Though the new Outlooks engine hasn’t been entirely swapped out, the implementation of direct injection technology has increased the basic XE models output to 281 hp from the 3.6-liter V6. The XR model boosts that number to 288 hp with the inclusion of dual exhausts. Both trims are available with either front or all wheel drive options.

The Outlook is more capable as a utility vehicle now, too. The new engine configuration allows it to tow up to 4,500 pounds, with decent fuel economy of 17 MPG city, 24 MPG highway and 19 MPG combined.

Handling is one area where the Outlook already excelled, and this fortunately hasn’t been lost during its engine upgrade. The Outlook responds quickly to any steering, breaking and acceleration, and general control feels much brisker than competing SUV’s.

The Outlook has previously been beaten to the punch by competing vehicles, but the 2009 Saturn Outlook refit has resulted in a much more worthy vehicle. Safety specs are excellent across the board and, now that the power issues are solved, the outlook for the Saturn Outlook is good.

Saturn has always been known as GM’s outlet for edgier designs and engineering, but does importing a European clone really fit the bill? That’s tricky to answer, but our best chance is to just break it down to pure statistics.

The Astra comes in two trim levels: The XE and top-line are available for 4-door models, but 2-door versions are XR only. Both trims come with the same 138 hp, 1.8 liter, 4 cylinder engines and a 5 speed manual transmission or 4 speed automatic. Though this may seem insubstantial, the engine is tried and true, and fitted inside a relatively light weight body.

ABS, traction control, antiskid systems, curtain side airbags, front side airbags and GM’s OnStar assistance come as standard with all models –though OnStar takes a fee after the first year or so. A decent compliment of safety features, then.

The 2009 Saturn Astra also looks great too better, even, than its European Vauxhall clone. It has excellent fuel economy and features decent interior quality. Overall, the Astra is a convincing product from a European manufacturer, which is perhaps worth the change, after all.

One of the Auras key selling points has been its consistently high safety ratings and the 2009 iteration is no different. The new Auras have been certified with an overall 5 star crash safety rating, making them some of the safest sedans on the road. When coupled with antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control systems, it’s easy to see why the Aura has such a good safety record.

The drive isn’t bad either. The standard Aura uses a 164 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. The hybrid technology uses a large starter motor, which will shut down the petrol engine when the vehicle is stopped at a light or elsewhere. The engine seamlessly restarts when acceleration is requested. Still, mileage is not the Auras finest feature, with even the hybrid drives producing around 26 city MPG and 34 highway MPG.

Saturns traditionally have a slightly edgier look and design than other cars on the market and the Aura doesn’t disappoint. The body styling is futuristic but contemporary, and overall engineering quality is good. Buyers looking decent performance coupled with excellent performance could do a lot worse than a 2009 Saturn Aura.

The Sky boasts a decent engine in base models and a substantially boosted one available for a little more. The two engines are 173 hp and 260-hp respectively. Both perform well, and it’s a credit to the quality of Saturns engineering that the Sky handles excellently when powered by either engine.

Perhaps the most notable thing about the Sky is its body styling. Though it features a traditionally sports car styled front end, the rear headlight styling makes the car look like something out of a sci-fi blockbuster. It’s certain to turn heads!

Less positively, the Sky is only available as a soft top, and suffers from limited boot space, even with the top installed on the car. This shouldn’t be a problem for most drivers, but potential buyers should be aware that there are far more practical convertibles out there.

In essence, the 2009 Saturn Sky is more of the same. That’s certainly not a bad thing, as the excellent suspension, handling and performance return alongside newly tweaked bodywork. The Sky is an eye catcher, and fun to drive, but practicality is the last thing the designers were thinking about when they sketched the stunning body lines.

Thanks to a 2 mode hybrid drive, and a few V6 engine optimization tricks, the Saturn Vue can now boast to be GM’s Advanced Hybrid Technology [which] Delivers Up To 50-Percent Fuel Economy Increase With No Compromises in Performance, Capability.î

The no-compromise performance is thanks to the Saturn also packing the same V6 engine as its previous versions. The 3.6-liter V6 produces 255 hp, but can be shut off at a moment’s notice, allowing the hybrid engine to drive the SUV all by itself for up to 10 miles. This potentially turn city commutes into zero emission journeys.

