2001 Saturn SC SC1 4 cylinder. from North America

Summary:

Great service at dealer, not a bad car overall

Faults:

About 20,000 miles, the security system went ballistic-trunk popping open down the road, horn honking by itself, lights flashing, etc. Dealer replaced (under warranty).

Front rotors are in constant need of repair/replace. Have had car in shop 3-4 times to have re-cut/replaced rotors. Unfortunately, this is not under warranty, but should be.

General Comments:

I love my Saturn, but it's definitely not a practical family car.

The seats in front are uncomforatable, but not half as uncomfortable as the back seats which have next to no leg room.

On the brighter side, it has 7 cupholders.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2003

8th Mar 2005, 16:48

My 2000 SL2 has 217,000 and gets 39 to 40 MPG on the highway! I drove from Michigan to Florida and back and it took 77 gallons to go 3,000 miles round trip (filled up 9 times, several of which at 1/4 tank). That included stop and go driving to and from Daytona Speedway for the Daytona 500 race.

I've easily gotten over 400 highway miles on a tank of gas with my SL2 (same engine as the SC2). I've gotten 425 miles several times before the "low gas" light comes on with 1.5 gallons left. I believe low gas light is designed to come on with 1.5 gallons left, which it does. If I fill up just after the light comes on, I fill up with 10.5 gallons.

I would not recommend making it a habit to run the tank near empty. Crap that collects in the tank and clog the fuel filter. Also, I'm told it's not good for the injectors to run the tank empty. They don't like to suck air. Might wear out the fuel pump too. Overall the best car I've ever had.

I am going to test drive a 2002 SC2 that's loaded with leather and sunroof. I hope I get financing that day and can drive it home the same day.

Saturns rule!

2001 Saturn SC -2 1.9 DOHC from North America

Summary:

3-Door Coupe

Faults:

Sunroof has locked into place, dealer has no idea why, unlocks after a few hours.

Power window switch will not run the drivers door toll window.

Clutch needs to be replaced, I think that's due to my wife.

Front rotors need to be replaced.

Exhaust muffler has rusted, the pipe looks new, but the muffler looks like it came off a '55 chevy.

The head gasket was replaced at 30000.

Front end is out of balance.

General Comments:

Overall the Saturn team did a good job on this car, I am not pleased about a 4cyl. when a 6cyl was used in another model. They should have put that motor in the "sports model"

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

Review Date: 28th August, 2003

4th Sep 2004, 20:47

Saturn didn't come out with a V6 till 2002 in th ION models. So do some research and teach your wife to drive a 5 speed right before complaining??

In reply to 4th Sep 2004, 20:47

12th Aug 2005, 01:12

Ion's have never came with a V6 EVER.

Maybe the L-Series, but not the Ions!

And it's not their fault their wife might have caused them to get a new clutch; a car usually gets a new clutch once in a life time??

10th Aug 2006, 12:19

One word WOW, Saturn defintly didn't have a V-6 Until the production of the L-Series and the Vue, these are the only two cars that use the V-6 engine. The Ion and the S-Series were compact cars they didn't need a V-6. Infact the L-Series even comes in a 4 cylinder with the V-6 as an option.

2001 Saturn SC SC2 1.9 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Pretty good car for the money

Faults:

When I picked up the car, it wobbled on the highway. Saturn replaced a wheel, claiming it was out of round. This improved the ride, but there is still a small wobble on the highway.

Around 5000 miles, my car saw it's first downpour. Immediately after going through some small puddles, the transmission began causing problems. It seemed like the traction control was limiting my RPM's, even though I was not losing traction. The dealership had no clue what caused it and it went away after a few hours. Hasn't happened since.

The brake rotors became warped around 10,000 miles. I have taken it in to be looked at, but they haven't agreed to pay for it yet. They claim it is worn from normal use.

General Comments:

The car rides pretty well. The suspension needs to be tighter for a car that claims to be "sporty". Acceleration is lacking a bit also, and I think the manual would have been a better choice.

I would like to speed up the car, but several thousand dollars leaves the car below 150 horsepower. Not worth the money.

The seating is a slight problem. Don't plan on letting any grown individual sit in the back seat. I am of average height and I have to move the seat forward for my five year old nephew to fit in the back.

The third door is handy, but not usable when a car parks near the door. It swings opposite the front door, and is hard to get the door around you when near other objects.

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

Review Date: 20th June, 2002

14th May 2003, 00:12

Warped Rotors! Did you have the tires rotated? If so, did they use an air-wrench to put the lug nut back on the wheel. This is a common problem in warping the rotors - especially new rotors! Make your tire mechanics use your spare tire wrench to tighten lug nuts instead of an air-wrench and you most likely will never again have a warped rotor.

12th Jul 2003, 23:04

Yes, you should have bought the manual. I have driven a 2002 automatic and my 95' has way more kick. My car also has way more kick than a 2000 Z24 which I test drove. They have horrible acceleration, especially for a stick. Another thing, on those rotors, make sure you brake slowly and gradually; I see way too many people fly toward red lights and then slam on their brakes. Warpage is mainly caused by excess heat.

19th Aug 2004, 17:03

I have been driving for 33 years and was just blamed for my brake rotors being warped at 28,000 miles. It was at the Saturn dealership where I have religiously serviced my 2001 SL1. I am no longer confident that they are doing a good job. I read on-line that it could have been caused by them when they rotated the tires (and used an air wrench). any comments appreciated.

22nd Oct 2004, 14:50

I have a 2001 sc2 my wife and I bought new in June of 2000 and have not had a single problem of any kind with it. Besides routine maintenance, the only thing I have replaced is the battery, which died after four and a half years. Not bad for having to work in the Florida heat. Other than that, we carefully maintain it, do not beat on it, and always keep it garaged. I can't say I'd buy another one, but it does what we bought it for. It is reliable transportation for us and is very good on gas. Mark in Tampa.