Faults:

Replaced alternator at 50,000 and 150,000 miles.

New engine timing chain at 130,000 miles.

Replaced clutch at 175,000 miles.

New rebuilt starter at 205,000 miles.

Air conditioner stopped working at 190,000 miles, and haven't bothered to fix it as we live in a cool climate.

New battery at 75,000 and 180,000 miles.

New left front wheel bearing at 145,000 miles.

New brake pads on front two or three times, but don't recall the mileage.

General Comments:

Bought the SL2 new in 1992 with the 5-speed and now have 215,000 miles on it.

Put a rebuilt engine in at 205,000 that was bought from Saturn, and exchanged with old one.

Car has a wide wheelbase, low to the ground, good weight distribution, nicely shifting transmission, and peppy engine. It is a very nice car to drive, handles very well, and everyone likes to drive it, even in its advanced years.

Still looks nice inside and out.

Fuel economy is 30 miles per gallon on a tankful.

The car has had good reliability, and has been relatively inexpensive to drive. The plastic body and double overhead cam engine in this car are strong points. The free-revving engine provides excellent power. The plastic body has avoided numerous dents and dings, and still looks very nice in its old age.

The exhaust system is stainless steel and still works well. The car didn't pass the last emission test before the engine change out due to oil burning, which fouled the catalytic converter. After putting the rebuilt engine in, though, the original catalytic converter cleaned itself up after 2,000 miles, and the car passed its latest emissions test with flying colors.

The alternator location is a bit of a weak point, as it's behind the engine in a spot that doesn't get enough cooling in my opinion. I've put in two new alternators in the time that I've had the car.

Faults:

The oil was leaking into the anti freeze, but there's no water in the oil.

General Comments:

Great work car; saves on gas a lot.

Faults:

Burns oil at an ungodly rate (two quarts every 250 miles, which is every fill-up).

Sub-frame rusted and broke away, and had to be welded with a patch piece.

Windshield wipers seized in rain storm.

The belt tensioner seized, and the water pump shattered and sent ball bearings across the engine compartment.

Rust in rear door sills and rockers beneath the plastic rocker cover.

General Comments:

Love how the car looks, handles, rides and shifts. Peppy in spite of excessive oil burn.

Very easy to get used parts for. Gets around 30 mpg.

Paint shines well on the plastic panels.

I have gone through it and eliminated most of the rattles and buzzes.

These cars all burn oil and rust out below the plastic panels (which traps road salt) in the northern snow states.

Despite excessive oil burning and the Saturn 1.9's reputation, I would consider dropping a new motor in it because I like the car.

Mine is actually in good condition. I wish I could have it reconditioned to new for a reasonable cost.

Faults:

Had to replace motor due to timing chain snapping, it caused other problems with original motor. Used under 90,000 miles motor for about 775.00 after shipping and about $900 more for a mechanic to install it.

Upper part of drivers side seat broken at what looks like was only spot welded.

General Comments:

Otherwise it is a good first car and needs to be taken care of.

It has decent handling.

Also it is decent on gas with the current prices.

Faults:

I now think I have wheel bearings out. When I get it on the free way it shakes a little to the right and sometimes its worse. I took it to a mechanic to get alignment, and he said I need new wheel bearings. which would cost $ 800.00.

The car does not make any noise when you turn.

I also think my fuse for seat belts are out, I will have to check.

Also my gages keep going back and froth. I got plenty of oil and sometimes it goes into the red. I also have the cool control keeps going up and down, my gas gage is okay.

General Comments:

I have been taking care of my car I baby it. Oil change every 3000 miles and transmission chage, every year nice and clean. then also radiator fluid 2 x s a year.

I have put over 120,000 miles got get gas mileage, and its has been everywhere and has NEVER left me in the cold broke down. I have really enjoyed my saturn, and I will keep in in shape. It is very comfortable to ride in.

It has been a worth wild car.