Drivers who may fear that the Saturn’s green streak will reduce its utility or safety specifications need not be concerned. The 2009 Saturn will haul a maximum load of 3500 lb, and it just as capable in off road and treacherous conditions as it ever was.

The 2009 Saturn Vue shows a brave new business plan for the manufacturer, and it’s certain to win the hearts of a few city commuters who value the size and security of an SUV but dislike their traditionally fuel guzzling tendencies.

The ‘08 Vue XR AWD is equipped with a 3.6-liter, V6 DOHC engine that generates 257-horse power and uses a six-sped automatic transmission and Variable Valve Timing. There’s also TAPShift manual shift control, which lets the driver be more in control of easing the vehicle from one gear into another.

It’s hard not to feel secure in this Saturn model, with features like six standard airbags, tire-pressure monitoring and OnStar services including Accident Assist, Advanced Automatic Crash Notification, Notification of Airbag Deployment, Emergency Services, Remote Door Unlock, Ride Assist among several others.

Adding to the rugged, yet sleek look of the Vue XR AWD include features such as body-color door handles, deep-tinted, solar-ray glass and 17-inch alloy wheels. Other convenient additions include exterior mirrors that are heated, power-adjustable and body-colored. Deluxe front bucket seats show that style isn’t limited to the exterior on this Saturn SUV.

The Vue XR AWD comes standard with single-zone, automatic air conditioning, six speakers and an AM/FM radio with a CD/MP3 player, as well as XM Satellite Radio. A DVD-based navigation system also is available.

The new 2008 Saturn Vue XR AWD is versatile, stylish and safe, making it a ride that will be a tough one to pass up, with qualities offering both security and adventure.

The 2008 Vue XE FWD is equipped with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 169-horse power. The engine, an Ecotec DOHC with Variable Valve Timing, also uses a four-speed automatic transmission.

Contributing to the sleek appearance of the Vue XE FWD include exterior features such as solar-ray, deep-tinted glass, body-color door handless and stainless steel sill plates. There’s also an available rear cargo organizer for convenience, and smoke side-window weather deflectors.

The Vue XE FWD comes standard with an AM/FM stereo and CD player and MP3 playback capability, a six-speaker audio system and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Also available include a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and advanced audio system, such as 10 deluxe speakers, and a DVD-based navigation system.

This Saturn model is safe as well as entertainment-friendly, with standard features like six airbags, an occupant sensor that avoids unnecessary airbag deployment and for added security, remote keyless entry and an optional remote vehicle starter system. A single-zone automatic climate control provides comfort inside, as well as available leather, heated front seats.

The 2008 Saturn Vue XE FWD is a combination of technology, safety and affordability, making it likely to be one of Saturn’s top sellers this year.

The 2008 Aura XE V6 model offers several standard safety features, including dual-stage front airbags and also protection from side impact. Too, there are features that prove that this family-friendly model kept children’s safety in mind. Included are child safety locks in the rear seats and the LATCH system, including lower anchorages and top tethers in second row positions. Traction control and an engine-immobilizing theft-deterrent add to security, as well as anti-lock brakes and dynamic rear proportioning.

An optional sunroof, body color exterior door handles and 17-inch painted fascia-spoked wheels add to the striking appearance of the Aura XE V6.

Taking a look inside this Saturn model, driver and front passenger bucket seats, 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks and air conditioning provide comfort, and convenience is added to with the audio supply, including an AM/FM stereo with six speakers and a CD/MP3 player and also satellite radio capabilities. Remote keyless entry and retained accessory power is standard, and remote start, for optimum convenience, also is available.

An LED-backlit instrumentation display keeps the driver informed, and gives bold lighting that complements the Aura’s modern interior design. Information displayed includes speedometer, temperature and fuel gauges and tachometer.

The 2008 Saturn Aura XE V6 is practical, affordable and reliable, making it a car that’s easy for buyers to be drawn to this year.

The ‘08 Vue Green Line Hybrid is impressive with the available remote start system, which can start the vehicle from 200 feet away. There’s also a spacious and comfortable interior, including a 60/40 folding rear seatback that operates at the touch of a side seat lever, and the seat reclines 14 degrees and also offers a fold-down armrest. Also adding to comfort are single-zone automatic air conditioning and an adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.

