Saturn SL Midsize | Compact

Saturn SL Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

The Saturn SL is offered as a 4 door sedan with a 1.9-liter, 100 hp 4-in-line or a 1.9-liter, 124 hp 4-in-line, both with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. ABS is optional.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 111-120 of 252  
[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).

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[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 :)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[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

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[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.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
2
[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

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 12, 2001]
Craig
Model Reviewed: SL2

Strength:

Dent resistant
A lot of car for not much price

Weakness:

NOISY NOISY engine!
Rattles everywhere! At times it can drive a person crazy

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

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Mar 09, 2001]
Ben Jokisch
Model Reviewed: SC2

Strength:

Excellent handling, very quick steering response
Engine is torquey for a 4 cylinder, with decent high-end also.
Good brakes, but that's to be expected when slowing down such a light car
Plastic body panels don't dent
Big speedo/tach gauges
Visibility is good
The clutch/shifter is easy to use
Very reliable, for a domestic

Weakness:

Somewhat soft springs/struts
Factory wheel designs are... strange, but not bad
Some rattling/sqeaking from interior parts
Engine noisy, but not bad for a 4 cylinder
Needs more horsepower!

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.
The car could have used stiffer springs and struts from the factory, which would have made it handle lots better, at the sacrifice of ride quality, which I know many people value over handling.
Even though the engine has good power, the HP rating is relatively low at 124hp. With some new technology and a better designed cylinder head, it could easily make 140+.
The interior rattles/squeaks could have all been fixed if they used actual screws instead of fancy retaniner clips and such... and less hard plastic.
And the horsepower - come on Saturn.. you've had the same horsepower rating since 1991! This is mostly due to the fact that they have increased horsepower slighty, but made "improvements" to lessen noise/harshness/emmisions, so it kind of evens out.
If you're looking for a really fun car to drive and don't mind the somewhat cheaply made interior and engine noisyness, then a SC2/SL2 is a good choice. If you like a very quiet car that isolates you from the road, and gives you little feedback, then look elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:

Most compacts I've driven don't compare, but are usually less noisy/harsh.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[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.

I have dealt with several Saturn Dealers in Washington, D.C. area and all were great except the one in Alexandria, VA. The Alexandria dealer is the single worst dealership of any kind I have ever dealt with. Luckily, I have had nothing but good experiences with the other Saturn dealers in the area.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Corolla. Saturn is 100 time better!

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
5
[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
-Sits low to the ground - so it is hard to get in and out of
-Cruise control hasn't worked for a very long time
-Throttle is also a little sticky at times from carbon build up..or so I'm told.
-Tape deck quit a few months ago

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!

Even though I only visit the service department for spark plugs etc., customer service in Saturn dealerships is unparalleled.
You won't find better anywhere.

Similar Products Used:

N/A

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[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
2000 saturn sl1
2000 honda civic ex,dx.lx

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
Showing 111-120 of 252  

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