Saturn SL Midsize | Compact
Saturn SL Midsize | Compact
[Sep 27, 2001]
Jason Cable
Model Reviewed:
SL2
Strength:
Nice looking car.
Weakness:
Optional accessories. Performance when a/c is on. Well, after almost 2 years and 36K miles... back brakes adjusted ($75), tail light out ($19), front brake pads + rotors ($300+), cracked resonator ($250), broken moon roof ($906), CD intermittently skips, front driver''s window is dying, problems with rear power windows, etc. The moon roof broke from normal wear and tear and is NOT covered under the extended warranty. They say that the power window is "performing under manf. specs.," but that is garbage. It will barely go up or down in the rain. AVOID SATURN CARS AT ALL COSTS. They start dying after the initial warranty and the extended warranty doesn''t cover much of anything. Similar Products Used: 98 Explorer (kickass with V8), 93 Chevy Berretta (solid and stable, better than SATURN). |
[Sep 22, 2001]
Art Cancro
Model Reviewed:
SL-1
Strength:
Excellent value for the money. Reliable. Attractive. Ages well.
Weakness:
Doesn''t handle all that well going up steep hills in the snow. This is a solid, reliable car at a good price. I''ve owned it for four years and it''s only required very minor repairs during that time. And it''s held up well -- some cars tend to loosen up and start feeling cheap after a few years. Not this one. It''s peppy, handles well, is comfortable, and easy to maintain. Similar Products Used: Other cars :) |
[Sep 18, 2001]
Lynn
Model Reviewed:
/SL2
Strength:
NONE
Weakness:
Engine, Belts, Alternator, Car''s computer, Windows I would never recommend a Saturn to even my worst enemy. We had problems since the first year we bought the 1996 SL2 and have had to put $500-$800 worth of repairs EVERY YEAR since we purchased it...that doesn''t include oil changes, etc. (which are normal) We replace belts the firt year, alternator the second, the car''s computer the 3rd, the alternator again the 4th and now the windows in the back don''t roll down, the tape player works when it wants to and the car makes a constant whistle noise. It has been the biggest headache...I am back to a foreign car! Similar Products Used: None |
[Aug 25, 2001]
adl1001
Model Reviewed:
SL1
Strength:
I CAN THINK OF NONE ABSOLUTELY NONE AT ALL.
Weakness:
Well where to start. The engine sucks big time. I have absolutely no pickup and forget about trying to get on the freeway with your airconditioning on. The car comsumes way too much oil and it seems that no one cares. I am never ever going to get another Saturn ever again. Not even if it comes to me free with two miles on it. I am so upset that I listened to some people and was told that this is the best car out there. Different car indeed. The worst car out there is what their add should say. I suggest to anyone looking for a car DO NOT GET A SATURN. I have had trouble with this car since it hit 48,000 miles when the timing chain went out and two gears were scorched. But of course according to Saturn that was all of my fault. And it was $2000.00 to fix. And of course let''s not forget the fact that it goes through way too much oil. So now we are trying to get by on a car that is still not paid for, and everytime we turn around something goes wrong with it. We just put $640.00 into it ot fix the PCV valve and the EGR valve and the EGR solonoid. So in a few words I am so not satisfied with this horrible car. Similar Products Used: Ford Tempo,Oldsmobile Delta 88. |
[Jul 13, 2001]
Nick
Model Reviewed:
SL
Strength:
Low RPM engine, timing chain (good combination), high gas mileage, SS exhaust, simplicity (manual steering), polymer CV boots, and plastic panel
Weakness:
Soft suspension Already passed 12K miles and has no problem. There is absolutely no rattle and consumes 0 engine oil between changes. I watched these items very carefully since some previous reviews talked about. This car (2000 SL) has some advantages many people may not know. First is the simplicity. 2000 SL does not have power steering which was the main reason I bought it. This not only gives you less probability for problem, less power consumption, but also allows you to reach the oil filter from above. I already changed oil 2 times myself (first time was free by dealer) and did not need the ramp at all. Second is the gas mileage, I started with average 45 mpg to now 47 mpg. I believe the main contributor is the low RPM engine, which still gives sufficient torque. My previous 81 Honda Civic had about the same gas mileage but it was a much smaller and lighter car. The low RPM also helps to reduce the noise. If the RPM is under 30K, (21K @ 60mph) this car is very quiet. It is definitely quieter than Corolla. The third is the longer lasting materials. Besides the stainless steel exhaust (Honda Civic does not have), the polymer CV boots last much longer than rubber, the stiffer polymer material may not allow a small turning circle. Everyone knows the plastic body panel and steel timing belt so I do not have to talk about them. Besides low power which is acceptable for its benefits, my main complain is the suspension is too soft. Besides low power which is acceptable for its benefits, my main complain is the soft suspension. Overall, this is a very economical car for the conservative drivers who do the routine maintenance themself. Similar Products Used: 81 Honda Civic, much smaller car with similar gas mileage |
[Jul 12, 2001]
Craig
Model Reviewed:
SL2
Strength:
Dent resistant
Weakness:
NOISY NOISY engine! So far its been a great car. Have over 55K mi on it and no problems. I am not the best at maintaining the vehicle, but it has been great. Plenty of power going up the mountains in CO. It doesn't have the pop of some cars, but it gets the job done. Worst things are the rattles and noisy engine. But, then again we didn't buy a Lexus. We looked in the paper at the time and almost all the used Saturns were the SL1. We sprung for the SL2 and are happy we did. If you look at the other messages, most of the negatives are regarding the SL1. Similar Products Used: None |
[Mar 09, 2001]
Ben Jokisch
Model Reviewed:
SC2
Strength:
Excellent handling, very quick steering response
Weakness:
Somewhat soft springs/struts When someone backed into my front corner, on the side turn marker, I just took the panel off, bent back the metal support bracket, and it was as good as new, other than some very small cracks in the paint. Similar Products Used: Most compacts I've driven don't compare, but are usually less noisy/harsh. |
[Aug 17, 2000]
Brian
Model Reviewed:
, SL2
Strength:
reliable, good gas mileage, larger than other compact cars, does not dent or rust.
Weakness:
Shifting can be clunking at times. Could use more power, but if that is all I wanted I would have bought a sports car. I got every option except leather and fog lights for about $17 to 18k. I would definitely recommend it. Only had two problems. One electric window motor broke while under warranty. The dealer replace it no problem. I had two oxygen sensors go bad within a two month period during an extraordinarily cold and snowy time. Dealer said due to salt on roads. Similar Products Used: Toyota Corolla. Saturn is 100 time better! |
[Aug 19, 2000]
Mark
Model Reviewed:
SL1
Strength:
5-speed 4-dr with 156k currently on the car. I believe I'll get 250k. Reliability is top notch - original clutch, great gas mileage (38-42), very low maintenance 1st set of tires got 93k, brake replacement at 121k.
Weakness:
-Uses about a quart of oil every 2000 miles - but it has for the last 4 years consistently Paid 13k in Sep, 94. Highly recommend the Saturn line in general. Great car for college kids that must commute. Several friends have bought one after seeing the reliability of mine. My wife recently went out a got a new 3-dr. She loves it! Similar Products Used: N/A |
[Feb 09, 2001]
Wayne
Model Reviewed:
SL2
Strength:
love the power with the 5 speed tranny. looks like new after 2 years. great fuel mileage. exellent dealer service.....
Weakness:
maybe some rattles here and there......rough idle to me i think those who have the automatic may think this car has weak power.....very untrue with the manual.. to think they charge more for an automatic is ridiculous Similar Products Used: 2000 chevy silverado |