The Outlook is Saturn’s largest crossover/SUV and is capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds. The 3.6 liter, 6 cylinder engine puts out 270 or 275 horsepower depending on model, but it also carries a lot of disguised weight making it rather slow in the 0 to 60 tests and coming in at over 8 seconds. However the 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, abundance of premium features, high safety ratings and affordable price make this a cross over worth looking at.

CD/MP3 player. The XR includes all the features of the XE plus trip computer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an eight-way power driver seat, simulated wood trim throughout the cabin and dual-zone climate control. The XR is powered by the same 3.6 liter V6, but the dual rear exhaust helps boost the horsepower to 275.Both models come standard with a six speed automatic transmission and both are available as either all wheel drive or front wheel drive. Additional options include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, power liftgate remote start, sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, a rear-seat DVD player, leather upholstery and rear park assist.

Looking more muscular and angular than the run-of-the-mill minivan, the Relay is very much a minivan in its details. Look for the obligatory sliding door, and ample passenger seating as clues that this is no rock-hopping Bronco. The Relay is suited for highway travel with adequate power and satisfactory road handling.

At the other end of the spectrum is the new Saturn Sky, a true sports car with all the trimmings. Look for four wheel independent suspension over a marvelously low-slung body. A lusty 2.4 liter engine sends power to the rear wheels for a true sports car feel. The Saturn Sky serves very well as the bookend at the other end of a fine inventory of Saturn cars, minivans, and SUVs.

Saturn owners are treated as family and afforded an exceptional level of attention to their needs. While this has nurtured customer loyalty, the quality of the Saturn line of vehicles speaks for itself.

Judging from the response to the latest Saturn Vue SUV, this compact SUV is gaining recognition in the segment it practically started. What appeals to people about the Vue is its ability to serve multiple purposes equally well. Great as an outdoor adventure vehicle and a daily commute car, the new Saturn Vue has road manners and toughness only hoped for by other crossovers. Equipped with the optional 248hp V6 engine, acceleration is breathtaking, especially when coupled with its much-lauded 4WD.

Confirming an earlier report this morning, General Motors has announced that it has reached a preliminary agreement with Penske Automotive Group for the sale of the Saturn brand. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but GM said that it expects the close the transaction in the third quarter of this year. The American automaker said that if completed, the deal will save more than 350 dealerships and 13,000 jobs at Saturn and its retailers in the United States.

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall have published the first interior photos of the all-new, sixth generation Astra, which is due to make its world debut at this September’s Frankfurt Motor Show and reach European showrooms by late this year. Along with the interior shots, the German automaker also issued a new set of studio photos as well as sketches of the Astra that show the evolution of the exterior and interior styling of the car.

Though the drivetrain is humble, this 2009 Saturn beats most of the competition in terms of appropriate power. Some buyers could opt for a hybrid model that will certainly boast higher fuel efficiency than the Astra, but those that want a gas-powered model with little impact on the environment will find that this station hatchback is a solid pick.

Under the hood, the 2009 Saturn Astra gets a standard 138 horsepower 1.8L I4 paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Buyers can opt for a four-speed automatic if desired as well. 125-lbs per foot of torque gives the Astra enough power to get from Point A to Point B, but some of the comparables have it beat. However, with 24 city MPG and 32 highway MPG this five-passenger model has one of the highest non-hybrid fuel estimates. This is due in part to the standard Variable Valve Timing that controls the exhaust and intake to save on both power and fuel consumption.

Inside, the Astra comes with a CD player (MP3 input jack on higher trims), a four-way adjustable driver’s seat, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls on the five-door XR and three-door XR trims. Power mirrors are standard on all trims, and charcoal metallic trim is included on the base trim while the higher trims get silver metallic trim. Packages that can be added to the 2009 Astra include the Advanced Audio Package, Premium Trim Package, and Sports Handling Package. Items like a six-disc in-dash CD changer, leather seating, and 17-inch machined alloy wheels are just a few that can be found in these packages. Also, there are a number of additional accessories that can be tacked on to give the Astra that personal touch.

Safety features like active front head restraints, rear door child safety locks, a passenger sensing system, and rain-sensing windshield wipers are all standard on the Saturn Astra. The windshield wipers automatically engage when moisture is detected, and the passenger sensing system will modify the airbag force and angle based on the front passenger’s position, mass, and height.

On the whole, the 2009 Saturn Astra is a strong competitor in its class. Families with children will appreciate the maker’s attention to safety details, and individuals should be pleased with the package options. Both will find that the fuel economy is notable. With an intro price of $17,045, the Astra is priced just a bit higher than some of the comparables, but with endorsements from Motorweek and Autoweek, it seems to be well worth the money.

Air-conditioning is standard on the Ion-3 (add $960 on the Ion-2.) The standard audio system on the Ion-2 is an AM/FM/CD combo with the Ion-3 adding MP3 capability. Options include a six-disc, in-dash changer and XM Satellite Radio.

Safety features include daytime running lamps, battery run-down protection, child-proof locks on the back doors, and front air bags that include dual-stage deployment as well as a sensor to determine the presence of a front passenger. Head-protecting side air bags are also standard, as are the emergency release handle for the trunk, and the steering column that absorbs excess energy. The features of the 2007 Saturn Ion are rounded out by crumple zones in the front and back of the car.

Both are powered by a 2.2 liter four-cylinder engine pushing 145 horsepower, and come standard with a five-speed manual transmission though a four-speed automatic transmission is an option. Estimated fuel economy on the Ion-2 is 26 mpg city, 35 highway with the manual (24/32 with the automatic) and 25/34 for the Ion 3 (24/32 with the automatic.)

Passenger volume on the vehicles is 93 cubic feet with headroom measuring 40 inches front and 37 rear. Leg room is 42.2 and 33.3 respectively. Cargo volume is 14.7 and fuel capacity is 13 gallons.

ION 1 base model was dropped from the lineup, new wheels added a striking new exterior appearance and the ION 3 was available with a new Enhanced Performance Options package that included a 2.4 liter engine that delivered 170 horsepower and a sport tuned suspension.

Recent improvements have substantially improved the overall quality and driving experience associated with the Saturn ION sedan, though the seats are still rather uncomfortable and offer little support. However, the five years/100,000 miles powertrain warranty that was made available as of the 2007 model year ups the anty a bit and the ION is impressive enough, especially in handling sharp curves, and still affordable enough for younger drivers.

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