Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave

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Comments

  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I have not seen the specs yet but I would guess the 3rd row seat will not be available in captains chairs. I see one thing I do not like. 2nd row cupholders are too low.

    How about a challenge to see what was dropped from concept?

    3rd row captains chairs.
  • jkr2106jkr2106 Member Posts: 248
    awww well...I would have opted for the 6-seater, but still think its the best replacement for my Grand Caravan.
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    Looking at the photos (in particular the one with the stroller in the back) I notice that there is more cargo room in a Freestyle with the rear seats up. I know this having become quite adept at putting strollers and assorted other junk in the back of a Freestyle.

    The difference here is that with the rear seats up in the Enclave the floor is flat behind the seats. In the Freestyle there is a large compartment that opens up when the rear seats are in use (as this is where the seats are stored when no used) and that adds a lot of extra volume to the cargo space in the back.

    I would assume that Outlook and Acadia are similar to the Enclave here.
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    Looking more at the photos I see on the lower vent in the bumper that the lower surface points upwards. I'm not quite sure I like the look of that. To me it looks like the front bumper is "angry" :)
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    I may retract my statement.

    In the photo with the trike, I am not sure if I could get my daughter's Kettler trike in the back of the Freestyle like that. So it may be a few inches deeper that the Ford from tailgate to back of seats.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    I noticed the same thing with the cargo space behind the 3rd row in the Acadia photos. It looks smaller when you see it with the stroller and toy bike back there, but when it's empty it looks bigger. In the Freestyle, the 3rd row folds forward and then flips back (like in a minivan), while in the lambdas the 3rd row just folds forward. So with the Freestyle you get a deeper space behind the 3rd row, but it's not as wide or long as the lambda. You do get the shallow compartment behind the 3rd row of the lambda. In the Freestyle, you can put a couple of big suitcases behind the 3rd row standing on end, and there's even space under the 3rd row for sliding small things under. I think they both have comparable space behind the 3rd row, but just shaped differently.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    SEE ENCLAVE UNVEILING LIVE! . . . You can have a front row seat when
    Tiger Woods and Buick unveil the new 2008 Enclave. The event will be
    webcast live at http://gmtv.feedroom.com tonight starting at 8:45 p.m.
    ET, with video-on-demand-replays to follow. Tune in from your home
    computer to get the first look at this exciting new vehicle!
  • carcom2carcom2 Member Posts: 212
    Great pics- thanks. Looking forward to seeing and driving this car when it comes out.

    There is also info. now at www.buick.com

    Wondering if the 3rd row windows vent out like on minivans - don't see a hinge though. I have a feeling the window doesn't open at all.
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    I think they both have comparable space behind the 3rd row, but just shaped differently.

    I will agree with you there. Both of which means that the Lambda trio (and Freestyle) have considerably more space in the back than the Pacifica (the other closest competitor to these three).
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    1. Will the six seat configuration be available on the V6 versions, V8 version only, both, or not available at
    all?
    2. Is there an option for second row heated seats?
    3. HUD? Rendezvous had it, Acadia has it.
    4. Heated steering wheel? Lucerne has it.
    5. A/C front seats? Lucerne has them.

    That's pretty much it, but if there are lot's of "No" answers then that will be sort of disappointing. I don't see how Buick could offer A/C front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a HUD on some of their models but not their most expensive vehicle. Doesn't quite make sense IMO. Then again, many may be available only on the V8 model that will be released later to establish it as a much more luxurious option worth the higher price tag.

    One last thing but most it's most likely just me, is the steering wheel wood different then the wood trim on the doors, dash, and center consoles?
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Have not seen one bad comment yet.

    My assistant in vehicle evaluations, Ria Manglapus, and I ran the front-wheel-drive version of the Outlook XR through our respective family torture chambers. We piled on the miles, piled in the people and the stuff, and drove it over some of the roughest pavement we could find just to see if we'd get the usual gripes and grumbles from our many passengers. We got zilch.

