Saturn, the car company, isn’t around anymore, but a few vehicles wearing its unique red emblem continue to ply our roads. The company was a subsidiary of General Motors and was created to help compete with Japanese car brands. Saturn was around for 25 years until it went defunct in 2010 as GM was hit by the 2008 economic collapse.
One of Saturn’s last vehicles was the Outlook, which was a full-sized crossover that shared its platform with other GM offerings. This platform was known as the GM Lambda and the other vehicles based on it were the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia. However, we’ll be focusing on the 2008 Saturn Outlook in this buyer’s guide.
Taking a Look At The 2008 Saturn Outlook
When it first arrived, the Saturn Outlook had qualities that helped it stand out, especially in the crossover space. This was a Saturn that was capable of seating up to 8 people while also offering many other contemporary features. The 2008 Saturn Outlook was also priced more competitively than the other models that used the same GM Lambda platform.
As you’d expect, the 2008 Saturn Outlook shared most of its mechanical bits with the others based on the same platform. Along with its lower price point thanks to its lower-quality interior, it differentiated itself with its unique styling. The Saturn Outlook was available in two trims – XE and XR.
The XE was the more affordable of the two variants and came with alloy wheels, cruise control, heated mirrors, and an MP3 player. The XR, on the other hand, got additional equipment like a powered driver seat, steering wheel controls for the audio system, dual exhaust, and wood trim. While those are the main differences, they also shared a bunch of equipment that came as standard.
The list included a stability control system, side airbags on the front seats, and curtain airbags for all three rows. Anti-lock brakes were also a standard feature. Optional extras included xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a keyless start feature, and navigation. You could also option the second row with two single seats, but that reduced the seating capacity to 7.
Every 2008 Saturn Outlook used GM’s High Feature 3.6 LY7 V6 engine. This is the same engine that the parent company has been using in a number of its models since 2004. That being said, each application had its state of tune. The 2008 Saturn Outlook had two different power outputs from the same engine as well. The XE with its single exhaust made 270 HP at 6600 RPM and 248 lb-ft at 3200 RPM, while the XR (dual exhaust) was tuned for 275 HP at 6600 RPM and 251 lb-ft at 3200 RPM.
2008 Saturn Outlook – What Made It Special
Something else that appealed to a lot of buyers was its large proportions. Its size didn’t only make it one of the larger crossovers around, but also made it a potential alternative to minivan buyers. The third-row seating is also designed to not just fit but comfortably accommodate [passengers.
The aforementioned V6 engine also allowed the 2008 Saturn Outlook to have decent acceleration. The 2008 Saturn Outlook was well-equipped in terms of its suspension as it had independent units all around. The ride and handling are quite impressive when you consider that it was quite heavy.
The 2008 Saturn Outlook’s large proportion also meant that it had an impressive amount of storage space. Despite being built with cost in mind, the interior isn’t all that bad when compared to other vehicles in the segment.
Are There Any Recalls on the 2008 Saturn Outlook?
Yes, there have been a total of four recalls on the 2008 Saturn Outlook.
Power Liftgate Recall
2008 Saturn Outlooks equipped with the power liftgate option have struts that hold it up when open. These struts tend to wear quickly and fail which would cause the liftgate to fall. The recall for this problem was issued on 2015-06-30.
Airbag Recall
Due to a problem with the airbag wiring harnesses, there’s a possibility of the seat-mounted side airbag not deploying in the event of a crash. The seat belt pre-tensioners were also affected by this problem. The recall for this problem was issued on 2014-03-17.
Heated Washer Fluid System Recall
The 2008 Saturn Outlook was one of many vehicles to feature GM’s Heated Washer Fluid System. An electric failure would cause this system to ignite. The company fixed this issue by bypassing the system during the recall. The company started fixing this problem on 2010-06-04.
Windshield Wiper Linkage Recall
There were instances where a buildup of ice or snow on the windshield would stop the wipers from functioning correctly. The weight of the wiper linkage would cause it to detach from the motor and wipers wouldn’t work at all. 2008-08-06 is when the Saturn Outlook was recalled.
What Are the Most Common Problems With the 2008 Saturn Outlook?
Aside from the recalls, the 2008 Saturn Outlook has its own set of common problems. This includes issues with the engine and transmission.
Transmission Fault
One of the most common problems with the 2008 Saturn Outlook has to do with its transmission. There have been numerous reports of illumination of the check engine light with an error code related to the transmission along with loss of reverse gear, slipping, or harsh third or fifth gear shifts. This occurs because of a broken 35R clutch wave plate inside the transmission.
Worn Gas Cap
The 2008 Saturn Outlook is one of many GM offerings to suffer from a problem related to the gas cap. It’s known to wear out prematurely and get loose. This doesn’t allow it to have the airtight fit it needs which in turn leads to the CEL popping up on the dashboard. This issue can be easily fixed with a new gas cap.
Ignition Coil Failure
The ignition coils on the 2008 Saturn Outlook were known to cause trouble. This is something the Outlook shares with other vehicles of the same platform that feature the GM’s 3.6 V6 of this particular generation. These coils are of the coil-on-plug type and are known to go bad sooner than one would expect. We recommend replacing them with high-quality units such as the Bosch 0221604112 to ensure everything works well without warning lights. It’s also a good idea to replace all six at the same time.
Timing Chain Trouble
While the V6 engine in the 2008 Saturn Outlook has a lot of likable characteristics, it has one huge drawback. This engine, especially the LY7 version, has a timing chain that’s prone to stretching. A timing chain is considered to be a safer alternative to a timing belt, but that’s not the case when it comes to this engine. If left unattended, timing chain stretch can upset the timing of the engine and cause major damage.
Bad Water Pump
Another problem this engine is known to face is a bad water pump. Multiple reports are suggesting that the water pump can fail prematurely. A water pump is responsible for keeping the engine cool which is why it needs to be in perfect running order. We would recommend replacing the water pump if the 2008 Saturn Outlook has a healthy amount of miles under its belt.
Camshaft Actuator Issue
The GM 3.6 V6 could also have an issue with the camshaft actuator. This issue is a result of a problem with the actuators’ solenoid valves. One of the most common causes of this issue is low or bad engine oil. That’s because the actuator relies on correct oil pressure to function as it should. It’s a great idea to replace the engine oil as soon as you acquire the 2008 Saturn Outlook or make certain that it has been carried out recently.
How Many Miles Can a 2008 Saturn Outlook Last?
The 2008 Saturn Outlook can last for a lot of miles if it has been maintained religiously. Ownership reports online suggest that there are cases where the crossover has had problems before the 100,000-mile mark, while some have been bulletproof for more than double that. What it comes down to is whether the owners were aware of the common problems and took measures to stop them from happening or causing major damage.
What to Look For When Shopping For One?
Prices for the 2008 Saturn Outlook when newly started at $28,000 for the XE and $30,000 for the XR. These prices would go up with optional extras. Prices for the 2008 Saturn Outlook have depreciated quite a bit, more so, with the discontinuation of the company. The ideal price for a used example should be between $3,000 and-5,000. You can even pay slightly higher if you get one with detailed service history as it’s likely that you will save money in the long run.
2008 Saturn Outlook Parts Available Here!
Let’s say you found your 2008 Saturn Outlook and are now on the lookout for spares to ensure that it is ready for the journey that lies ahead. We’re here to offer help. The Shop section of the Newparts.com website hosts a wide range of Genuine, OEM, and quality aftermarket parts for your Outlook. All you have to do is select the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and you’ll be presented with all parts that are a guaranteed fit!
