1. Plastic side panels. I have seen people hit the side panel with car doors and the impact did not leave a scratch. 2. Paint still looks great. 3. OK gas mileage

1. bad suspension - rough ride. 2. loud engine and road noise. 3. my car has 80,000 miles and the following problems: a.)shifter cable replaced b.)two rad. fans replaced c.) alternator replaced d.)engine constantly overheats e.)dirnks a quart of oil for every 2,000 miles.

This car is not as good as everybody thinks. I have been told by two different cert. mechanics that this car is a low end GM product. I just received a recall letter about a defective engine part that may crack and leak oil into the radiator. Don't beleive the hype. GM has marketed this car brilliantly. I just sold my Saturn and could only get half of Kelly Blue Book value. The best marketing tool is the internet and people are starting to learn about the farce that is Saturn.

Similar Products Used:

1. Toyota Corrola 2. Honda Civic

Ding-resistant plastic door panels

The dealer has not been helpful - saying that a blown head gasket at 57,000 miles is not uncommon (well for Saturns maybe!) and that the piston ring problem has nothing to do with the head gasket that was replaced the week earlier (along with a pointless 60,000 mile tune-up!). Other repairs I've made over the years:

Yes, that's six alternators total
Electrical problem that killed the power windows and sunroof
Very leaky sunroof - repaired twice (and I'll never get rid of that smell)
Spark plug wires replaced twice
Broken driver's side seat belt

I've been stranded on the side of the road 8 times in this car, a car with only 58,000 miles on it. My 92 SL2 is a total lemon - six alternators, a blown head gasket, and now it's burning 2 quarts of oil a week and needs the engine torn apart and the piston rings replaced (a $2000 job that is not even worth doing on this hunk of junk).

Similar Products Used:

toyota Corolla - I'm never buying American again.

Very sporty-looking. Mine was champagne gold with all of the accessories, except the automatic transmission (a blessing considering the poor reputation and power loss with the automatic). I bought it used with only 26,000 miles on it, and it ran well and cost little to maintain until I hit 50,000 (see remarks below)...

Very small trunk. Uncomfortable seating, especially in the back seats, for long trips. Had domino effect of things going wrong when I hit 50,000 miles. First, the alternator, then the alternator again, then the water pump, then the brake calipers, then the air conditioner compressor, then, finally, the clutch and engine mounts (the mounts are almost guaranteed to fail anytime from 50k to 80k, says my mechanic). To all of you lucky saps who have 80k+ on this car: your day is coming when the car becomes a mechanic's dream and a cash cow for you. Trade before you get to 80k and its value dips too low.

The car is not very powerful, which is not an issue with me because I do not speed or weave in and out of heavy traffic (I want to live a long life!). I really enjoyed the car at first, until our first long trip in it unmasked its lack of comfort. Then, all of the mechanical problems began and I could not trust it anymore just going to work and back, and I could not afford the continual repairs. It has poor fuel economy for a 4-cylinder, and the brakes are not all that responsive, even after replacing caliper and pads. Parts and repairs are very expensive for a domestic car, and don't even think of doing your own. Body integrity was a positive, but needed some (any!) sound insulation; just driving down side streets drowned out my stereo, unless it was cranked. It really likes oil, too.
I do not recommend this car for long-term ownership. However, when I traded it in with 79k miles for a '99 Mazda Protege, I got the full market value for it, despite clutch problems. I can only assume that the car retains much of its value.

Similar Products Used:

Prior to owning this, I had a '90 Subaru which I put over 125k miles on, and was very easy to do my own repairs. The Saturn, despite Consumer Reports' love affair with it (the reason I bought the car), does not even compare to my long, gone Subaru.

Like the enrgizer bunny, it keeps going and going and going. I have 163,000 miles on it, and no major repairs yet. Knock, knock, knock. Has been extremely reliable. I take it for cross state drives pretty regularly, and accross country a couple times, without any problems.

Someone broke into the car and stole the ashtray, lighter, and glasses. Left everything else, including the contents of a full trunk. They cracked the windshield for some reason(too big to patch) - savages. The biggest weakness I have found is that the custom Saturn replacements parts (windshield) are extremely high priced. The windshield will run over $500 for replacement. That is why it has stayed cracked for the last 2 years. Now that a crack is on my side of the window I have to get it fixed.
Sits too low to the ground
Lets the water run in when you open the door
Overabundance of rattling plastic interior parts
Uses oil - although consistently
Pick-up, very little gusto there

I definately reccommend a Saturn to anyone who wants a reliable car. It will get you from A to B with some style and comfort, but will not break any records getting there. DO NOT buy a Saturn from Ricart ford!!! Go to the Saturn dealer. Get one priced at Ricart (DON'T BUY) and take the quote to Saturn so they can laugh with you as they cut their new found friend (you)a deal! If only I had done that, ohh the headaches and wallet aches. You will thank yourself later. Oh, and stay away from the savages - they will cost you as much as the Ricart rip offs.