    Our passengers, including those in the third-row seat, rode happily. Even with all three seats up, we were able to pack all of their stuff into the rear luggage compartment. Because the Outlook is based on a unitized car platform, it rode low to the ground, like a car, which meant the older, less agile members of our families easily entered and exited the vehicle.

    Ingress and egress also were helped by Saturn's clever design of what it calls the "smart slide" second-row seat. With one hand, you can push that seat forward into a fold-flat position.

    A 3.6-liter, 275-horsepower V-6 engine in the XR version provides ample oomph. And although the Outlook is as large as Ria's Honda Odyssey minivan, it handles in the manner of a much smaller and lighter vehicle -- and it looks better than the Odyssey inside and out.

    We like this one. We like it very much. But it's too bad GM decided to call it the Outlook. The company should have adopted the phonetic spelling of the Saturn general manager's surname and called it the Lajek.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Complaints: None at this writing. This is the kind of vehicle Saturn should have given us from the very beginning.

    Ride, acceleration and handling: It rides like a well-crafted station wagon -- exceedingly smooth and comfortable, even over difficult roads. Credit the Outlook's 118.9-inch wheelbase, which is the centerline distance between the front and rear wheels, and its four-wheel independent suspension.

    Head-turning quotient: We got favorable looks everywhere and lots of damning with faint praise.

    Body style/layout: The Saturn Outlook is a front-engine, full-size combination station wagon-hatchback-minivan with some SUV styling pretensions. It is a work of unitized steel construction available with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive in base XE or upscale XR trim.

    Engine/transmission: A 3.6-liter, V-6 engine is standard for all Outlook models. But in the XE version with a single exhaust pipe, that engine develops 270 horsepower at 6,600 revolutions per minute and 248 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm. In the XR with dual exhaust pipes and, thus, lower outlet restriction, that engine develops 275 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 251 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

    Capacities: There is seating for up to eight people. Cargo space with second- and third-row seats up is 19.7 cubic feet. It is 117 cubic feet with second and third rows down. Maximum payload, the weight of what can be carried onboard, is 1,678 pounds. Maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds. The fuel tank holds 22 gallons of regular unleaded.

    Mileage: I averaged 24 miles per gallon in highway driving. Ria averaged 17 mpg in city runs.

    Safety: Standard equipment includes side and head air bags and traction and stability control.

    Price: The 2007 Saturn Outlook is on sale now. Base prices range from $27,255 for the front-wheel-drive XE to $31,555 for the all-wheel-drive XR. Dealer's invoice prices range from $25,756 for the front-wheel-drive XE to $29,819 for the all-wheel-drive XR. A $735 destination charge will be added to both prices. The prices are provided by Saturn and www.edmunds.com .

    Purse-strings note: Front-wheel-drive makes more sense and saves more gas money in areas with little snowfall. The 2007 Saturn Outlook is a buy.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    THis is seriousyly it? Looks just like the concept!!! Why do they say this is buick's first crossover? Remember Rendezvous- which was probably more heavily endorsed this will be. Anyway, I may scrap the Acadia and go with this!!! Bob are you serious that Freestyle's seat flips and folds? if the acadia did this just think how much more third row room it would have! But judging from the space when I looked at the Acadia at the dealership, there was enough room for a large suitcase. Hey- you guys! Any of you true car buffs who haven't already done so should go to the Lincoln MKS forum. tell what you think. Sorry off topic.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Don't quite get your MKS comment though.
  • coldcrankercoldcranker Member Posts: 877
    albook,
    On the Freestyle, every seat, except the drivers seat, folds flat. Thats 2.5 rows, all flat. I thought the Acadia did that, too. It doesn't?
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Just heard it at the Enclave intro.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Bob are you serious that Freestyle's seat flips and folds? if the acadia did this just think how much more third row room it would have!

    Yes, the 3rd row seat back folds forward (and you can leave it in that position if you want) and then the whole thing will flip over into the well behind the 3rd row, sort of (but not exactly) like minivan 3rd rows. Or you can just flip the entire 3rd row backwards (the seat becomes the back and the back becomes the seat) and you have a rear facing 3rd row for tailgating.