Adding to the model’s exterior appearance are features including body-color door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels and also deep-tinted, solar-ray glass. Contributing to convenience on this Saturn SUV are available molded splashguards and mirrors that are heated and power-adjustable.

Entertainment also comes in abundance in the Vue Green Line model, with standard features including six speakers, an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player and XM Satellite Radio. Power windows, outside temperature display and cruise control also are included in each Vue Green Line.

The ride is secure as well. With features like tire-pressure monitoring, which includes air pressure sensors in each tire, and Stabilitrak stability control, keeping the vehicle on its intended track by correcting steering mistakes with adjustment to engine power and brake distribution, make it hard to feel unsafe in the Vue Green Line.

Those looking for a ride with efficiency and safety but also has the power to go on a long drive to almost any destination should take a long, hard look at the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line – it may have everything that buyer is shopping for this year.

The 2008 Vue XE AWD comes standard with several safety features, including six airbags protecting from front and side impacts. There’s also a standard automatic Occupant Sensing System, which includes a sensor indicator inflatable restraint for the front passenger. Stability control and tire-pressure monitoring also are included in this model, for additional security.

Solar-ray, deep-tinted glass, body-colored door handles and stainless steel sill plates show the sleek design of this model, and optional smoke side-window weather deflectors and a mobile office organizer add to convenience in the Vue XE AWD.

Interior comfort is provided with single-zone manual air conditioning, available cloth, heated front seats, with a standard manual lumbar control for the driver’s seat. There’s also steering wheel controls for audio mounted right on the wheel. A six-speaker system comes standard, with AM/FM stereo and a CD/MP3 player. Also available is an advanced audio system with 10 deluxe speakers, MP3 playback capability, and a DVD-based navigation system.

The new 2008 Vue XE AWD from Saturn is versatile, convenient and secure, making it a model that seems to have something for everyone, whether the buyer is a single person looking to travel or one with a full family, with an eye on safety.

Though the ‘08 Astra 3-Door XR is sporty, it still keeps its passengers’ safety in mind. Standard features in that category include anti-lock brakes, active head restraints, OnStar services and airbags that protect from front and side impact. Adding security to the model are features like tire-pressure monitoring and the available Stabilitrak system, which improves traction control and avoids over and understeering by applying brake pressure when the system detects a skid or slide.

This Saturn offers a lot of car in a small package. Its exterior features contributing to sleek design include 16-inch, twin-spoke alloy wheels, premium door trim, metallic silver trim and front door sill plates. Taking a look inside the vehicle, the interior is attractive as well with features like a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Air conditioning with filtration comes standard on the Astra 3-Door XR. Also providing comfort inside are easy entry, front sliding sport bucket seats. Occupants will have no problem enjoying the ride with entertaining features like the standard AM/FM stereo with seven speakers, and a CD player with MP3 playback capability.

The new 2008 Saturn Astra 3-Door XR is sporty yet safe, and seems to have something for everybody. It’s likely to be a top seller this year.

With standard single-zone automatic air conditioning and a driver’s seat that’s manually adjusted, including lumbar support, it is hard not to find comfort in this Saturn model. It also comes standard with XM Satellite Radio, an AM/FM stereo and CD/MP3 player and a six-speaker system. DVD-based navigation, which can help on those long excursions, also is available, showing the advancement of the Vue Red Line.

The ride is also a secure one, which comes in handy when taking the Vue Red Line for those off-road jaunts. Standard safety features include six airbags, an Occupant Sensing System that determines the presence of a passenger and avoids unnecessary airbag deployment, OnStar services and tire-pressure monitoring.

Adding to security in this vehicle is an available Highway Emergency Kit, which includes jumper cables, a flashlight, a First Aid kit, gloves, a poncho, electrical tape and other items that will come in handy should an unpleasant situation present itself while on the road.

The Vue Red Line is appealing both inside and out, with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, deep-tinted, solar-ray glass and a rear spoiler. Deluxe front bucket seats and available premium all-weather floor mats add both style and convenience. An available Mobile Office Organizer lets some work get done even before getting to the office.

Sporty design, convenient features and a safe, grounded vehicle – that’s how the 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line can be described, as it is likely one of the most appealing rides this year.