Similar Products Used:

None in the year range to compare it to.

Very comfortable - Car exterior has the same shine and gleem since '92 - Great highway ride - Great city ride - Inexpensive parts if you actually look - Service departments were hands down the best and most friendly -

Ok power isn't the greatest but then it's a family car.
Yes things go bad on saturns. ( i.e. alternator, brake rotors )
and yes they burn oil. (kinda alot too)
Turning radius not so good.

I would recommend a Saturn to someone who wants a nice inexpensive car and a huge family of owners and auto workers for support. The people at the dealerships in service or sales can be some of the coolest folks you could meet. But remember it is a dealership so there are still some "SALESMEN" in the mix who are just there to sell. I love this car. Saturn is definetly "a different kind of car company".

- If you're in the D.C. area give Saturn of Gaithersburg a call. My sales person spent 4 hours with us.
- I now live in the Frederick area and John in parts is great and the service team top notch.
- One thing everone needs to know is that it is a dealership and they are there to make money. Whenever I felt stung about price the team in service showed me the problems first hand when asked. I even talked to techs about my problems.

Similar Products Used:

'98 Jeep wrangler (now this has got an amazing turning radius)
'97 Ford Ranger
'86 Handa CRX (my first car)
'01 Cougar (!!!WOW!!!)
'94 Saturn SL1 (if concened about timing chain problems listed in other reviews get an SL1 or SL)

Well, I just bought this car today, have had no real experience with it. (Was sort of forced to buy it as my other car ('77 Pacer) was giving me constant starting problems). Not really my sort of car, but I HAD to have a somewhat more reliable car before Monday, so this is what I could find after scouring the car lots. (Actually this car was my second choice, my first choice was a '93 Volvo 960, but the dealer reniged on the price he had quoted for me.) So far the strengths of the car are much better milage than my Pacer, much more dependable than my Pacer.

Seats are uncomfortable as hell! If you're a big guy like me (5'10" 250) I would try to find something with wider seats. Stereo is really tinny, I'm going to replace the stock stereo with the Aiwa MP3 deck off my Pacer anyhow, so this is not an issue really (unless the speakers are the weak link...) No one will notice your car AT ALL, definately not a chick magnet! EVERYONE noticed my Pacer. Controls are laid out VERY strangely. Dashboard looks extremely cheap (I give it a year before it cracks like everyone else's..)

Well, most of my details about the car are listed above. Not much more to be said, however as you can see from some of my previous cars, this car is really not what I was looking for. I suspect the car is worth the money I paid for it, but not much more... If you're looking for flash, look elsewhere...

Similar Products Used:

Well, lets compare it to some cars I once had...

My old '77 Pacer, not as noisy as the Saturn, better pickup, somewhat more comfortable. '77 Mercedes 450SEL - If it wasn't for the fact that a bunch of small stuff (windows, p/antenna, AC) stopped working on this car due to age I would still have it, Saturn does have it beat on MPG. '79 Volvo 242 GT - I was such an idiot for selling this car, best car I ever owned! '90 Geo Tracker - So far the Saturn beats this hands down, what a piece of crap toy SUV! '72 VW Karmann Ghia - Ghia was more fun to drive and had way, way positive chick magnatism, had massive rust problems though. '88 Dodge Omni - This Saturn is the modern day equivalent of this car, cheap, fairly reliable, good milage, etc. The Dodge lasted me about 3 years (sort of a record for me as I tire of cars and get rid of them quickly.)

1) Basic reliability of suspension and drive train is OK. In other words, it hasn't blown up in my face leaving me stranded. That's the best I can say for it.
2) Interior of good quality EXCEPT the dash which has a big crack down the middle of it. This car really is not sun faded so no telling why the dash cracked. Just looks like brittle plastic.
2) Plastic doors are great protection from shopping cart dings, etc.

1)Eats alternators. I've replaced 2 in 65,000 miles. I've never replaced one on any other car I've owned in 23 years of driving.
2) Drinks oil. Just started at 50k miles, but it guzzles it now.
3) Needed timing belt replacement at 30K miles. I expect if to start going again at any time.
4) LOUD. I can hear the road noise like I'm driving with the door open.
5) Did I mention the dash is cracked? Bothers me every time I get in.
6) Already had to replace the catalytic converter. Note that if this happens within a certain time period, some states have laws that say it must be replaced for free by the manufacturer even if otherwise out of warranty. I got mine replaced for free outside of warranty. They tried to fight me, but the Meineke repair guy who alerted me to the requirement (nice guy, I was going to pay him to fix it since it was out of warranty) gave me the statute #, and only after me producing this did Saturn back down.

