Saturn has continued its self-reinvention project by introducing its largest and most expensive model ever, the dandy Outlook sport utility vehicle. This thing is well-designed and runs like a dream -- a big win for Saturn.

Photo by Saturn (ENLARGE)

Saturn Outlook

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ABOUT THE SATURN OUTLOOK:

Body style: SUV

Trim lines: XE, XR

Price: Starting at around $27,255; tester was $43,064

Drive: Front-wheel or all-wheel

Seating: Two in front, two or three in middle, three in rear

Engine: 3.6-liter V-6

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Miles per gallon of fuel: 18 city, 26 highway on front-wheel drive, 17/24 on all-wheel

WHAT'S SPECIAL: The meticulousness of the design of this vehicle, inside and out, is remarkable. The Outlook seems to get every little detail right. From its distinctive Saturn grille to its formidable but not overbearing design lines, you can be proud showing off an Outlook in your driveway.

WHAT WE LIKE: The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is sweet, kicking out about 275 horsepower and 251 pounds-feet of torque. The Outlook reportedly can hit 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, so it's a lot more fun to get out and scoot around in than most SUVs of this size.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: The transmission is pretty efficient but is not always the smoothest-shifting thing around. Still, the six-speed automatic system developed by General Motors and Ford gets the job done.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: The Outlook shares a platform with two other new GM SUVs, the GMC Acadia and the coming Buick Enclave. Saturn officials are eager to point out that the Outlook is no crossover (an SUV built on a car platform) because its platform was especially developed for SUVs. Saturn officials say they were taking aim at competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in the creation of the Outlook.

EXTRAS: The Outlook has a capacity for seven or eight passengers, depending on if you chose a 60/40-split second-row bench that holds three or two second-row captain's chairs. The 60/40-split third-row bench seat has room for three. Seating in all rows is quite comfortable. The second-row seats allow easy access to the third row by having cushions that flip up while the seat back slides forward.

AND ANOTHER THING: The Outlook and other new models aim to make Saturn a force again. The Aura sedan, Sky roadster and a new Vue small SUV may do the trick.