) but the Outlook is just stunning. I don't need a car as my Intrepid is only 4.5 years old with only mid 50's in mileage and my wife's Durango is the same age with only 35k miles on it and both have plenty of space. I was simply "luxury car" shopping and found the Outlook (not a Luxury car, just appealing to me) while looking at the Enclave.

I usually talk myself out of such purchases......we'll see if I can do this one. I haven't had a debt (at all, 100% debt free) for almost two years, so I'm not sure that I want one now!

Bastard, I'm still plugging away at my mortgage.....

 

[railer]

definately a nice vehicle. It's great to see GM pulling this off.

 

[mb]

Originally posted by: Pliablemoose
Do yourself a favor & look at an 08 VUE.

Smaller, better mileage (by a bit) and if you wait a year or so you should be able to get one in hybrid form.

I think the new Vue looks great!

Cnet review - highlights the tech (navigation) features, etc.

Cars.com review - looks good in blue

Edmunds first drive

 

[RU482]

there is a Chevy model coming out next year

 

[aleckz]

I work at a Saturn dealership, they are nice, but I would also suggest the Vue... Partially because it is smaller but also because they have better gas mileage. Don't go with a hybrid though, Saturn hybrids are junk. They malfunction a lot of the time and they are expensive to fix. If you are thinking of a hybrid I would go with a Honda or Toyota.

 

[RU482]

the really really cool part about this family of SUVs/CUV/whatever they're called is that it is manufactured in "green" designed plant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L...elta_Township_Assembly

 

[RU482]

Originally posted by: aleckz
I work at a Saturn dealership, they are nice, but I would also suggest the Vue... Partially because it is smaller but also because they have better gas mileage. Don't go with a hybrid though, Saturn hybrids are junk. They malfunction a lot of the time and they are expensive to fix. If you are thinking of a hybrid I would go with a Honda or Toyota.

you're talking about the alternator assisted hybrid, I assume.
I worked at GM on the hybrid project that eventually was scaled down to the Yukon/Tahoe platform...and further more to the future Vue platform. It is more like a hybrid transmission, with two electric motors integrated into the usual automatic transmission bell housing. It was initally designed and produced as a hybrid electric drivetrain for transit buses and was developed by Allison Transmission at a facility in Castleton, Indiana (ironically, the same facility that the first sealed lead acid car battery was developed)

Back then, the alternator assisted project was scoffed at by alot of people, but it provided a quick way for GM to jump on the hybrid bandwagon while their dual mode hybrid transmission was in development.

A little more FYI on the dual mode hybrid...it later got infused with cash for "co-development" by BMW and Chrysler. You will soon see the drivetrain in the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango.

This hybrid will be far more reliable that the alternator assisted hybrid.

 

[PricklyPete]

My mom got a GMC Acadia on my recommendation (which came completely from reading reviews). She LOVES it. I've been very impressed with it with the small amount of time I've spent in it. Drives very well for such a large vehicle. Comfortable ride. Good quality materials with good fit and finish. Looks good. GM certainly has a winner.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
My mom got a GMC Acadia on my recommendation (which came completely from reading reviews). She LOVES it. I've been very impressed with it with the small amount of time I've spent in it. Drives very well for such a large vehicle. Comfortable ride. Good quality materials with good fit and finish. Looks good. GM certainly has a winner.

I looked at the Acadia, the Outlook and the Enclave. I like the Acadia's front end better but the tail lights aren't as nice as the Outlook, IMO. However, I like the wood grain (even if plastic) trim of the Outlook better and it's not offered on the Acadia. The brushed steel looks very good but I really like the black leather with wood grain look.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Engineer

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
My mom got a GMC Acadia on my recommendation (which came completely from reading reviews). She LOVES it. I've been very impressed with it with the small amount of time I've spent in it. Drives very well for such a large vehicle. Comfortable ride. Good quality materials with good fit and finish. Looks good. GM certainly has a winner.

I looked at the Acadia, the Outlook and the Enclave. I like the Acadia's front end better but the tail lights aren't as nice as the Outlook, IMO. However, I like the wood grain (even if plastic) trim of the Outlook better and it's not offered on the Acadia. The brushed steel looks very good but I really like the black leather with wood grain look.

I actually like the front end of the Outlook a bit better...but I think all of them are pretty decent looking vehicles for their mass and capability. Gas mileage is on par with minivans and it drives a LOT like a car. As I said...a winner for GM.