Saturn was first marketed as a “different kind of car company.” Operated somewhat independently from its parent company (General Motors). It had its own assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Putting out unique models, along with a separate distribution network.

This week we are going to look at the Saturn Outlook. It is another one of those crossover vehicles that are a mixture of station wagon and SUV. The Outlook is related to other similar GM model, but the unique Saturn look and feel.

Outlooks is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 281 horsepower to four 19-inch wheels. This V6 gives decent acceleration and fuel mileage, 16 to 23 miles per gallon. The Outlook’s construction and all-independent suspension gives a smooth ride. The Saturn Outlook is rated with a much higher handling compared to other of GM’s SUVs and vans.

Edmunds.com portrays the Saturn Outlook as a tough little crossover. Seating adults in all three rows. A slightly bigger body gives a 117 cubic feet of cargo space. Then add 5,200 pound towing capacity makes hauling the boat or the camping trailer easy.

U.S. News and World Report called the Outlook says, “The Outlook is a family-friendly vehicle that delivers quick acceleration, competitive safety features, a spacious cabin, and decent fuel economy for its size.”

AllWorldAuto.com gives quite a different story about the Saturn Outlook. They list 7 recalls in the pass three years. Considering the Saturn Outlook has only been on American streets for three years that is not bad. However, by the time you read the 139 Sevice Bulletins and owner reviews, I get quite and different impression of the Outlook.

A new Saturn Outlook will set you back over $30,000. While a good condition 2007 can be picked up for just under $19,000.

Bottom-line: A tough and powerful as the Saturn Outlook claims to be, I am going to pass. It needs a few more years of being on the road to get all the bugs out of it.

If you want to be one of those owners that help the manufacture refine their product, be my guess, but I am not into R&D. I want a lot more confidence when it comes to my family mode of transportation.

Tags: Crossover, Edmunds.com, Saturn Outlook, SUV