Faults:

Exactly at 55,000 my belt and tensior broke. Got that fixed. Other than that, I've had no major problems with the vehicle. I have been told that I need an engine flush, because of carbon build up. I'm not sure how much I really need that. But I am asking for other opinions.

General Comments:

I love my Saturn.

Faults:

Starter (190,000 miles)

Water pump (187,000 miles)

Radiator (182,000 miles)

General Comments:

I purchased this car because the previous owner had a log book that showed all the maintenance and parts that had been replaced since the car was new. The parts that I have since replaced were the ORIGINAL parts put on at the assembly line.

This vehicle has been the most reliable car I have ever owned (My Neon the the next best at 160,000 miles before it was totaled). This car has no rattles, thumps or any other strange noises.

The interior still looks new (save the headliner) and under the hood stays clean (no leaks).

The handling is tight, and the performance is exceptional for 233,000 miles.

Mileage is in the 32-33 mpg range.

I do all my own mechanical work and am constantly amazed at how easy this car is to work on.

All this and I only paid $2,000 for this Saturn!

Faults:

No major problems, I ran the car hard and just did basic maintenance like oil changes. I did have to replace the O2 sensor at about the 9 year mark, and I put in a new battery after 11 years.

General Comments:

I bought my 97 Saturn SL1 in Orlando, FL in Sept. 1996 and moved to NY and then to Seattle.

This car has been very reliable. I put on 168,000 miles in 12 years and I planned to drive it for another ten years.

However, I recently got rear ended and realized just how safe the vehicle really is. I am extremely impressed!! I stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk and got plowed into by a driver going 35mph (by their admission, probably faster). My foot came off the brake and yet I "slid" about 150-200ft. My head was immediately pinned to the head rest, which in the bucket seats of the SL1 are considerably high, designed for this very reason I assume. Also my seat back broke and I collapsed into the back seat, thankfully no passenger was behind me. I don't know if the seat back is supposed to break like that, but I am certain that it helped absorb the energy and prevented me from being thrown into the steering wheel after the initial blow. Slightly dazed I was able to sit up and get out of the car under my own power. Other drivers stopped and I could tell by the look of shock on their faces that they were amazed I was able to function. I ended up getting my back and neck x-rayed and due to the head rest my spine was still aligned and there were no signs of whiplash.

The next morning I looked at my car, and the back bumper was completely folded under and actually pinned the rear wheels from moving, explaining how I "slid" without my foot on the brake. I am purchasing another SL1 as soon as I get the insurance money.

Faults:

Besides regular maintenance, the only repairs I have put into it is a water pump shortly after the warranty expired, a starter, and a temperature sensor.

I have never even had to replace a strut or CV boot, so I am just amazed with that.

General Comments:

I love my 1997 Saturn SL2. I get 50/mpg on the highway.

It is an excellent car, drives great, I just love to get out on the highway and drive it.

All round reliable car, and I'm sure I will get another enjoyable 100000kms out of it.