3rd Dec 2003, 21:32

I have a leaky door problem as well, but it is not as bad as anyone is saying. A simple towel works for me. Would be nice if the door didn't leak at all, but hey, crap happens.

My car burns oil as well, but I am 17 years old, and the car has 110000 on it. I dog the car out, so I expect it to burn a little oil. And even then, I don't have to add that much, that often.

13th Jan 2004, 10:56

Yep. I had a Saturn SL1 and hated it! Never again will I buy a Saturn. I was adding a quart of oil every day. Also, 2 weeks after purchasing the car (used) The transmission went out. I too had the problem of the leaky doors. I was constantly having to replace the spark plugs and EGR valve/PCV valve... (they said that is why the car consumed oil.. because of bad valves) balogna!!! I also noticed how loud the car ran and it had NO traction on wet roads. One touch of the brakes just ever so slightly more than normal and the car would come to a screeching, sliding mayham... almost got into accidents because of the horrible braking/traction problem. I have since then gotten rid of that darn car. (Sold it to a dealership for $800) and I now own a Chevy Malibu.. so far so good.. but after owning that Saturn, I am constantly on alert for any little problem.

25th May 2004, 01:46

I own a 95 sl1 Saturn that I have had a few problems with. The windshield wipers would go frantic and the car would shut off. After I had the windshield wipers fixed I never experienced the car shutting down, related I don't know. I do have to say though, my Saturn had close to 70000 miles when I bought it (now its about 80000) and I have not had too many problems. The traction seems to be fine, I also have high grade tires on it, but prior to that I would drive it down 101 in Mendocino county which is rather windy, in the rain none the less and never experienced any major problems. The stopping is wonderful. I have enjoyed this car, I will say that when I drive a luxury car I want it and would rather have that than the Saturn, but I can't afford them and the Saturn for its price range is a great car.

I drive to school everyday and I have had no problems, I burn a little oil, but I do also drive the car like I am racing. I fill the gas at a quarter full or more and check the oil every time I fill up. One thing, as with all cars it is best to address problems when they arise (I know that money can be tight) instead of forcing things or pushing the car, or waiting until it gets worse, these actions tend to escalate the problems. This especially holds true for Saturns as they seem to be temperamental. Of the five people that I know that have or still own Saturn's, problems or not they all have enjoyed the car and would recommend them as I will do the same.

23rd Jun 2004, 15:34

Wow, you folks have had it rough. I'm thinking I'm at the end of the line for my faithful little 1991. I've had it the entire time, and have not experienced any of the issues you have until 150k miles. Now, I think I need an EGR, fuel pump, etc. I leak a little on my doors, but I don't burn a lick of oil. Anyway, it sounds like it is time for me to start looking for a new beast. And, from your experiences it may not be a Saturn. That's very disappointing. I loved my little car. But, I can't afford a money and time pit. I need serious reliability. Honda is leasing at $159/month. Guess I'll go there. Thanks everyone!

19th Jul 2004, 14:00

We own a 96 Saturn SL2, standard, A/C, PS, tilt, otherwise, no frills. Bought it at 88,000 runs great, have only needed to replace an alternator and EGR valve, now at 108,000. My girlfriend has been know to 'drive it like you stole it', that's the only time it smokes. It does require a quart of oil every 1500 miles or so. All in all, I'd recommend it to anyone.

Cheap, simple and reliable.

7th Aug 2004, 01:22

I have a 97 saturn sc1 and I just got my emissions done on it and it failed. the only thing they told me is that the code is p1404 and I need to go to the dealer. I was wondering if anyone knows what that is and how hard it is to fix. if anyone has anything please let me know. thanks.

8th Sep 2004, 21:40

I purchased a 95 Saturn SL1 about 5 years ago and I have always had an oil problem. My dealer tried to tell me it was because I over filled the oil. I also have problems with the engine knocking and the EGR valve needs replacing. I like the look of the car, but I will never buy another Saturn.

23rd Sep 2004, 23:33

My fiance has owned a 95 Saturn SL for number of years. She bought it used. Not knowing anything about Saturns, I thought the steering was a little stiff. I asked her if it had power steering and she said no. Is this true. I did some comparing and noticed that where the power steering box should be, there isn't. Is it possible that Saturn made a car without power steering? Just wondering.

5th Jan 2005, 16:47

Wow, am I glad to see this page! I've always had a hunch that my car problems were the result of SOMETHING I did wrong or forgot to do--and yet going down the list, every one of you all's problems (with the exception of the transmission, knock wood) has come up with my 95 SL1. I hate going to get an oil change, because it seems like every other time I need a new PCV valve, and have to force the mechanics to look at it (replaced it myself twice, way too much of a pain for little money saved) and endure the "crazy woman" look. Now, the EGR needs to be replaced AGAIN and I'd swear the oil consumption's doubled.

14th Mar 2005, 21:28

I own a 95 SL1 and have almost all of the exact same problems...

Alternators (3 of them), 2 starters, automatic transmission slips, top transmission gasket leaked, burns 1qt per 1500 miles, valve noise in winter, ac leaks water on passenger floor, front driver's door seal leaks, and it is very noisy when driving at high speeds.

On the plus side, it's a bit peppy and the governor doesn't seem to work (does it have one?). The cop said he clocked me at 141mph... and believe it or not did not write me a ticket.

I have found that using full synthetic oil greatly reduces burning, idles smoother, reduces fuel consumption, and engine noise.