CR looks at Saturn Outlook

[nsn98]

I just received my copy of CR, and there was a short review, called a "first look" by CR, of the Outlook in it. For the most part, the review was favorable.

The article opens with: "Our early impressions of the new Saturn Outlook crossover indicate that it - and its twin, GMC's Acadia, and cousin, Buick's Enclave, due this summer - might be the most competitive GM product in years." It ends by saying the Outlook "drives almost as well as more upscale models."

They did criticize the automatic's behavior on a slight incline. GM said it will issue a software patch for that. CR also criticized the rear blind spot and the hard plastics "evident here and there."

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Outlook is among the best models from General Motors in years

New Saturn crossover challenges Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander in CR's ratings

Link to Original Article @ The Auto Channel

YONKERS, N.Y., July 2, 2007; The new Saturn Outlook emerged as one of Consumer Reports' top-rated SUV models in tests of eight midsize and full-size vehicles for the August issue. It easily outpointed competitors and now ranks as the best SUV from domestic automakers in CR's ratings.

The Outlook posted a "Very Good" overall score and is now ranked in third place -- behind the top-rated Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Honda Pilot -- among the 18 midsize SUVs that have recently been tested by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports is also ranking the Outlook against larger, truck-based SUVs because of its roomy interior and accommodations for up to eight adults. Among large sport-utility vehicles, the Outlook ranks in second place, behind the far more expensive Mercedes-Benz GL450. The Outlook outpoints eight large SUVs in CR's ratings chart including the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Chevrolet Suburban.

"The Saturn Outlook is the most competitive volume model from General Motors in years," said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

The Outlook and its twin, the GMC Acadia, are new car-based SUVs that are being built on the same platform by General Motors, along with the up-market Buick Enclave, which is due to go on sale later this year.

Almost a foot and a half longer than midsized SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, the Outlook is the first car-based SUV that is spacious enough inside to be a viable alternative to large truck-based models. That's good news because car-based models tend to provide better handling, a more comfortable ride, and better fuel economy. The Outlook delivered 16 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests, which is better than that of all the large SUV models that have been recently tested. Its gas mileage is about midpack when compared with midsized SUVs tested by CR.

The Outlook was tested against the Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica and the Ford Edge. Prices for those SUVs, equipped with popular comfort and convenience options such as sunroofs and heated leather seats, ranged from $33,950 for the Edge to $36,799 for the Outlook.

Though they didn't perform as well as the Outlook, the Veracruz, Pacifica, and CX-9 also posted "Very Good" overall scores. The Ford Edge finished near the bottom of the pack, though still with a "Very Good" score.

Edited July 3, 2007 by Flybrian

[Camino LS6]

The description " grudging admiration" comes to mind.

[thedriver]

They also mentioned the "car-based" platform. Sheesh.

[Drew Dowdell]

"It's good.... for a GM"

[aaaantoine]

They also mentioned the "car-based" platform. Sheesh.

That term is used far too loosely. Silly CR. It's a unibody platform designed specifically for large crossovers.

Now, if GM actually started making large cars on Lambda, calling it a "car-based" platform might make more sense.

[Drew Dowdell]

That term is used far too loosely. Silly CR. It's a unibody platform designed specifically for large crossovers.

Now, if GM actually started making large cars on Lambda, calling it a "car-based" platform might make more sense.

Wouldn't that make the large cars on a "crossover-based" platform?

[BuddyP]

They also mentioned the "car-based" platform. Sheesh.

Yet they probably call the Ridgeline "truck based"