1996 Saturn SL SL2 1.9L from North America

Summary:

I love this car. That's all I can say about it

Faults:

Starter, Alternator - I'll consider these normal wear & tear on the car. The neutral stop switch was intermittently working, which caused starting problems at about 100K miles. I had it replaced (about $70). Then later I continued to have problems starting. It finally stranded me a few months later. Had it towed. Ended up being a flat spot on the starter. No big deal, but I wish the dealer would have thought of that earlier.

General Comments:

I purchased it to get me by until I could afford a real car, and now all my friends who purchased "real cars" are on their 2nd or 3rd car.

It's my daily driver with over 150K miles. I'm starting to burn a little oil, but it just passed emission here in NJ, so I'm good for another 2 years. I get about 31mpg in mostly highway driving.

Car is noisy, rough ride and not refined as other small cars. But, you get what you pay for. I'd buy another one if I had to.

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

Review Date: 6th June, 2006

1996 Saturn SL sl2 1.9L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Perfect and reliable

Faults:

Bought the car for parts from a wrecking yard. car has 447000 miles and the original engine and the rings just went bad. seats are in good condition, body panels are perfect and everything works.

General Comments:

Best car ever made in my opinion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2006

1996 Saturn SL 2 1.6liter from North America

Summary:

Gets me to work down the turnpike every day

Faults:

Alternator failed at about 50000 miles.

Battery replaced with same type; AC Delco.

General Comments:

Wife drove it for the first 40000, then myself. I have a heavier foot, but had no problems. I never touched that performance button for the auto trans shifting either.

I replaced the original tires around 60000 miles with Michelin's. I never rotated the originals like I should have.

It has been a reliable ride, and does not burn oil like others complain about.

Performed the first oil change at 50 miles. Never went to the dealer or anywhere for service. Oil changed every 3000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2006

1996 Saturn SL SL1 from North America

Summary:

Great economical, reliable car

Faults:

Rear defrost - couldn't figure this one out. Brought it to my mechanic, who fixed it for $20.

Cracked cylinder head (#4). Engine light came on right after I pulled into my driveway from work.

Noticed a peanut butter-like puddle underneath my left front tire, think consistency. The car could still drive back to my mechanic, who told me my #4 cylinder head cracked, leaking oil into my coolant. Bottom line - $1800 fix :(

Runs like new.

Slow acceleration - on an on ramp of a freeway, it's not the ideal car to have; great around the city, and the 5 speed manual helps.

General Comments:

My brother originally bought the car in 1996, didn't drive it much.

4 door, 5 speed manual, black/gold ext, tan interior.

Great on gas! 5 speed manual helps fuel consumption. Approx $<30 fill @ .80/L.

Reliable - despite the major cylinder work, the car's been great. Winter driving is as easy as summer. Recently put in new battery. Silent engine, idles in silence.

Roomy interior, and the rear flat fold down seats are convenient for hauling a host of things.

Bells & whistles - don't expect a whole lot. I added on a new Sony radio, Infinity speakers, and tinted the windows, giving the car a respectable look.

I'm looking into the '06 Vue with the Pilot engine, a good marriage for Saturn & Honda.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2006

3rd May 2006, 12:01

My Saturn finally died, but it was incredible reliable in its 10 year reign! I put over 230,000 miles on her and she would NOT DIE. Great great car, we got an amazing car for the money!!

1996 Saturn SL from North America

Summary:

My next factory fresh car will be another Saturn.

Faults:

Exhaust had to be replaced after 10 years.

Front wheel bearing went out at 120,000 miles.

Small coolant leak developing at head gasket after 10 years.

Oil consumption went up to about 1 quart a month after 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car has been everywhere from the top of the Appalachians to the swamps of North Carolina and the back roads of West Virginia.

After nearly 11 years of service and 183,000 miles it still gets 40 mile a gallon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2006

28th Nov 2006, 14:18

I love my '95 SL2. I have driven it 150000 miles and towed it with my motor home another 25000 miles. No extraordinary expenses to date. Great car. I bought the 2002 L300 based upon the SL2 experience. Biggest mistake I have made with cars. It is a money pit. I will not buy another Saturn.