1991 Saturn S-Series Review
Price Estimate: $2,022 - $3,370

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
General Motors launches a new division called Saturn, billed as "a different kind of car company." Intended to attract import economy car buyers, Saturn is the first automaker to use no-haggle pricing at its dealerships. The first cars to take the Saturn name will be the S-Series economy sedan and coupe. Sedans will be sold in SL, SL1, SL2 versions, while the coupe will be offered in a single SC trim level. The SL and SL1 are powered by a weak 85-horsepower four-cylinder and have black bumpers. The SL2 and SC do much better, as they get a twin-cam version of that engine good for 124 hp and have body-color bumpers. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models; a four-speed automatic and ABS are optional. All S-Series cars have polymer door and quarter panels, sparing them from dents and rust.
For sale near Woodbridge, VA
Reliability
The 1991 Saturn S-Series has 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 93V132000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 352833
- Defect Description:
- THE GENERATOR ELECTRICAL WIRING IS NOT PROTECTED AGAINST EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW WHICH MAY BE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE GENERATOR.
- Defect Consequence:
- SHOULD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT OCCUR IN THEGENERATOR, THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WOULD EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW.UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, ENOUGH HEAT COULD BE GENERATED TO IGNITE SURROUNDINGMATERIALS. IF THIS OCCURS, AN UNDERHOOD FIRE COULD RESULT WITH OR WITHOUT THEENGINE RUNNING AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- THE GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE THAT WILL OPEN AS A FUSE WOULD UNDER CERTAIN EXCESSIVE CURRENT FLOW CONDITIONS.
Saturn S-Series Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Reliable, Nimble Car
3.88 out of 5 starsbk314159, 09/15/2002
1991 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
I bought my Saturn SL2 (the 125hp twin
cam model) used and have been pleased
overall. The polymer exterior is stylish
and holds up exceptionally well to
abuse.
The drive is responsive with great
cornering and little body roll. The car
is unusually light so it has a tendency
to lose traction in snow; be careful if
you drive in northern areas.
The engine and drivetrain are … very well
made and reliable. The electronics are a
different story. These Saturns are
notorious for failing electrical
components such as starters and
alternators. These are relatively
inexpensive however so are an
inconvenience more than anything.
Why cant the new saturns be like the old
4.75 out of 5 starsGrandAmSE119, 07/16/2002
1991 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
when i got this car from my parents it
had 89K now has over 150K. I still keep
it around as a second car. Although old
was a great car and still is. Only
major problem was that alternator went
out and it burns oil on hard
accelerations. Great car
Good for a cheap little car
4.5 out of 5 starsIan, 03/27/2010
1991 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
I have really enjoyed my little Saturn. I bought it with 200,000 miles on it and 5,000 miles later, it still runs strong. I used to have a 1992 Pontiac Sunbird, and this is tons better then the Pontiac was. It was definitely worth the $650 that I payed for it.
I Love my Saturn
4.38 out of 5 starsLeonel, 11/26/2002
1991 Saturn S-Series SC 2dr Coupe
My little car is a reliable
and "smart" choice.I love your stile,
wheels, sunroof,engine with high gas
mileage, confortable leather seats adm
more.
1991 S-Series Highlights
Coupe
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $146/month |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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