    For the 2nd rwo, you pull a single lever on the 2nd row, and the seat back folds down, and the whole seat flips forward for easy access to the 3rd row. And the front passenger seat folds flat (I've loaded 10' landscaping timbers and was able to close the hatch). But, it's not wide enough to hold 4' wide sheets of plywood, so you have to rent a truck at Lowes for that (or a lambda, but you might not be able to close the hatch)!
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Not sure, but lambdas may actually also fold front passenger seat down. I'll check. I looked at how the 3 row seat folds. you're right.
  • hondafordhondaford Member Posts: 51
    When I was young, back in the mists of time, Pontiac had a unique advertising slogan:
    "Dollar for dollar - you can't beat a Pontiac" It was repeated over and over with an indian drum. Not PC today.
    Yes, I do have a point. I priced an Acadia on Yahoo auto, top of the lline with everything I wanted and it came to just over 40K with destination.

    After looking at the Enclave video, I am not seeing any more "goodies." Styling, yes. My question/point is will we be asked to pay a large premium for Enclave over Acadia? the styling is somewhat cooler, maybe the leather will be softer or more wood or ???

    But, Dollar for dollar, will Enclave have any advantage over Acadia. I need my new car by the end of April and would wait for Enclave for the pZaZZ of a Buick, if the price was just a tad bit over the Acadia. But WAY over, I think not!
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Enclave will not be available until May/June. Do not wait.
  • tsandovaltsandoval Member Posts: 7
    Release Dates to the dealers??

    Enclave?: June 2007
    Acadia?:
    Outlook?:

    I need a new car!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    It has been reported here often enough!

    Should see them in some quantities by 12/15. They should be petering out to dealerships now. I think I saw one in a dealership showroom down the road from me as I drove by yesterday. I plan on stopping in today to see if it was a Vue.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Buying a Buick vs GMC is like buying a Lincoln vs Ford. The Ford Edge & Linclon MKX, which are basically the same car with different badges and like you said, maybe some softer leather, better wood, or slightly different styling. Some people would just rather drive a Buick or Lincoln than a GMC or Ford. The more practical folks end up buying the cheaper car that has everything they want.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Well, I for one would rate the Enclave 11/10 while the Acadia is more of a 6/10 or maybe 7. The reason why I like the Enclave so much more than the Acadia is like you said, styling. Enclave exterior- B.E.A.-utiful. Acadia exterior- looks like it got beaten by the ugly stick due to the HUGE and badly colored plastic chip-resistant panels surrounding the bottom six inches or so of the car. Also, for interior, I am really into upscale look and feel. I mean, the Enclave has a DOZEN wood panels. Seriously, it's got TWELVE! Acadia doesn't have one! Don't say that the Acadia makes up for it with aluminum trim either because the Enclave has that as well. Additionally, the seats butter smooth looking perforated leather on the Enclave as supposed to stiffer looking leather on the Acadia.
    However, you are correct in saying that the Enclave doesn't offer many additional features. Like I said in an earlier post, I think they are saving a few extra features for the V8 variant that is yet to be released in order to provide a bigger difference between the two trims rather than just the engine.
    Finally, I would greatly appreciate anyone's opinions on my earlier questions.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Of course interior/exterior stylying is 100% opinion, so in my opinion, I would never buy a car with wood trim...to me that's the ultimate cheese factor in a car, even if it is real wood. And on the exterior, I'd rather have a more plain, but timeless style, rather than one where they add curves just for the sake of adding curves. Like the fake wood on the outside of old cars and vinyl on the roofs to make them look like they're a convertable. Today we look at that and laugh, but back then someone thougt it was stylish.

    Reminds me of houses in new developments that are basically square boxes, but then they add the brick veneer to the front, some dormers and added roof points to make the direct front elevation look better. To me that's just cheap looking because it's obvious what it really is underneath.
  • carfreak8carfreak8 Member Posts: 58
    definatly agree
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Just stopped and looked at two outlooks at a Saturn dealer. No window stickers. Wonderful interiors and the wheels are huge! I reall yliked the vehicle. Seats were confortable in all three rows. The only issue I had with the 3rd row is the the outboard armrest (part of the sidewall trim) were too high and not smooth-had storage and cupholders built in.

    Boy, sure wish I could have waited for one of these instead of my Envoy.
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Bob, youre right about the whole buick gmc thing, except i say Ford could have done better making the MKX diff. from edge. They look exactly the same! Well-win for ford-loss for Lincoln. Vette- I see you gave up on enclave. I'm seriously tempted to wait but can't. on the price point, if youre going to pay more than 40, don't get acadia/outlook. get enclave-or something better. 40 is a whole new door! My current favs are new X5 (looks great) and I still like the R class. i might go for saturn, though, unlessprice is ridicoulous. I hate that no haggle thing. Those claded panels on the 'cadi are startng to make my stomach turn!
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    X5 is great... but the price can top 70K! R-Class looks great... but that too can top 70K! X5 is pretty small too, but it offers unbeatable features (like it should considering its HUGE price tag)such as heated/ventilated/20-way-power/massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and four-zone climate control. The R-Class doesn't offer as many features but is MUCH bigger in almost every dimension. I'm done rambling now. :)
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I have almost 2 years before I get my next vehicle and right now it still looks like the Enclave.

    X5 is a dinky vehicle. Can it even hold 7?
  • oiler88oiler88 Member Posts: 1
    I noticed some differences that may be important to me in the Enclave concept car vs. the pics on the LA Auto Show Enclave.
    1. Single flip down entertainment screens for 2nd row vs. multiple screens on the concept car.
    2. Not sure about 3rd row entertainment system that was shown in concept car - could not tell if it survived.
    3. Flip down tray tables in concept car were not visible on LA Show Enclave.
    Can anyone clarify?
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    You are correct on all three of those. Sorry.

    However, 1 and 2 are both in regards to DVD entertainment, which is always better in aftermarket form anyway. Actually, what I would do if I were you and those are your only problems, is get the car, and the install aftermarket headrest monitors. Visualogic is a company that provides great ones that are guaranteed to 100% EXACTLY MATCH the factory headrests. For some models, such as the Yukon, they also provide second row headrest monitors, so that might solve your 3rd row entertainment problem. This way, you would have a total of four 7 or 9 inch (your choice) DVD players/monitors (once again, you have the option to buy ones that display the same DVD or run independently from one another) for a pretty solid price. Or you could order ceiling mounted 10.2 inch (HUGE) DVD player/monitors for both rows at a lower cost. Of course you could always order the ones that you strap onto the headrests as well for a much lower price (although they look a lot worse). All of these options seem to beat paying more than $1,200 for one 8 inch factory installed screen though.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    You will not see tray tables anytime soon. I think that GM would have a hard time defending against the safety [non-permissible content removed]. At least in an airplane they ask you to stow the tables before you crash! :P
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    This is stuff that never makes it to production models. it just adds excitement. But I can see some third row captains, as you can get two seater third row in yukon with cupholders in between the split bench seats. And the new X5 does indeed come with a third row (optional). I'm board now that i know everything about the lamdas. How 'bout you guys? There's nothing to talk about anymore!
  • coldcrankercoldcranker Member Posts: 877
    The Enclave looks as expensive as an Audi Q7 3.6L V6. The Q7 has practically identical dimensions as the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook.
  • coldcrankercoldcranker Member Posts: 877
    The Audi Q7 forum seems to think GM can't beat the Audi... because its German. Full, detailed tests by experts will come, but I predict a win by the Lambdas. If they do win, it will mean the Lambdas, at $32,000 with a couple of options, will beat or equal an identically-sized Audi Q7 3.6L V6 model ($36,000) in meaningful areas of:
    1. NVH - noise, vibes, & harshness
    2. Roll stiffness
    3. MPG - we already know the Lambdas win that one.
    4. Acceleration - Lambda is known to win that one, too.
    5. Braking
    6. Steering feel
    7. Skidpad
    8. Crash Tests
  • albookalbook Member Posts: 1,282
    Enclave might not be able to outperform, but then again it will be lighter and should have smaller hp to lbs ratio.(5less hp than audi) But I can assure you guys it will probably be bettter deal than q7. Q starts at 39900 without leather. Enclave probably 36 with.
  • arumagearumage Member Posts: 922
    Audi's website is listing the Q7 to start at $39,900 MSRP. That thing weighs even more than the Lambda's too.
  • dtd07dtd07 Member Posts: 19
    Here what a dealer in my area quoted me.
    "As I indicated to you on the phone, the specifications that you asked for are pretty specific. It would almost certainly be necessary to place a factory order to get a match for the vehicle you described.
    I have attached a pdf file from my GM product software. This document details all the standard features of the model as well as an itemization of the options you asked for.
    Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for this configuration is at $44,965.00 with a standard paint choice and your Costco price would be $41,870.00 plus the usual license and registration costs
    ."

