1999 Saturn SL 1 1.9L SOHC from North America

Summary:

A cheap car. you get what you pay for

Faults:

Needed new catalytic converter.

Needed new Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve.

Needed new tires.

Needs new brakes.

Cigarette lighter does not work.

Needs numerous other repairs despite the fact I babied this car.

General Comments:

This car was a great car for about a year after I got it at which point things started to go wrong.

Car did get sensational gas mileage however toward the end I was getting around 20 mpg.

Interior is OK. pretty small, but I knew that upon buying the car.

Whatever you do don't get the beige interior, stains incredibly easy.

Also the paint stinks, I have numerous rock chips and live no where near a gravel road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th June, 2004

15th Oct 2004, 12:10

Brakes and tires (and converters for that matter-they get clogged) have absolutely nothing to do with the token of the car. Regardless of the brand, every automobile needs these types of items replaced.

As for your other articles, they function at the miniscule level.

Did you purchase the car new or used?

What experiences have you had with other cars? What do you currently drive?

13th Mar 2007, 18:04

Chipping paint doesn't necessarily have to do with gravel roads, in fact my grandpa drives behind semis to save on gas and his car looks like somebody hit it with a sandblaster. The paint on my 1999 SL has been great. You really should wax your car if you don't. If "babied" to you means keep it running, then that's not right. Of course this is coming from a guy who vacuums his car and armor-alls the dash at least once a month.

22nd Oct 2009, 19:49

I just bought my dad's Saturn. When he bought it, it had 30,000. I got it with 63000, and I'll tell ya these things are awesome. I love it. I put 10 bucks in and I can go wherever I want without having to worry about putting more in. If you take care of it, you're all set. Best damn car for the money.

1999 Saturn SL SL2 1.9L DOHC four cylinder from North America

Summary:

Amazingly reliable with minimal maintenance

Faults:

Since the last review I submitted of my 1999 Saturn SL2 there have been no major or minor failures anywhere on the vehicle. The only thing worth mentioning is the fact that the engine goes through about 1.5 quarts of oil between oil changes which I religiously change myself every 3000 miles. The oil burning has been the trend for the last 40,000 miles or so. However, from what I have heard this seems to be a common thing in Saturns with this engine.

General Comments:

The 1999 Saturn SL2 is an amazing vehicle in my estimation. Never before have I owned a vehicle so reliable. I have personally drove this car over 60,000 miles in two years with no major or minor failures of any kind. Tires and a front-end alignment is the only time this car has ever been in the shop.

The gas mileage of this car is outstanding to this day. I average 37 mpg summer, 33 mpg winter. Since gas seems to not be getting any cheaper the fuel economy is a big plus.

Living in northern Michigan I have realized the car does good in the snow as long as it doesn't bottom out; this is a must for me. Handling after all these miles is still agile and responsive as well.

My only major complaint up to now is the uncomfortable seats. An hour or more of driving will make you stiff and sore.

If my Saturn is alive in another 60,000 miles I'll make sure to add another review of the SL2 that just keeps going.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 2004

14th Mar 2005, 10:25

I just called to ask about the oil thing, as I'd had it in for a 60,000 mile check two months ago. What he tells me is that he recommends checking the level every 1000 miles and topping off. I just checked, and I've gone 6,000 miles in that time. So I'll get some 5-30 at the store and drop it in, I guess every couple of visits to my fiancee in Fresno I'll have to be prepared to drop some in.

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