1994 Saturn SL 1.9L from North America

Summary:

Saturn knew what they were doing when they came out with the Saturn SL 94 and 95's

Faults:

Not too long after purchasing the car the alternator went out at 130,000 miles. The alternator is hard to get to and it wasn't cheap to fix.

At 180,000 miles the radiator got a crack in it. I replaced it myself, which is not hard to do. It only cost me a total of $40.00.

When my car reached 203,000 miles the clutch finally started to give out. That cost me $600.00! But, well worth it.

General Comments:

When I got my Saturn it was a sharp looking well running car, and still fits in with todays cars.

I bought my car at 110,000 miles put the pedal to the floor all the way to 203,000 miles. I have never had one problem with the motor. Just a few minor things had to be replaced, as in any car.

It always ran tip top.

It is cheap.

Very good on gas, and surprisingly fun to drive considering the small 1.9L.

The most dependable car that I have owned or driven. Props to Saturn.

However, my Saturn and I came to a tragic end. At 203,000 miles I had to pay $600.00 to get the clutch replaced. I got an A+ tune up, Valvoline Slick 50, Bosch Platinum plugs and wires, and a new air filter. When I got my car back from the shop it was faster, ran better, and more fun to drive than the first day I got it. At 205,000 miles I took a trip to St. Louis, on my way there I started to hear an noise that sounded like the bearings were going out on one of my pulleys or something on my motor. But I kept driving anyway. On my way back the noise was twice as loud and my RP-M's were going up even though I never touched the gas. But she got me home. I was on my way to take it to my mechanic and the timing chain broke, shot my pistons straight up in the head, destroying the motor. If only I knew? That car would have went 300,000 easily.

It is just about following your manual, and replacing parts at the millage they suggest. I am now debating on getting a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT HO. Or a 1995 Saturn SL Twin Cam. The Grand Am would be a blast, it is a very fast car, but the Saturn will probably go twice as long. I love speed so I don't know.

I think that I have made my point, and those people who think that Saturn's are not good cars, take a look around. You would be amazed how many Saturn's you see a day just going to work. And that is just the 1994 & 1995 SL.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2004

9th Nov 2004, 21:41

I can't complain much about my 1994 Saturn. It has 160,000 and was running great until 2 days ago, when the timing chain gave out. It blew a hole through the valve cover, but did not come apart. I'm guessing it just came out of adjustment. Nonetheless, I will install a new one and hope for the best.

1994 Saturn SL SL1 1.9L SOHC from North America

Summary:

I'm impressed with my Saturn

Faults:

The only problem is the front end (hood and fenders) and primered due to an accident from the previous owner.

General Comments:

I really didn't think I would like a Saturn since my family has owned nothing, but Ford's, but this is my first car and I love it. It's fun to drive, good on gas ($17.00 fills it up and gas is $2.03/gal right now!) Smooth shifting, cold ac!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2004

1994 Saturn SL SL2 TwinCam from North America

Summary:

I love my Saturn and would recommend it to anyone!

Faults:

One Week after buying the car I had to replace the muffler for 99$, no big deal.

Since then the only thing I have done for the car is tires brakes and regular oil changes.

General Comments:

Compared to the 1984 Jeep that was my first car this car is awesome! I really do love it. It gets great gas millage and hasn't broke down on me yet.

Many people don't like Saturn's because they're a relatively new company, but they are made with quality and 10 years later are still extremly reliable.

When I sit in traffic too long it does start to over heat. Usually it will red-line, and then the the fan will come on and it will cool down to normal. This is the only complaint I have about this car.

I average about 33MPG in city driving. It's stylish for an older car, and the original sound system is pretty good too! It's not the fastest car out there, but it can keep up, and passing isn't a problem. My Automatic transmission always shifts smoothly. It's a fun car to drive being low to the ground, and handles very responsively.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2004