Hi to everyone. Just got my 08 XE AWD a couple days ago. I am wondering the same thing about AWD. First off, is the AWD full time? Some said yes, others no.
Here is what the AOL Auto (among a few others) said about it (under "Driving Impression"):
"...the AWD system drives 60 percent of the power to the front wheels and 40 percent to the rear on dry pavement, and adjusts that ratio when the sensors detect slipping. That 60-40 split is more balanced than most; some systems are heavily balanced to the front, as much as 95-5."
So they say it is a full time system with 60/40 power split.
http://autos.aol.com/cars-Saturn-OUTLOOK-2008/expert-review
And this from autoweeks.com
"...The optional full-time awd system splits torque 60 percent to the front and 40 percent to the rear on dry pavement and adjusts when it detects slipping. "
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061211/FREE/61204011&Profile=1024
However, this is what the USNews said (under "All-wheel drive"):
"...drivers should be warned that the Outlook is not a genuine AWD vehicle.As the Chicago Tribune explains, it "operates in front-wheel-drive until wheel slippage is detected and then the anti-lock brakes are applied to supply needed traction or the engine reduces power to keep the vehicle from slip, sliding away."
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2008-Saturn-Outlook/Performance/
I went onto Saturn's website and live-chatted with a rep, she said that the USNew's was correct. The AWD Outlook is a FWD until slippage occurs. Well, if that's true, how could the AWD help cornering like Peter Nico suggested? It has to be a full time on dry pavement in order to help a hard cornering, no?
To say the least, I am confused.