Saturn SW

Summary:
I love this car! It's $17,000-20,000 off the show room floor and used models are hard to find, but I would buy one in a heartbeat as a second car.

Strengths:
Roomy interior
CD player
Rear hatch for easy loading of groceries, etc.
Great family vehicle.
Dent resistant doors!!!
Safe in an accident!

Weaknesses:
None that I can recall. I drove it for 30 days plus. As bad luck would have it, I was side swiped while driving a rented Saturn SW2 and the damage to the car and myself (3 months pregnant at the time) were minute. I literally walked away from the accident ant didn't even require medical assistance and the other vehicle, a Ford Escort, was damaged excessively. When it was all over, I was able to drive the SW2 back to the Rental Agency and all the damage to the car was purely cosmetic.

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Price Paid:  $14955.00 from Saturn of Jackson, T

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 SW2

Summary:
We purchased the car last month due to a faulty head gasket problem in a 1994 Ford Taurus 3.8L V6 engine that was draining us dry. So far, so good; the dealership was very good at negotiating a trade-in that we were very happy with, even though they did not haggle the price of the car. The car was a return (original owner wanted the bigger L-series wagon), then was a demo car for the salespeople.

Strengths:
Great gas mileage; tight handling; good brakes (so far); good safety belts - like the adjustable shoulder belt thing; daytime running headlamps; had few miles on it when purchased (13,000); nice audio system (even though we are not pro audio buffs);

Weaknesses:
Driver''s side door has a small leak at the very top - wind noise and occasional rain gets in; noisy ride - wind noise, mostly; downshift is a little rough/jumpy; not quite enough rear cargo area, and we miss the third seat of the Ford Taurus wagons

Similar Products Used:
Ford Taurus wagons - 1989, 1993, 1994; Subaru GL sedan - 1983

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 SW2

Summary:
21k before using GM Visa points ($Cdn). The only reason I went Saturn is because in Canada we can use GM Visa points to purchase any Saturn. I ended up saving 3k $Cdn by using my GM earnings.Next time I'd just get an SL2 becuase I don't think the wagon is worth a 1.5k premium over the sedan.

Strengths:
Polymer side panels, great fuel economy, new interior HVAC rotary controls, decent stereo, lots of power compared to the "1" series SOHC engines, easy to do own oil changes, very easy to do own automatic transmission fluid and filter changes, comfortable seats

Weaknesses:
A bit overpriced, high parts prices from dealers, stock Firestone tires aren't the greatest for handling, whiny automatic transmission, too low seating makes it hard to get in and out of car, smaller than expected rear cargo area

Similar Products Used:
Ford Escort wagon has much less power, more cargo room, higher seating and better visibility

Price Paid:  $16000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 SW2

Summary:
Recommended. This wagon carries a lot of stuff, delivers good power for a small car at reasonable economy, and is fairly comfortable. I wanted the SW2 with a 5 speed manual for the better performance, and the SW2 doesn't disappoint in this area. It is good on the highway. Handling is good, except in winter when the high torque from the DOHC engine and the light weight in the rear can cause the car to require a careful hand on the wheel. The wiper stalk is crowded, leaving the rear gate wiper control in a bad position close to the steering column. Overall this is a good car with good dealer service. It is, however, not up to Toyota or Honda quality levels. If is, perhaps, the best small domestic car.

Strengths:
Domestic wagon that can compare to imports, great cargo capacity, comfortable, decent power from DOHC 1.9L L4, 1999+ L4 more refined than prior years, good 5-speed manual, plastic body panels.

Weaknesses:
Fit and finish a little squeaky, MPG varies greatly between city and hwy, tailgate latch bulge protrutes low enough to bang head on, and plastic panels do not isolate road noise well.

Similar Products Used:
Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Escort wagon

Price Paid:  $13000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1998 SW1

Summary:
For an economy wagon to drive year round in New England, the SW1 is nearly perfect. Sure, it has it's problems (like acceleration), but I don't feel like spending the extra $10,000-plus on another car just for better fitting panels and a stronger engine. Besides, it IS strong enough that it barely notices any hill under an 8% grade...

This is my second Sx-1 vehicle, and I have yet to experience any problems aside from normal wear. Even on the coldest winter morning, it starts on the first try.

If you're in a place where you need a good four-season car but don't want to spend $30,000 or more on a Subaru, look no further. However, I would NOT recommend this car to anybody who doesn't have twisty/hilly roads as it's iffy acceleration on level ground will become a liability.

Strengths:
Ergonomics; Reliability; Fuel economy; Handling, especially in poor weather; broad powerband

Weaknesses:
Underpowered; body/trim fit; wind/road/engine noise

Similar Products Used:
None