Used 1996 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
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I love My Saturn
Aaron, 07/13/2010
1996 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Not the Worst Car I ever owned
htkirbys, 08/02/2007
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
But not the best, by far. At 140,000 miles, I have had to donate it to the Kidney Foundation because the transmission locked up. It was noisy from the start, including clicking noises. The alternator was replaced 3 times. Lower engine rebuilt under warranty; upper at my expense. Total repairs paid for, about $2,500. Came to hate the low seat. Nice body, good stainless steel exhaust system. Would not recommend buying one with over 80,000 miles on it. Wish I had bought a Toyota Corolla instead; this car was a mistake.
The Lemon Lottery
Marcus Derry, 04/12/2004
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased new 8 years ago. Very good (38-40) MPG and trouble free in general (maybe $200 in non-routine maintenace costs over 8 years). Religously followed the service schedule. However, be aware that some SOHC engines from this time period were shipped with defective heads. These defects (casting defects which can result in cracks in the head around the cam shaft--which will then allow oil and coolant to mix) may not show up for some time. It struck my car out of the blue at 98,000 miles. When/if they do crack one is looking at replacing the head, which is $1,500+. For my car, the cost to repair would equal the book value.
400,000 km
jimmy123, 11/03/2010
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
BUYER BEWARE - Saturn Bites
suds_swifty, 05/21/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my Saturn for three years. It now has 170k miles on it. I have replaced the alternator, drive train belt and battery three times. THREE TIMES EACH!!! I have also replaced the tensioner for the belt, the idler pulley. If the cigarette lighter blows, so will the door locks. They are on the same circuit. