Did you recently rush to buy a new vehicle before tariff-related price hikes? A reporter is looking to speak with shoppers who felt pressure to act quickly due to expected cost increases; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com for more details by 4/24.

Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave

24567…60

Comments

  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    I agree that the these SUV's have turned out to be "full sized." On the other hand, it's my recollection that these vehicles were originally "forecasted" to be mid-sized and competition for the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. FWIW, I see this trio simply taking sales away from the Tahoe like vehicles in a shrinking demographic and not be much of a threat, or alternative to the higher growth mid-sized market. Personally, I was hoping to replace my Pilot with one of these, but if the 16 MPG in the city is true, I'll wait for the next update of the Highlander, or Pilot.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    The Outlook gets about 2 MPG better highway compared to the Pilot, the Pilot only gets about 1 MPG city better than the Outlook. I was considering the Pilot and Mountaineer but I feel that I will buy the Outlook over those two because it offers so much more. I been in the third row of a Pilot I was disappointed. A 1 MPG difference isn't going to bother me much, especially if the highway mileage is 2 MPG better than the Pilot. Plus the Outlook offers the same features then some. Way to buy my back GM ;) .
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Outlook: 16/24 mpg with all-wheel drive
    Pilot: 17/22 mpg with all-wheel drive
  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    You're right, the mileage on the Pilot isn't the best, but in the end, I want to move up rather than down, especially in the city. Toyota's new 3.5 litre V6 shows some promise of being able to move the Highlander's fuel efficiency up and it sounds like Honda is doing some work on their 3.5. As I recall, in the Camry, the Toyota 3.5 is 22 city and 31 hwy, while the GM's 3.6 in the Aura is something like 18 city and 27 hwy. I want GM to succeed, but I question if they can with this trio of big, heavy vehicles, spread over three brands.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Well you need to buy what you think is best for your own needs, I like the Outlook since it has allot of room considering the size and gas mileage it gets. It also comes with all the advanced features I wanted so I am blown away with what it offers. Not to mention the person in the third row gets allot of leg room with allot of useable space behind the third row. The Buick is nice also but it is probably close to 50k or more fully loaded. I don't know if the Toyota gets that good of mileage unless you get the hybird. Anyway good luck with your purchase. ;)
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    General Motors will phase out Buick's Rendezvous and Rainier next spring and replace them with the near-luxury Enclave crossover.

    Bowden said the eight-passenger Enclave likely will have a transaction price in the "mid-$30,000 range", close to the Rainier but "considerably more" than the Rendezvous.

    "We're taking (Enclave) to the next level, whether it's the style, quality, craftsmanship and quietness of the cabin," said Chong-Ae Shah, Buick product director.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Mid $30's fully loaded?
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Very good question. Depends what loaded means and what they offer on it. A Yukon starts at $35,000 and can get over $50k. This vehcle will be similar in size and can carry 8 people in comfort. It will not have the off-road and trailering capacity but will have better gas mileage.

    I can easily see this car getting close to $40k loaded if not over. But hopefully close to $35k with leather and the normal options of a fully loaded vehicle (no nav?).

    But then again I have no idea!!!
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Yea its a nice SUV but I think I will buy the Outlook over the Buick version since I can get it fully loaded (Including NAV) without spending over $40k.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    where have you found pricing for the outlook?
  • sma3sma3 Member Posts: 28
    I have not seen this posted here yet on the GMC Acadia version.

    http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/08/spotted-2007-gmc-acacia-cheap-trick-edition/

    http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enthusiasts/Spy_Shots/Spy_Shots_2008_GMC_Acadia.- S178.A10501.html

    Also, this link on the Outlook from the NYIAS:
    http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-saturn-outlook-rollou- t/
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    I don't think they posted it yet, but from what I read it should be in the high $20's to the mid $30's. Does anyone know when it will be released I think they said from December this year to February next year?
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    So we are all guessing!!

    I do think the Buick will be priced higher than the other two, but, it will have more features and more upscale interior, and in my opinion, much better looking exterior.

