1996 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews

Pretty Good Car

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe

Review

The Saturn 96 SC2 has been my first car and I plan to keep her until she dies. I have had her for around 8 months now and she hasn't brought me any real problems except from conditions left from the previous owners. It's a small car so it's recommended for single or a couple. She has great gas mileage and gas is pretty easy on her. I have her on 139,000 from 133,000 when I got her. One thing I've noticed is she is very fragile for the snow, but she is very agile in the spring, summer, and fall.
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she just keeps going!

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon

Review

I love this car! I resisted buying an American car, but this baby has blown my mind. With the plastic panel sides, she still looks amazing in Vermont which has a knack for eating cars from the inside out.These cars come with ABS and Traction Control which was amazing in the snow. Now as I look for a new car I'm really wishing that i can just get another SW1 Or maybe Sw2 which has a bit more power. Can fit an adult size bike in the back without taking the front wheel off. I could stand a little more power but what can you do!I currently have 204,688 miles on it, and I bought it at 91,000 after much trepidation and many hours of research I went for it and couldn't be more pleased!
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DON'T BUY

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan

Review

I bout my saturn sl with 121,000 miles on it last november since then i have put on 15,000 miles. It ran fine at first burning just a quart here and there which is usual, but then in about february my transmission blew. It didnt end there after i got tht replaced i kept having more nd more problems. the oil problem kept getting worse and worse ik have to buy a case of 12qts a month i just replaced my drive axel my tie rod ends nd now i have to do my ball joints. it seems it just doesnt end with this vehicle i would not recomend it for anyone like me who is on a tight student budget and can barely afford the oil and gas much less repairs
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I LOVE My Saturn

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan

Review

Bought this car used in 2002 with 60k miles. I kept up with routing maintenance. Repairs were consistent with normal wear and tear and never anything major. Had 185K miles on the car last week when a lady cut me off and my car was totaled and I am heart broken but my little car protected us from receiving serious injuries. It did leak oil as is common with this model because of the valve cover gasket. I still got almost 40 mpg on highway and 30 mpg city. This is the best car I ever owned in 40 years of car ownership. My little Saturn did die a noble death. I am looking for another used Saturn and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable economical auto.
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Don't Buy

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan

Review

I got this car because I had to. I regret it. This is the cheapest made car I have ever owned. My back windows won't stay up no matter what I do. I have them duct taped at the moment. My car shakes and rattles and no one can figure out why. I had to replace the radiator and muffler. The muffler has been replaced twice actually. It goes through oil very fast and I have to change the oil every 1,000 miles or so. I have to put coolant in it every other week or so. The one good thing about this car is it gets great gas mileage. I do not recommend this car to anyone.
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GREAT car; fuel-sipping

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe

Review

Bought this car with about 160,000 miles on it for $900. Put about $1,500 into it since then (rebuilt motor due to lack of oil changes, not my fault!). This is my dad's car, but I drive it every so often. He commutes 80 miles a day, five days a week. We live in Michigan, so this car has been through it all! Absolutely FANTASTIC on gas! It handles great and accelerates pretty smoothly. 221,000 miles on it now, and plenty more to go! Starts up like brand new in 20º weather. Flip-up lights, defrost, A/C, power windows/locks still work! Highly recommend! Only cons: not too much interior room, cup holder location is annoying. Would drive to Florida and back! Who have proof that American cars last!
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400,000 km

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan

Review

First of all, I never write reviews. my 96 Saturn sl2 died today. Actually coolant started spraying out from the motor. I have had this car for about ten years, besides the regular maintenance, i have changed the muffler and 2 tie rods. the car is boring and plain, BUT it is VERY reliable. it will be sad tomorrow watching it being picked up by the tow truck for scrap. I am already looking at buying a more recent sl2 just because of the reliability
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I love My Saturn

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe

Review

My Saturn car was an early graduation gift from my uncle. We purchased the car for $650. The only problem Ive had with it is the water pump going out. The sunroof never worked when I got it, but I never even open the visor. My car is a little noisy, but I just passed it off as being a small car. After my previous car, which had much more room, with a much more spacious interior and a much more powerful engine, it was just a little shock that a car could sound so loud. I've learned to love this Saturn and a newer, fancier one is in view.
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Saturn SL2

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan

Review

I bought this car in dec of 06 for 2700. Two months later the starter goes out, 9 months after that the alternator goes out, 4 months after that the starter goes out again. The sun-roof has leaked since day one, causing the leather seats to crack, my driver side window not to roll down, the radio has been completely fried due to the leaking sun roof. I would not by a saturn with a sun roof ever again. Drinks way too much oil. I put 2 quarts every week in it. Have oil changes every 1000 miles.
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It's a good car

Vehicle

1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan

Review

I've had this car for 2 years as of the 27th of December. It's a good car, but u must keep up with it. I've had to replace my intake gasket, get a motor mount, and constantly keep oil in. I just replace a fuel injector and a EGR valve a few months ago, but other than that it's a good little car. I have another year to keep before I give it up.
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