1996 Saturn SL SL1 1.8 petrol from North America

Summary:

Very reliable, but I hate it

Faults:

- Muffler replaced at 158 000 km.

- Rear brake pads replaced at 160 000km.

General Comments:

All in all, this is a very reliable car, and it's cheap on gas.

But there are some things I can't stand about this car.

It handles so terribly on the highways.

The engine very underpowered.

I have heard before that Saturn's were known for bad build quality, but man I never knew it was this bad. The interior is crap, everything squeaks around you, my seat squeaks every time when accelerating or braking.

If you take a look at some of the parts in the engine compartment, it looks like they were molded out of Styrofoam some how.

But I don't know how I can hate this car so much, since it hasn't given any trouble. It starts every time, even in -40 c without plugging the block heater in.

I drive this little car hard to make up for the lack of engine power, and still no mechanical problems.

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

Review Date: 23rd May, 2008

1996 Saturn SL SL1 1.9 from North America

Summary:

OK

Faults:

Engine cradle rusted alternator and avoid the sunroofs; a lot of leaks.

General Comments:

Economical good commuter and that's about it.

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

Review Date: 24th April, 2008

1996 Saturn SL SL2 1.9L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Good, serviceable, reliable car.

Faults:

I have had no major troubles in the year I have had this car. Based on the service history I got from the previous owners, it hasn't had many problems over its lifetime. The only part I have had to replace is the O2 sensor, probably the original at about 115000 miles. The only other defect is slight rust on the bottom of the doors.

General Comments:

Overall, I really like this car. It handles well, has enough power for its size, and gets good gas mileage (30-32mpg). Its only short coming is the lack of overdrive, (4 speed automatic), causing the engine to run about 3000 rpm at 70 mph. Noise is not so great that it is annoying, there are no serious rattles or obnoxious noises.

It does use some oil, not much though for a car its age. I usually have to add a quart halfway between changes (every 5000 miles). It has served me well without being costly to run or maintain.

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

Review Date: 15th April, 2008

1996 Saturn SL from North America

Summary:

Great Car!

Faults:

The only problem that I have experienced is having to replace brakes and couple of times and a couple of mufflers. The turning radius is bad.

General Comments:

I have put nearly 200,000 miles on this car. It is an outstanding vehicle. I get great gas mileage and have used the car for a trip to the west. I purchased the car after a guy broke his back and was unable to get in and out. Everything in this car is automatic - windows and locks. It has been a great car and I would recommend this car for anyone. Our family - sister in law and brother in law both have had Saturns and have had a great deal of luck with them. I am looking forward to reaching 200,000 miles later this month.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th March, 2008

1996 Saturn SL SL2 1.9 liter from North America

Summary:

Good, reliable, cheap transportation

Faults:

Brakes and rotors wear out quickly. Alternator failed 25,000 miles and 80,000 miles. Left rear window has separated from the window track and is now stuck.

Horn button had to be replaced at my own expense.

Transmission mount and coolant temperature sender replaced by dealer at my expense.

Dealer service department did not recognize bad alternator when I brought it in for service, alternator failed next day while on highway.

I am not very pleased with the service department and mechanics, they never seem to fix what you brought the car in for. However they are very pleasant, just not very good at fixing cars.

Also the check engine light used to go on all the time during the first 5 years of ownership.

General Comments:

Decent highway gas mileage of around 35-38mpg.

Good air conditioning system with no problems yet at 105,000 miles. No problems so far with electrical systems. Engine and transmission has no problems.

Seats are uncomfortable.

Road noise is intrusive.

Handling is good.

Trunk and passenger space is good.

Good, economical highway cruiser.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2007