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Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
167 reviews
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4.13 out of 5 stars

Reliable, Good-Looking, and Fun

Bryan, 03/03/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

My wife and I have really enjoyed owning our '97 Saturn SW2 wagon. Originally purchased for my wife, it has been a reliable and decent-looking family car. The 16V motor has been strong. It's tuned for more torque in the lower RPM range, so it's great for driving around town. We definitely enjoyed the wagon body style. It has hauled our family of 4 on extended vacations. I use it daily to haul either a mountain bike or surf board. It has held up really well for 11 years. Most people are shocked to hear that it actually that old.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

I Love My Little SW2

Robbie, 03/27/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
13 of 15 people found this review helpful

I bought my '97 SW2 9 years ago with only 15K miles on it. I guess the original owner didn't like the car. Since then I have put on over 100,000 miles and the only major repair was replacing the AC compressor. Sure, the seats are only sightly more comfortable than sitting on a cardboard box, but this car has been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. Still looks good, too - thanks to the plastic body panels.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great car that pays for itself in gas

autoballer, 11/09/2006
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I got this car over the summer since my Caprice needed a ton of work. I now get 2 times the fuel economy 29-35 avg mpg depending on how I drive. It hasnt had any issues at all other than an old battery I admittedly killed while watching Pirates of the Caribbean 2. It has plenty of power as a 5 speed, if it was an auto it would probably stink, and I notice a significant diference in performance when I have 2 average sized passengers. Weight seems to be a big deal to it. I think it might be common to have the wheels squeal when under load while turning onto a highway etc. The stock stereo had almost no bass so I added a small sub.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

not to bad for the value

dustingalb, 03/15/2012
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

This was the best vehicle ive had so far. Only minor repairs to it, and its 14 years old now and still driving it. has some seatbelt issues, but its fun to drive. It lacks some acceleration but what 1997 vehcile isnt ha.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great, Dependable Vehicle

rawsonfour, 12/30/2007
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car as a graduate from college. It had 19,000 miles on it. It now has right around 100K. I've now got a family of four, but when we were deciding whether to upgrade or not, we realized we couldn't beat the gas mileage. It's the perfect commuter car. It seldom needs work; it's paid off, and when it does need work, when spread out over the year it beats a hefty car payment any day. We've only had one major repair in the entire time we've owned it; replacing the shifting rods to the transmission (manual.) Cost: $700. Other costs were usual wear and tear: tires, upkeep, etc. Highly recommend. We'll drive until it croaks. It will be a sad day when we have to give it up.

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