1996 Saturn SL 1 from North America

Summary:

Reliable car

Faults:

Noise coming from under the hood when the A/C is on and automatic transmission is in Drive.

General Comments:

Traded it in for a 2019 Mazda 6 Sport.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2019

18th Aug 2019, 23:47

I had a ‘99 Wagon, and my ownership experience was similar to yours. These Saturns make great beaters — seems like they shouldn’t exist now without a pizza sign on the roof. They rattle and creak, and you have to remember to check the oil level, but they will just keep soldiering on otherwise. They were the car GM needed 10 years earlier.

1996 Saturn SL 1 1.9 liter from North America

Summary:

A reliable plastic car

Faults:

Back struts.

New serpentine belt.

New radiator fan.

Burns some oil.

General Comments:

Very good on gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2017

1996 Saturn SL SL1 from North America

Summary:

Cheap repair costs, excellent reliability

Faults:

The brakes were done shortly before I acquired the vehicle.

Rear brake cylinders were replaced at 220k.

Starter was replaced at 221k.

Alternator was replaced at 223k.

Burns oil, and usually have to put in a quart ever 300 miles.

Will have to replace front driver-side control arm and wheel bearing.

Interior makes some squeaky noises, but they're cheap to begin with. Still in relatively good shape, but rust is developing under the foot panels inside the doors.

"Performance" mode causes the transmission to fluctuate much more aggressively than I'm comfortable with to use it.

Struts and shocks will have to be replaced soon.

A/C does not work, no idea how long it's been out.

General Comments:

I was given this car for free from family, and it's been a bit of a nuisance, but very reliable. Parts are easily found, and it's relatively easy to work on if you've got the aptitude for it.

Performance is lacking. Steeper hills almost require you to go into 3rd or 2nd gear. Does well merging onto most highways, but it leaves much to be desired.

Handling has a "bubbly" feel to it. The suspension will have to be replaced, as bumps cause the car to bounce around a bit at higher speeds.

Road noise is a little loud. After putting in aftermarket speakers, it's hardly an issue any more.

Plenty of room for 4 passengers, nice and roomy, but you take a hit in performance and a bit on gas mileage, with it needing more RPM because of the extra weight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2012

2nd Sep 2012, 00:38

Worst car ever designed. I will never even sit in a GM car again. $650 to replace the $50 wiper motor, because the genius design put this part behind the dashboard, requiring it to be removed to replace this $50 part.

Engine is commonly known to burn oil, so pretty much every other day I had to top off the oil. GM continued to produce these oil burning contraptions for at least 4 model years. Endless little stupid things would break, just because.

21st Jun 2017, 21:29

It sounds like most any car with over 200k miles. Many cars would require replacement of major driveline components, or would be succumbing to rust.

24th Jun 2017, 09:15

I love these reviews. They had one older model from a major manufacturer in existence for well over 100 years. Rather than focus on the specific worn out Saturn they have, it's all GM models as bad. Not true.

1996 Saturn SL 2 from North America

Summary:

Reliable car with just a couple of problems

Faults:

Air conditioning went out after 120,000 miles.

Ceiling has worn badly.

3 windows have lost power, one has been fixed so far.

Goes through oil quickly, but no leaks I can tell of.

Transmission is going out at 200,000 miles. Not sure when or if it was previously replaced. I bought it used in 2006, and it has been fine until now (2010).

Has a loud engine.

General Comments:

Pretty good on gas. About 25mpg average.

It has had minor superficial problems, but no problems with the engine or anything mechanical.

I ride my car rough, and it has held up great.

It gets around well for being a 4 cylinder.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st August, 2010