Faults:

The water pump went out at 95000. Easy fix with parts from Auto Zone. It was the original that blew, so I guess I can't fault it.

Thermostat relay wasn't kicking in when the engine temperature was above 3/4 of the temp gauge. It was supposed to turn on the engine fan, but wasn't. Replaced the thermostat which fixed the problem.

Had a faulty oxygen temperature sensor which caused a headache around 120000. It didn't turn on the check engine light. Every time I started the engine, it would send too much fuel and flood the engine. It was really a simple fix, but was hard to find.

Leaky drivers side door.

A-frame trim tabs broke off, but held up nicely when I applied a little J-B weld.

Replaced brakes at 130000. Normal maintenance.

General Comments:

I changed the oil every 3000 miles and kept the car in good maintenance. The engine compartment is large and easy to work in. The 1.9L engine is somewhat underpowered when the A/C is on, but that's what you get with this little car. It was great on gas and was a fantastic first car. Took corners very well. When I sold it at 135000, muffler needed replacement along with the clutch. The problems above were pretty minor or expected due to the age of the parts. The seats were comfortable and had really good lateral support, even for me (6'3"). Don't expect to set any land speed records or win any autoshow contests with it, but for a solid ride which will always get you there and start without fail in northern illinois winters, this is it.

Faults:

Total engine replacement at 48500 due to a timing chain shatter, costing about $700.

Front rotors replaced at 60000, costing $70.

Now at 65000 it needs a new motor mount and a new serpentine belt, which I am planning to replace myself, saving about $150.

General Comments:

This car was my grandparents and then they traded my parents it for our 97 wagon, and I got the 94 to take to college. Below are some of my general thoughts on the car.

I was unsatisfied with the basic appearance, so I tinted the windows, put a spoiler from an Sl2 on the back, got new wheels, headlight covers, and installed fog lights. The difference was outstanding. For the first time I was actually proud to have the Saturn. I have to say, dressed up, it looks pretty intimidating. The motor still troubles me with just the 85 sad horsepower, especially coming from the 200hp Cadillac Seville I had.

The car corners decently for the small tire size.

The car has lousy acceleration and passing power.

It gets decent (ave. 30 miles per gallon) gas mileage, compared to my Caddy.

Reasonably comfortable, but not that great.

Interior has a cheap, plastic look.

A lot of road noise, especially on the interstate.

Struggles to stay at 80 MPH with the air conditioning on.

Brakes work well, bringing me to a stop in no time.

Handles very well in the snow.

Good for two people, but four is cramped.

Overall a very good car for a college student.

Faults:

A lot of things have gone wrong with this car: gaskets, alternator, it never stays aligned, it leaks oil, it leaks transmission fluid, and it's just not a very comfortable car.

General Comments:

The handling of this car is actually great. It corners very well, and the acceleration is surprisingly quick for such a cheap car. It still performs like it was brand new (I bought it from my mom who purchased it new). The upkeep is a lot, but with routine maintenance, it can last a long time.

These cars also have a lot of upgrade potential.