This ‘08 Astra comes standard with several safety features, including OnStar services, six airbags and active head restraints. Also available is Stabilitrak, which uses the Astra’s electronic braking and traction control to apply brake pressure during instances when the system detects under or oversteering, making for a more stable ride, even in dangerous road conditions. Saturn also provides a safety cage for additional security in this model. This feature is designed to preserve occupant space in the event of a collision.

The Astra 5-Door XE includes a standard AM/FM radio and CD sound system, and also available is a 6-disc player with MP3 playback capability, showing this model is following right along with today’s technological needs. Air conditioning with filtration also is available, and manually-adjustable front seats with heating available add to comfort inside this Saturn.

Body-colored door handles, metallic charcoal trim and 16-inch steel wheels with full covers add to the attractive look of the Astra 5-Door XE, while features like cruise control and a dual-panel sunroof with a retractable power add to practicality.

The new 2008 Saturn Astra 5-Door XE is safe, stylish and reliable, and buyers looking for a vehicle that is well rounded should take a second look at this model before shopping around any further.

Also impressive in the ‘08 Aura XR is the rack-and-pinion hydraulic steering, which provides an optimal balance between stability and responsiveness. In other words, the driver won’t have to do a lot with the steering wheel to get the job of “driving” done.

Standard safety features come in abundance in this vehicle, including OnStar services and StabiliTrak, which uses sensors to monitor the car’s steering angle, wheel speed, brake pressure, lateral acceleration and yaw rate. If the system senses that the car goes off its track, it reduces engine torque and braking to get it back in the driver’s control. The Aura XR also comes standard with dual-stage front airbags, side airbags, front and rear crumple zones and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer.

This Saturn is stylish, both inside and out. Working on the exterior appearance are features like 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles an optional sunroof and chrome body side moldings. Inside, there’s available morocco-brown leather appointed seats.

Providing comfort inside are air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals and 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks. The Aura XR comes standard with satellite radio, cruise control and remote keyless entry.

The new 2008 Saturn Aura XR is powerful, reliable and safe, making it a car that seems to have the full package for today’s buyers.

The 2008 Sky comes with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that nets 173-horse power. The engine also includes Variable Valve Timing and uses a five-speed manual transmission, with automatic transmission also available.

Though sleek, the Sky was designed with safety in mind. Standard features include two dual-stage front airbags, front and rear crumple zones and a passenger sensor that avoids unnecessary deployment. For added security, there’s an engine-immobilizing theft-feature that makes it difficult for would-be thieves to steal this valuable automobile. There’s also a tire inflator kit, which helps in inconvenient situations.

Polished aluminum exhaust tips, piano-black accents, bright-finish door handles and 18-inch painted flangeless alloy wheels contribute to the striking appearance of the Sky. Power exterior mirrors make this stylish Saturn a practical ride as well.

Air conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel come standard in the Sky, both adding to comfort in the model. There’s also power door locks with delayed locking, and programmable locking. The Sky also comes standard with cruise control, XM satellite radio, and also available is a six-disc in-dash CD and MP3 player, requiring a 7-speaker audio system.

The new 2008 Saturn Sky is sleek, safe and innovative, and this year’s roadster buyer will have a hard time passing up this car.

The Aura Green Line is not only fuel efficient and powerful, but it’s also safe. It comes standard with several features, including an engine immobilizing theft-deterrent feature, which will make it difficult for this model to be stolen. With this system, a unique key has to be recognized by the engine in order for it to start. Other safety features include dual-stage front airbags, side airbags and front and rear crumple zones.

Adding to the striking appeal of this year’s Aura Green Line include exterior features like body color exterior door handles, chrome body side moldings, an optional sunroof and 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Comfort is provided on the inside with air conditioning and driver and front passenger bucket seats, along with 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks. Other impressive interior features include remote keyless entry, LED backlit instrumentation and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The instrumentation keeps the driver informed with a display of speedometer, temperature, fuel gauges and tachometer.

There’s also interior ambient lighting, which adds to the atmosphere inside the new Aura Green Line. The warm, soft lighting comes from the overhead and door pockets, adding another level of refinement to the Aura’s interior.

The 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid is economical, safe and advanced, making it a model most buyers will be appealed to this year.

The ‘08 Vue XR FWD has a sporty, attractive appearance thanks to exterior features like deep-tinted, solar-ray glass, body-color door handles and 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s also power-adjustable exterior mirrors that are body-colored and fold manually.

