Faults:

O2 sensors went out after 1 month of owning.

Fuse has blown in the car.

Tail lights don't work properly.

New engine put in 2 years ago.

New fuel pump.

Driver's side window does not roll down.

New A.C. unit.

New tires after I'd owned it for a couple of months.

Motor for windshield wipers replaced.

Windshield wipers do not work properly.

Oil cap stripped.

Ignition locked up.

General Comments:

I bought the car in 2003. I loved it until things started going wrong.

I have owned the car for 7 years now, and it only has a little over 83,000 miles on it. But in the 7 years, I've put over $5,000 into the car.

It is actually in the shop as we speak. My husband went to start the car and the key won't turn in the ignition. We are having it looked at by a locksmith tomorrow, but it's not looking promising. Therefore, we are going to have to order new parts, but at this point I refuse to put any more money into this crappy vehicle.

I was also told that Saturns in general have sticky ignitions, and this is something that will eventually happen again, even with a new part.

Faults:

Timing chain snapped and destroyed the engine.

General Comments:

I bought this car second-hand from a trusted family friend who was 100% on maintenance and two recalls. I added 30K to the 64K he had on it and the timing chain broke. It totally destroyed the engine.

TWO certified mechanics have seen this car, dead in my driveway. To make a long story short, I am selling it for $500 tomorrow. Needs a new engine. I paid $4500 for it 20 months ago... the Blue Book at that time was $5400. I thought it was the best car ever... I really loved it.

Saturn accepts no responsibility... something abut 'some of these were recalled, but not yours." They FREELY admit the fatal design flaw. A used car dealer told me they no longer buy 2000-2003 Saturns because of this.

Saturn has called me twice in response to my accusatory emails. Today the "girl" actually ended the "we are not going to do anything for you" (sic) conversation with "Thank you for purchasing a Saturn. Have a great day!" I kid you not.

This is terrible. I am an AmeriCorps Volunteer, happily serving the country teaching little kids. I have no money for a used car, and certainly no money to have this one fixed. Never in a million years would I have thought it was legal to knowingly let owners drive a vehicle which was guaranteed to self-destruct... and get away with it!!

Faults:

Intermittent starting problems, help!!!

I've been reading up on these message boards and I see I am not alone. My 2000 L200 Saturn has just recently decided that it doesn't want to start sometimes!! Over the past 5 years I've had to have an oxygen sensor, front and back air/fuel sensors, alternator, A/C compressor, and a new radio replaced in this car. Not bad I guess compared to some of the other Saturn horror stories I've read on these boards.

The latest problem is that the car could start 30 times in a row, but sometimes I get in and the car will crank but not start. I have to wait about an hour or so before the car will start again. The "service engine soon" light comes on after one of these episodes, but then goes out.

I took the car to my mechanic with the "SES" light on, and all he got was an unidentified code. Told me the starter, alternator, and battery all check out fine.

Weird, huh? No wonder American made car manufacturers are going bankrupt... crappy, strange, unpredictable and yet unidentifiable PROBLEMS!

I suspect, from pouring through this board and the Internet in general, that my problem stems from the anti-theft module on the ignition switch.

My question: If I don't engage the security or anti-theft when I lock my car, will these pretty much "fix" the problem of the intermittent starting problems?

It's never easy, is it? I hate cars.