1997 Saturn SC SC2 1.9L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Quick, nice looking and fuel efficient

Faults:

Just did the clutch which was going since we got the car. We suspect this car has had a lack of professional maintenance before we got it.

Currently she needs an upper motor mount it's cracked.

A small suspension piece in the back is broken.

A tie rod.

A tail light that likes to flap in the breeze.

A timing belt.

Also suspect the Catalytic converter is plugged.

Clear coat on spoiler has started peeling since I got the car. We are going to sand it down and use some store bought clear to fix it.

General Comments:

I find this to be a great car it was quick with a bad clutch and it's unreal with a new one. Really quick little car for a 4cyl and it sounds good with the dual aftermarket exhaust.

We find it to be small as we have a young kid. I also do not find it to be very comfortable. It's a super nice looking car the colour of my car is the black gold metallic which I find is a very difficult colour to keep shiny.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2008

1997 Saturn SC SC2 1.9L from North America

Faults:

I've had two Saturn SCs. The first one was a 1994 SC2 twin cam with a five speed. I bought it from Goodwill for 500. It was ugly and dirty, the interior was trashed, the leather was nonexistent. the sunroof leaked and there was no carpet.

I put a battery, water pump, and a tune-up and I drove that car est 40,000 (the odometer was broken at 146,174) miles problem free. It did burn oil but it had well over 200k on the motor, and it never left me stranded.

I always checked the oil and coolant at least once a week, and only added 1/2 a quart every 600-800 miles.

I drove it like a race car at every red light, and wouldn't shift till 6500 rpms, and it never died and I never changed the oil either.

I now have a 1997 SC with the twin cam motor and I bought this one for $460 with 185k. Now it's got 205k, cold air and runs good. I would buy a Saturn, only a stick and only a twin cam, and I wouldn't pay a lot but run it hard.

General Comments:

They're good little cars, but you have to check the oil and coolant (91-95), and hot wire the fan so they don't run hot, or change to an electric EGR; they will last a lot longer.

The 94 twin cam loves to spike the temp to 3/4, then the fan comes on, then back to 1/4, but if you go to an electric EGR, it fixes that problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2008

1997 Saturn SC SC2 1.8 from North America

Summary:

A great car fun to drive, runs great

Faults:

No real problems except normal wear and tear...

Normal oil changes will keep her running.

General Comments:

I got my Saturn SC2 2nd hand.

I keep up with oil changes, and it runs great in the cold of winter and heat of summer.

All around a fun car to drive, and with gas at almost 4 bucks a gal, I would buy another in a second.

But this one has a lot of miles left in it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th August, 2008

1997 Saturn SC SC1 1.9 Liter from North America

Summary:

I was better off throwing in into a river

Faults:

I bought my '97 red Saturn sc1 in may of 2005.

I bought it with 83,000 miles on it for $5,500.

I already know I was ripped off:

When I bought the car I was told everything about the car was fine, and that their mechanics had done an inspection and everything was fine.

To this day, March 8th, 2008 I have spent $6,640 fixing my car.

...my service engine soon light is on.

Things I have replaced (to list a few) :

-Transmission at 100,000

-Water Pump 100,000

-EGR Valve 120,000

-PCM 120,000

-Rotting muffler 90,000

-Spark plug wires 120,00

-Air conditioner 83,000.

I've done oil changes every 3,000 and tune ups every 5,000as well as the Saturn 30,000 mile service.

My car won't stop breaking, I can't afford a new one so I'm stuck spending money on my saturn. I'm in college... first car...and I'm writing to warn others.

Please stay away. It's a curse.

General Comments:

This car blows.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2008

10th Mar 2008, 13:23

Wow, I think we were really lucky. We had a Saturn SL2 that we drove just over 100,000 miles and traded it in. We never had any expensive problems, but I'm now seeing people with horrendous issues pop up. The new Astra cannot get here soon enough if Saturn wants to save their small-car market share!

29th May 2009, 18:29

I have a 96 SC1 with 114K on it. I haven't had any problems with it except regular maintenance issues. I've probably put $2 grand into it in all these years, not including tires.

Its not the quietest car but that's OK for a sports car. I've had smoother rides but not at this price. My original AC still works. Even the headlights still pop up!

7th Oct 2010, 11:39

You fixed the A/C at 83,000 but that is when you bought it. Buy from a better dealer.

Tranny - $200 for a salvage in good condition.

Water pump - $30 and an easy job.

EGR - $110.

PCM - Salvage part.

Muffler - $20.

Plug wires - $20.

=$6440? Maybe $500 in parts and what $6000 in labor? Buy a DIY book. Seriously. I guess a college degree doesn't cover tasks even a teenager could do.