    Need to be careful comparing base prices. Often the higher priced will have more features and if you add them to the price of the cheaper vehicle the difference becomes almost moot.
  • carmaniac555carmaniac555 Member Posts: 5
    They made the GMC Acadia look exactly like the Outlook
    i cant bielve they did it agian :cry:

    http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=115673
  • carmaniac555carmaniac555 Member Posts: 5
    here is a link for the Enclave this came directly from the Buick website if u havent been there already

    http://www.buick.com/enclave/index.jsp?cmp=enclave
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    The Outlook comes with everything I want including features you would find on a vehicle in this class (i.e. power liftgate) and with allot of room and decent gas mileage I chose it over the Pilot and Mountaineer.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    Considering the weight of the Outlook, there's no way it's going to get the kind of gas mileage they are claiming.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Well they said thats the gas mileage and I believe them, if it is 1 mpg less big deal.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Forgot to add unlike most of the other SUV's it has a 6 speed automatic and improved aerodynamics. So this alone should improve the mileage to these numbers. I think the highlander weight's about 100-200 pounds less and they say it gets 18 city and 24 highway and yet no one challenges that claim. That is without a 6 speed automatic or improvments in aerodynamics.
  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    According to the Toyota website, the Highlander V6 AWD weighs in at 3935#, about one-half ton less than the Outback.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I think that if a vehicle as big as the Enclave gets 20 mpg average it would be pretty darn nice. this thing carries 8 people in comfort with wide hip/shoulder room. Not sure what the interior width is but the exterior is the same (79") as a Yukon and the articles Ihave read say the interior is huge. No it is not a compact car, it is a large people hauler.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    What I don't understand is why the Outlook has to weigh so much more than a similar sized minivan.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    A similar sized van weighs almost 5000# and has nothing in it. What sized van are you comparing it to? The closest in size is the Chev Express van.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    I'm talking about a Sienna, for example, which is similar in overall size to the Outlook. However,if you can believe the manufacturers' numbers, the Sienna has much more cargo room than the Outlook.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    Where are you getting the outlook dimensions? What I can find is minimal. Width of the Outlook is same as Tahoe and about the same length. Sienna is about the same length but not as wide but I can see it is close to the outlook. The Sienna is however a van and the outlook is a truck. Vans are usually bigger inside than a comparable SUV. I guess the outlook is more SUV like than van like?
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    I don't know about all this, all I know is that I like what I see and plan on getting one. With its features it gets decent gas mileage with everything else I want. If I want to get amazing gas mileage I wouldn't be getting a SUV.
  • edkleinedklein Member Posts: 34
    Alright guys, I'm starting to get confused about these vehicles now. I thought this whole platform that underpins these crossovers and will be the platform for future minivans is supposed to be a "car based" platform instead of a truck based one like the Trailblazer and Tahoe. As a result, car based SUV/Crossovers should be lighter and have more interior room than a comperably sized truck based SUV.

    I thought GM itself was targeting these more at the minivan shoppers than the traditional SUV buyers. As a result, I would expect it to have mileage more comparable to a modern minivan (upper 20's on the highway). If these vehicles aren't going to be able to do much better gas mileage than a Tahoe, that's going to make them a lot harder to justify. You're already looking at trading a good bit of cargo capacity going to one of these SUV's instead of something like a Sienna or Odyssey, so these vehicles are going to have to be able to outdo them in some other regard.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    This vehicle, as it stands now, is a large SUV replacement for both people and stuff carrying. If you read the press and use our heads you will see that most folks buying the large SUV's do not really need all the capabilities of the truck part of the SUV. Like me they only need to carry a large number of passengers (8) and their not so heavy stuff. They are not hauling large travel trailers or huge boats. This vehicle with the increased MPG will be a great replacement.

    I am not sure what the issue is with MPG. The combined number is 23.4 for FWD. Significantly higher than the Tahoes 22 highway rating. Seems pretty great to me for little loss in functionality.

    Aiding in the Outlooks estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, is a very low coefficient of drag of just 0.361. The combined city/highway rating is 23.4 mpg for the FWD Outlook and 22.4 mpg for the AWD version. These are decent ratings for a full-size, 8-occupant vehicle, and appear significantly better than the Pacifica and at least on par with the Freestyle fuel-economy outcomes (FWD Freestyle EPA rating is 20 city and 27 highway, so its slightly better - Ed.), which is surprising given the Outlooks heavier curb weight of 4,722 lbs in FWD and 4,936 lbs in AWD trim.

    Bottom line I think this vehicle is an SUV alternate.
  • sma3sma3 Member Posts: 28
    62vetteefp, can you please provide a link to that paragraph that starts with "Aiding in the Outlook's...."? thanks.
  • sma3sma3 Member Posts: 28
    from "Detroit's Midsize SUV Problem": http://yahoo.businessweek.com/autos/content/jun2006/bw20060615_158318.htm

    "THE ANTI-VAN. The problem with charting a future for the Trailblazer and GMC Envoy is that the new, big, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon SUVs would pretty much take care of the horse-trailer- and boat-pulling buyers who need big solid-rear axle SUVs for towing. And the new jumbos from GM actually get better fuel economy than the TrailBlazer and Envoy.

