1996 Saturn SL SL2 1.9L DOHC Gas from North America
Summary:
I love this car, and it is a blast too drive!
Faults:
The few items that required repair/replacement are as follows:
Rear brake calipers, from sitting too much.
Valve cover gasket, which caused leaking of oil around the number four spark plug and resulting code errors and check engine light for "Cam Sensor", which does not exist in reality on this vehicle.
Given it's age, the only thing that is bothering me is the interior roof liner has begun to come loose and sags.
General Comments:
I have had nothing but an excellent experience with this car.
With a five speed manual transmission, it is a blast to drive, and if I control myself, fuel mileage is excellent at nearly 30 around town and 36 on the highway.
This car is equipped with ABS and traction control, along with four wheel disc brakes.
I replaced all four brake calipers, and then replaced all four brake discs with EBC Sport Slotted and Dimpled rotors, and installed Performance Friction brake pads.
The suspension now has H&R race springs with KYB GR2 gas shocks.
I replaced the stock exhaust manifold with one from a 1991 SL2, so I now have a 4-2-1 exhaust instead of a 4-1 (four into one).
The stock intake was replaced for a more aggressive aftermarket air cleaner, and the engine breathes much better between the two modifications.
There are a lot of other little modifications that can be done.
I am sorry to hear that others have had poor luck with their cars, which could be a result of poor care by the previous owners, and then inexperience to work on the vehicles by themselves instead of having to pay someone else.
They look and handle great, and have been reliable and inexpensive to maintain.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th March, 2010