I felt like I was sold a prototype vehice. Looking at later reviews, I realize all the proble3ms are typical Detroit USA: either bad initial design, or poor execution at assembly or incompetence at time of repair.

I'm avoiding anything that's been designed or even manufactured by Americans until I have solid proof that their ways have changed. I want a Japanese car that was designed in Japan and built by Japanese. You don,t get as many toys and trinkets, but they last. The Japanese are at least smart enough to be embarrased when they screw the customer. Detroit has no such baggage.

Too bad, I'd much rather by a US product if given a choice.

Avoid all Saturn products, period.

Similar Products Used:

Ford ranger 4x4 - saturn couldn't touch it
Lexus ES300 - need I say more?
Honda Civic - what a great little car. Saturn doesn't hold a candle.
Dodge coronet - That's back when owning an American car was a good thing. Those days are over.

1. Dependability
2. Low cost of ownership
3. Retailer Service above all but Lexus standards
4. Polimer panels ward off dings to the closest new VW Jetta

1. Mediocore handling due to only one anti roll bar on base models
2. Wind noise exhibited around windows
3. Uncomfortable seats on long trips

Overall my experience with my 1998 Saturn SL has been very nice, it has proved to be a great car, and my dealer has been excellent so far. It's almost ashame to trade it in but I intend to aquire a 2001 Saturn SL1 or SL2 in march-may.

People who would be most satisfied with a Saturn SL/SL1 are those seeking safety, of which the Saturn scored the highest rating possible at 5 stars for driver and passenger- www.nhtsa.com
Also great if your seeking a great dealer experience and enjoy low maintenance costs
If you seeking more punch and better Handling, a Saturn SL2 or the new midsize L Series is definitly the way to go.

Similar Products Used:

My 1998 Saturn is yards above my 1987 Nissan Sentra in terms of power and dependability. It is better then my 1994 Toyota Celica in terms of reliability, but worse in terms of power.

The car is a real blast to drive. Even with an automatic it's really quick. For most others this is a criticism of the SL, but I love the sound the engine makes. I also think it's the best looking, most distinctive small car on the road today. With ABS and traction control, this car gives me piece of mind. In addition, the service provided by the dealer has been nothing short of spectacular.

The fit and finish/build quality on this car is pretty poor. That's really about all.

In the grand scheme of things, I'm glad I purchased a Saturn. I think the car still represents a strong value in its segment, provided you don't load it up with every single option, then it gets pricey. But you can get a decently equipped SL1 for around $15K and you not only get a good car but the great service that made Saturn famous.

The only major disappointment for me is the shoddy build quality of the car. I've had to take the car back for several problems like a non functioning sunroof sunshade, as well as a stuck fuel filler door. But in spite of these problems, the dealer has been great about getting these issues resolved in a timely and friendly manner.

But I will always maintain that there's nothing in the world quite like getting in my Saturn on a warm day, popping open the sunroof, sliding a CD into the excellent stereo and going for a drive. It's things like this and the fact that the dealer stands behind its product 100% that I fell Saturn should at least be on a car shopper's list.

Similar Products Used:

While the service is stellar, the car is fast becomming uncompetitve in its market. If they could improve on the build quality, they could easily stay in line with Honda and Toyota.

Seats are more comfortable than they were in the 1998 SL1.
Better cup holders, and middle console. Improved glove compartment. Tinted windows. Very nice looking and comfortable to sit in.

My car's engine died with only 727 kms on it (that's equal to 454 miles).
I've had it LESS than 2 weeks.
Also, I had noticed a bit of sluggishness with it earlier. Possibly related to the same problem, because it is as if the car is out of gas, only it's got over 1/2 tank.

My 1998 SL1 had a defective fuel solenoid cylinder, which would cause the car to have difficulty starting after adding gas to the tank. That was fixed under warranty (although I had to ask at THREE different Saturn dealerships before I found one that could tell me what the problem was).
Other than that, the '98 was completely reliable.

While I haven't had the 2001 long, I'm not at all impressed. It seems as though, once again, there is some kind of manufacturing defect with the fuel system. Hopefully, it's something that can be fixed. But I'm seriously considering using my 30-day / 2500 km return option, because at only 727 KMs, it is just plain pathetic that the car is already experiencing problems.

Similar Products Used:

Last car was a 1998 SL1. It's very similar. I like the interior design of the car better (seats look the same, but are noticeably more comfortable.
The performance and reliability of the 1998 model was far superior.