    This fall, GM unleashes a line of mid-sized crossover SUVs-the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook. These 2008 models will not only all be built on the same platform and in the same factory in Delta Township, Mich., but also they will be comparable with the larger SUVs. And Lutz seems to think that those crossovers will do a good job of drawing the minivan-hating customer.

    That leaves TrailBlazer and Envoy in the precarious middle, with no place to go but down. The new crossovers have tested so well among consumers and journalists that GM is scrambling to get a Chevy version into production. Poor planning at GM led to its largest and most important sales division, Chevy, not getting a version of its own. Go figure."
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I just googled the whole statement.

    http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Saturn/review/2007-saturn-outlook-preview/1812- /
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I am a bit confused on the mid sized part. If you look at exterior dimensions (the ones available) the Enclave is as wide as a Tahoe. Seems like a pretty big vehicle to me.

    I have found no interior dimensions which is really what counts. I would guess the interior of the Enclave is bigger than the Tahoe due to no frame. In fact from the above article.

    In GMs case, a full-size crossover is expected to round out the lineup in three of its divisions, beginning with Saturns Outlook, and then followed up with Buicks Enclave and GMCs Acadia.

    And yes, the Enclave will take sales from the minivan folks. I am currently driving a minivan and would buy the Enclave if available. Since it is not I am buying an Envoy XL and in two years will probably replace it with the Enclave. These large crossovers are really going to change the market if they are not priced too high.

    I wonder if GM will develop a minivan (sliding doors) on the Lamda architecture?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,090
    If you look at exterior dimensions (the ones available) the Enclave is as wide as a Tahoe. Seems like a pretty big vehicle to me.

    Some of the spy shots show an Outlook or Acadia next to a Tahoe or Suburban... The Outlook is significantly less tall, which explains the improved drag coefficient and fuel economy compared to the Tahoe.

    As another poster mentioned, the Outlook is not body-on-frame, which results in weight and height reduction while maintaining a similar amount of passenger and cargo room. The reduced ride height will be a deal-breaker for some; others want a rig that can tow close to 10,000 pounds--the Outlook is not for these people. If what I'm hearing is true, the third-row seat will have more room than most other vehicles in its class.

    GM has a great opportunity with these vehicles. In addition to the three planned crossovers, they could be second to market with a car-based vehicle with a pickup bed. Think of the integrated trunk and carlike behavior of the Ridgeline without the bizarre styling. Much like the Acadia is a car-based Yukon, they could modify the same platform to manufacture a car-based Avalanche.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    I think one of the reasons it is shorter may also be lack of off road capability which may allow decreasing suspension travel and overall tire diameter. This can drop the floor height and therefore allow a lower roof height w/o decreasing interior height. I am guessing the interior dimensions will all be as large or larger than a Tahoe except interior length. I think the interior lenght will be somewhere between the Tahoe and Suburban.

    In looking at heights the Tahoe is 77" and the Lamda 71" a delta of only 6". I think the frame in a Tahoe is at least 6" tall so the Lamda's could easily be taller on the inside.
  • exalteddragon1exalteddragon1 Member Posts: 729
    these will not be like the minivans and just be clones of each other. I hate when GM does that, it makes it seem like GM has too many brands when in reality thats not true.

    Hopefully, the Buick Enclave will be released just like it was in the concept, b/c the concept was way different in appearence than the Saturn. Also, the Buick looked really good.

    They need to deviate as little as possible. They need to make them in a flex-MFG facility to allow for cheaper and faster diversification between the vehicles...

