1997 Saturn S-Series Review
Fuel Economy
27 - 28 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan
Review
I purchased the car with 129000 miles and a rebuilt title. It had been rear ended and rebuilt. The day after I bought it I drove over 2500 miles to Alaska and did not have a problem. Drove it back to Utah the long way (over 3500 miles) and then to Arizona and never had a problem. I averaged 38- 42 mpg on the long trips and 32 in the city. The car ran great and I never had any problems. After 1 year and 25000 miles I was involved in a front end collision and they totaled it out. I wish I had it back. I have always had issues sitting in cars for long trips but the seats in it fit me well and I was always comfortable.
Favorite Features
MPG's, reliability, and it was CHEAP!!
Suggested Improvements
Too low to the ground made it hard to get in and out of. Needs a better designed center console (with lid), dash rattled, stock stereo was cheesy.
Good Anuff...Git R Dune
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL1 Sedan
Review
My 97 saturn SL1 was bought used in 02 with 85k on it. She now has 160k and still.....runs. You dont need a speedometer with this car bc it shimmies at 75 mph. It does like to over heat alil while in rush hour traffic. Gas mileage is great, mid 30's.
Favorite Features
Fold down back seat, for easy access to the trunk area. This also allows for better parking ;)
Suggested Improvements
Well its now a discontinued series...think that says enough.
Why can't GM make more like this?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SW2 Wagon
Review
I put 109k miles on this car in 13yr. It survived in an accident at 45mph and nobody got hurt. Gas mileage has not changed since day 1. Some oil consumption since last year that needs to top off once between oil change. It has been very reliable otherwise. There was one major repair to replace the wobbling timing chain within the 7yr after market extended warranty. Other than regular oil changes and tune-up, I spent less than $3000 on this car including the cost of extended warranty, deductibles for repairs, 1 after warranty repair, and 3 brake jobs plus ~$900 on two sets of Michelin tires. Just sold it without working AC and rear wiper fluid spray today at 1/8 or original cost.
Favorite Features
Traction control and ABS. Rust resistant body and flexible polymer body panels. Solid frame construction. Reasonable good gas mileage (23mpg local and 32 highway for me).
Suggested Improvements
Larger gas tank. Better gas mileage. Higher seat position and more head room. Road noise insulation. Air conditioning.
Saturns seem to age quicker at 60000 mi.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan
Review
When I purchased this car from a private party at 60,000 miles, it had low mileage for its years and was in pretty great condition for its age. Unfortunately time seems to catch up to Saturns with a vengeance. By 70K miles there were issues with various electrical systems and both the rear power windows and the A/C compressor failed, by 75K miles both rear power windows wouldn't raise anymore, and the engine died at 93500 miles, 2000 miles after the last oil change, because the oil change light didn't come on and the car was running rough. BEWARE of electrical issues on older Saturns!! Other than that, it was a little workhorse...in performance mode (not standard).
Favorite Features
Performance/acceleration boost was good in performance mode (HORRIBLE in standard mode). Decent gas mileage. Body durability held up (but not the clearcoat..)
Suggested Improvements
Design with thicker cables/wiring to prevent electrical systems from failing.
Not Bad
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan
Review
Bought this car with 130K, now have 139K on it. Bought to save on gas and keep my truck in the garage. It is now my dependable, little work car. Small on the inside for someone 6' or over (I'm 6'4") but I get 33 mpg+ and my truck only gets 18, so I love it. For a plastic car, its not bad but it rattles like a can of spray paint. Put new plugs in when I bought it and the dealership had just replaced the clutch. Other than that, no problems to report. I drive it to see my folks and that is a 6 hour drive. Not a bad car.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, dependability (so far), does not attract much attention, rather NO attention
Suggested Improvements
Less rattles, less plastic
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2002 Saturn S-Series
- 2001 Saturn S-Series
- 2000 Saturn S-Series
- 1999 Saturn S-Series
- 1998 Saturn S-Series
- 1997 Saturn S-Series
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