Faults:

I have experienced No part failures on this car what so ever. Wearable parts and routine maintenance has been performed regularly and I consistently perform 3,000 mile oil changes using Full synthetic motor oil. I have changed spark plugs, spark plug wires, PVC valve, EGR valve, brake pads, tires, and air filters.

General Comments:

Excellent Fuel Efficiency (average 39 mpg)

Reliable and dependable car when properly maintained.

Smooth transmission and engine.

Body panels maintain their finish and shine well without the need for excessive washing and waxing.

Seats are uncomfortable when driving long distances.

Engine is somewhat underpowered. I would opt for the manual transmission for this reason.

Simply the best economy car I know of.

Faults:

In cold weather, the engine tends to idle high - too high at times.

The ignition has become very tricky; it gets stuck in the "off" position and the key has to be jiggled around for several minutes before the ignition can be turned. This action has so worn down the key and the ignition that the key can be removed while the car is running and the ignition could potentially be turned with a screwdriver. I suppose this could be helpful if you lose the key!

The rear passenger window repeatedly slips off the track, which needs to be replaced. It wasn't used that often, so it is a bit of a surprise, but not too dreadful.

General Comments:

This car has consistently averaged 40 MPG on the highway - a figure well above the claim on the sticker when I bought it and a nice surprise.

I have had it in the shop only twice; once to get a brake job and once to get a tune-up. This car has been a dream, mechanically.

The back seat is rather uncomfortable for any person over 4 feet tall. My fiance and I both need the seats to be in the rearmost position, which seriously restricts legroom for rear passengers. Also, it does not easily accommodate a car seat in the rear-facing position. However, for two people, a dog and a small child it has very adequate space.

Faults:

Haven't had the car very long, but the only real replacement was the ECTS (Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor) but that's a common problem in these cars.

General Comments:

For being only $3400, this car is a great improvement over my 97 Lumina. Yes, the Lumina had much more get-go when you mashed the accelerator, but the gas mileage was horrendous. Plus, I missed driving a manual trans. so this Saturn was a pleasant return to my norm. The engine runs great, has a good amount of pep for a 4 banger. The 5-speed shifts smoothly, a lot better than my S-10 did. As for gas mileage, how can you complain with 39mpg highway? Compare that to the 21 I was getting with the Lumina and you can see why I'm happy. The SL1 I purchased came with a lot of options (keyless, sunroof, cd player, power locks and windows) but still had the manual trans, which sold me. So far, its started up great every time, even when the temps dropped to 0 a few nights ago. I will forever be a Saturn owner after driving this lil' baby.

P.S. I'm 6'2" and I still have plenty of room in the driver's seat.

Faults:

My backup lights won't come on when I put it into reverse

That's all!!!

General Comments:

IF anyone knows what the back-up light issue is, please comment, it isn't good!

Also, the engine sounds kind of whiny sound which is noticeable above 2000 rpm's, what could this be?

Other than that it is an easy car to drive, I learned how to drive manuel on it in an hour!

Comfy, fun and cheap (bottom of the line)!

If anyone can answer the concerns I have above that would be GREAT!

Thanks, hope to get responses!!!