Faults:

Shifter cable became disconnected at around 90,000 miles. Cost for new cable: $60.

General Comments:

Aside from routine maintenance such as oil changes every 3-4000 miles, a coolant flush at 135,000 miles, and a tune up at 98,000 miles, this car has cost me less than $100 in repairs after putting nearly 120,000 miles on it since 2003.

The clear coat around the door edges is starting to flake off a little, so it may need a paint job someday, but that aside, everything else is still working like new.

Also, I have been in two semi-major accidents in this car since buying it almost 7 years ago (neither was my fault) and both times the car held up very well and I walked away without a scratch. Insurance on this car is also dirt cheap.

I hear that GM may discontinue Saturn. I think that this would be a big mistake, and I will be sad to see them go since almost everyone I know who has owned one agrees that they are some of the best cars that GM has ever made.

Faults:

Vacuum hose blew at 85000 miles. $100 repair.

General Comments:

This car has been VERY reliable. Only $100 in repairs in nearly 75K miles. Amazing.

Car is great for running around town, but vibrates and is uncomfortable for road trips.

Faults:

No unusual repairs needed.

At 240K I replaced the water pump and serpentine belt.

At 305K I replaced the outer and inner tie rod ends on both wheels. No other repairs.

Does lose/burn 1 quart every 1000 miles. Likely caused by worn valve stem seals.

5 Speed tranny shifts very well. (no idea how old the clutch is)

All accessories work except the A/C, but I got the car with 225000 kms so that is OK!

Seats are not comfortable - good for 1 hour drives only.

The SL1 single cam motor is weak - look for the 5 speed tranny to compensate.

General Comments:

I buy cars from the low end of the used car market because there is good value to be found. Generally 5 to 8 yrs old and under $3000 in price. Have owned Camry, Corolla, Escort, and Jetta of this category.

The Saturn SL1 is by far the best performing low budget car out there. Design features such as 1) plastic body panels, 2) steel timing chain and 3) stainless steel exhaust make this the ideal hi mileage long term ownership car. Similar age/mileage cars need these items replaced at a combined cost that exceeds their value. Not so for the SL Saturns.

I still get 30mpg combined mileage. I drive 120 miles round trip 5 days a week with absolute complete reliability. Even better is that Saturn SL cars are seen as "disposable" and do not command high prices as used cars.

I compare this car to the 5000 hour light bulb - too good for the manufacturer to make repeat business on it because the product lasts too long. Too bad GM dropped the best features of the SL in later Saturn designs.

Faults:

35,000; crack in the muffler.

200,000; front wheel bearings.

General Comments:

This car has been the best car that I have ever owned. The only work I have ever had to do to this car is general maintenance.

I have had a couple of service engine codes come up over the years, and was able to fix them without any problems.

I have been looking for a replacement model in case the time comes, but I heard the new Saturns do not have the plastic bodies, and do not get the super gas mileage like my current model.