    Meybe the Buick will get a V8?
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    If the height is 71" and the width 79", it's bigger than my Freestyle that's 68" high and 75" wide. It's the extra 4" that allow for 3 in the 3rd row, and it will have a roomier 2nd row. But that's too big of a vehicle for me. My Freestyle is the limit for my garage! But for carrying 6 or 7 pass, the Freestyle has great 2nd row legroom and better 3rd row legroom even without the 2nd row bench being able to slide. And it already has flip forward 2nd row seats for easy access to the 3rd row. The Pilot can hold 8, but doesn't have much luggage space when carrying that many people, plus there's not as much legroom in rows 2 & 3. We'll see how the Outlook drives and handles. If it's more car-like (as is my Freestyle), then that would make it more competitive over minivans & SUVs. But if it drives like a truck, then I wouldn't want one.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Well for sure the Saturn and Buick versions will be different. But the GMC version might be a clone of the Saturn version. I think it might have a V8 option and different styling though.
  • jimc16jimc16 Member Posts: 21
    As it now stands, the Buick is at the top of the food chain with the Saturn and GMC looking like cheaper versions of the same thing, and targeting the same buyers. All 3 are nearly Tahoe sized, which is fine if you need it. But, shouldn't Saturn or GMC offer a short wheelbase version (similar to the MDX and RX350) that seats 5, weighs a few hundred pounds less, and offers better performance, handling and mileage? That way, GM would have competition for the Japanese brands that now dominate the midsize crossover market.
  • lakerunner4hlakerunner4h Member Posts: 37
    Have not seen any reference to either E85 compatibility for the Enclase/Outlook/Acadia, nor to whether AFM (cylinder deactivation) will be included. Both of which would improve fuel economy. Has anyone else heard anything along either of these lines?
  • kjnormankjnorman Member Posts: 243
    My understanding was that E85 fuel got lower gas mileage.
  • togadelictogadelic Member Posts: 21
    any word on the interior dimensions?
  • 14871487 Member Posts: 2,407
    The offical info on the acadia is out and it looks good to me. I like the interior better than the Outlook, but it will probably cost more than the Outlook. I really like every aspect of this vehicle.
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    No interior dimensions yet!!
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Where do I find info on it I can't even find pictures??
  • 62vetteefp62vetteefp Member Posts: 6,043
    http://www.gmc.com/

    Look at the bottom
  • alp8alp8 Member Posts: 656
    http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/07/12/2007-gmc-acadia-unveiled/#comments
  • quattroporte12quattroporte12 Member Posts: 178
    Looking for a comfortable/stylish/large crossover, and until now had decided on the Audi Q7. Thinking about waiting for the Acadia or Enclave, but, i am realy not a fan of Buick's. Anyone know of any other vehicles like these?
  • steve38steve38 Member Posts: 11
    This Buick is fantastic...but I have some concerns. I think you guys need to realize that many people want as much cool stuff in it as we can buy...and we have the right to want options. Don't say "get rid of the trays in the second row"....just do not pick that option. Buick needs to wow me with a high end leather and real wood interior car or I will not be their customer. You guys can tick off the low end model, but I want the highest of the high. I want the trays and the leather pouches too. You can see these on the Buick web site. I own an Infinity FX as well as a TT and new Durango, and every vehicle has every option....and when I wanted another screen put in the Durango (as well as a 1000 watt stereo since the high end one on my Hemi Limited was still terrible) I bought it. Had Dodge put in a good stereo I would have saved my money but as it was I had to throw all the 6 speakers in the garbage. In fact, the DVD screen in that Chrysler was so terrible I replaced it with a Sony. Someone tell these car companies that a 7" screen with a 10" drop down is dumb. Get a bigger and clearer screen. Get quality.

    Here is my take. This Buick blew me away at the autoshow. I literally even came back again the next day to see it and show my wife. I love cars and SUV's and yes I bought the SUV to go up north with kids and pull boats. So I need it. Tree huggers here can blow off. With this Buick, I would like to see a Hybrid mentioned. And this Buick weights MORE than my Durango!!!!! However, the Buick gets almost twice the mileage....which I like. I may not like tree huggers for being so damn in your face, but I also enjoy saving the environment even though I really need a big vehicle. This is a BIG vehicle...not some mid size. Want a gerat mid-size...look at the C7 Mazda or the Infinity FX. They're great. This is a HUGE 8 person hauler. I love it.

    So...here is my summary. Buick...build the BEST CUV you can and do NOT cut corners, or you can cut me out. I have taste...money...buy a car a year and would possibly consider you....but if you blow it....I could care less. I'll just buy something else. I like what I see...but I want outstanding crash protection, handling, quietness and safety safety safety. I feel safe in my Durango, and the FX Infinity.

    Cheers everyone. Liked reaing the comments so far.
  • waltawalta Member Posts: 13
    'Don't say "get rid of the trays in the second row"....just do not pick that option.'

    Unforunately, in the real world, that is rarely a choice. If Buick offered the trays, I bet it would absolutely not be a separate option, independent of other things. For example, the trays could easily be bundled in with a high-end leather option, or be something odd and be bundled in with chrome wheels.

    What I really want, is for OnStar to be a separate option; an option I would certainly not order. I already have a cell phone, and I already have cell phone service. I certainly don't need to pay for another.
  • chrisl0chrisl0 Member Posts: 114
    Dam I like this guy he thinks in the same way I do. I agree with you 100% they should stick to what they showed the public and if they feel people won't buy it then make those features optional. Some people don't like to spend money on features thats fine but some people want it fully loaded.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles