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.