    Pricing with Costco would same me almoust $3K and no haggle, go in do paper work drive off. That's a loaded SLT2 (heads up display, DVD, Nav, 19", ect.). He also mention that it would take 30-75 days to get this one in.
    Can't wait to test drive it. :surprise:
  • 07xle07xle Member Posts: 177
    Not bad!!

    GM invoice without dealer advertising is $40,979.
  • jd14jd14 Member Posts: 128
    Where's the heated steering wheel or the heated/cooled front seats that the lower cost Lucerne has? The seats are perforated leather so I don't see why this couldn't be an option.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I will bet that they will come later if not at start of production. Do you have a list of features on the Enclave? I have not seen/found one.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    Sometimes I wonder if auto companies don't hold back options just to add to in following years as the same vehicle is around for at least 5 years. This way they can say they are improving the vehicle. :shades:
  • hondafordhondaford Member Posts: 51
    What part of the country? I am a costco member, too, and wondered if they would deal on this new vehicle. Did the dealer have a demo you could test drive?
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    GM is crowing that the Enclave is going to be a Lexus competitor, but early signs are not encouraging, like having a 4-way power front passenger seat. Will it have adaptive cruise control and a power folding third row seat available like the Sienna? I seriously doubt it. If GM is giving up on the minivan market, as has been reported, it needs to make the Enclave's features competitive with the top minivans and CUVs. Will it have keyless ignition available like the CX-9, or air suspension like the RX350?
    I doubt that, too.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Lets hope it does not have adaptive cruise control. Not a good feature. I've driven and does not work well in the real world. Power 3rd row seat would be nice.

    Where do you see GM crowing that Enclave will be a Lexus competitor? They have said it will have some attributes of Lexus like comfort but never a competitor. In the intro they even specifically said it would have some Lexus attributes but not a direct competitor. Lexus is just too expensive. The RX starts at almost $40k and that is for a cloth interior. Enclave will barely get over $45k unless fully loaded (my surmise).

    Can someone tell me where data like 4 way power passenger seat is coming from? Not that I do not believe it but would like to see the specs. for all of it.

    It is easy to pick and choose features and say XXXX should have them. Does the CX-9/RX350/Sienna have every feature:air suspension/keyless ignition/power 3rd row/adaptive cruise/the kitchen sink? OEM's have to include features their market needs. They cannot include all of them or all of a sudden a mid priced vehicle becomes high priced and no longer high volume. The Lamdas have the MPG, size and low cost as their major feature. They also have quality and more.
  • dmathews3dmathews3 Member Posts: 1,739
    It sounds like you are comparing apples to oranges. You are picking different options from different vehicles when you should be telling us just how many comparable vehicles have ALL these options. I also doubt if the Enclave was groomed to be a Lexus competitor. If so then there would be a Caddy version.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    You're right; none of the vehicles I mentioned have ALL of the features I mentioned. My point is that if GM is going to call the Enclave a "luxury crossover suv", as they do in their Los Angeles Autoshow press release, isn't it amazing that it doesn't offer ANY of these luxury features? By the way, my source for the 4-way power front passenger seat is link title Standard and optional features for the Enclave are given in the press release link title
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