This Saturn model is about as safe as they come, with standard features like six air bags, an Automatic Occupant Sensing System that avoids unnecessary airbag deployment, and tire-pressure monitoring. Also available in this model is the Stabilitrak, which is a stability control system, as well as a available remote vehicle starter system.

Comfort is provided with interior features like single-zone automatic air conditioning and available heated, cloth front seats. Also, there’s a standard adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. The Vue XR FWD is equipped with XM Satellite Radio, six speakers, and an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player. A DVD-based navigation system is optional. The steering wheel, which is leather-wrapped and is triple-spoked, has mounted audio controls, and cruise control also is standard on this model.

For added convenience, the Vue XR FWD includes an available rear cargo organizes to prevent items from sliding around, and also the there’s also an easy-to-insert and easy-to-remove smoker’s package that fits tightly into the standard cupholder.

The new 2008 Saturn Vue XR FWD is innovative, secure and reliable, proving it is a practical choice for this year’s SUV buyer.

The ‘08 Outlook XE-AWD is equipped with a 3.6-liter, V6 engine that generates 270-horse power, and it uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. It also boasts better fuel economy than other eight-passenger SUVs, getting an estimated 22 mpg on the highway.

It also offers safety as part of its package. Included in this model are features like the OnStar services, dual-front stage airbags and also side-impact protection, child safety locks in the rear seats and front and rear crumple zones. Adding to security in this model is traction control, which redistributes torque until the tires regain ample traction.

A power sunroof with a rear skylight is available for additional style, and standard exterior features include a rear roofline spoiler, black body side moldings and 18-inch painted wheels.

Interior comfort is provided with the Outlook XE-AWD’s dual-zone climate control, which lets the driver and passenger set their own comfort zones for heating and air conditioning. There’s also a standard CD/MP3 player with AM/FM radio and six speakers, and satellite radio.

The new 2008 Saturn Outlook XE-AWD is a model of efficiency, and also combines safety and technology into the mix. This full package is likely to draw in many buyers this year.

Other standard safety features included on this Saturn include OnStar services, dual-stage front airbags and a passenger sensor to avoid unnecessary airbag deployment, as well as front safety belts with pretensioners and family-friendly features such as LATCH top tethers and lower anchorages and child safety locks in the rear seats.

Black body side moldings, metallic accent interior trim and a rear roofline spoiler all contribute to the sleek styling of the Saturn Outlook XE-FWD. A power sunroof with rear skylight also is optional on this model.

Looking at the interior of this car, it is shown that entertainment comes in abundance. The standard AM/FM stereo with CD and MP3 playback capability is impressive, as well as six speakers and satellite radio, which also are standard on this model. Other available features include a DVD entertainment system that keeps rear occupants occupied with an 8-inch diagonal display and two sets of headphones.

Dual-zone automatic climate control lets passengers set their own temperatures, a feature that comes in handy because not everyone is comfortable at the same climate.

The new 2008 Saturn Outlook XE-FWD is safe, convenient and affordable, and is a model that is likely to find a lot of satisfied customers this year.

The ‘08 Outlook XR-FWD is equipped with a 3.6-liter, V6 engine that produces 275-horse power, and this model also uses a 6-speed hydramatic transmission, allowing for flawless shifting and impressive acceleration, which the option to shift manually for a more sporty ride. There’s also an oil-life monitor, which eases minds for longer trips.

Features such as 18-inch painted wheels, black body side moldings and a rear roofline spoiler add to the look of the Outlook XR-FWD, while it also includes an optional power sunroof with a rear skylight.

Metallic accent interior trim show that style is found on the inside as well. Comfort is provided with features such as optional dual-zone climate control with controls for rear passengers, and 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks with Smart Slide, which allows easy access to the third seating row. There’s also a standard CD/MP3 player with AM/FM stereo and six speakers, as well as satellite radio capabilities.

Safety features included in the Outlook XR-FWD model include OnStar, child security locks and LATCH lower anchorages and top tethers, and airbags protecting from front and side impact. There’s also traction control, adding even more to the security of this spacious ride.

The new 2008 Outlook XR-FWD is a luxury SUV that is family-friendly as well as sporty, and safe as well as stylish. This well-rounded vehicle has something for everybody.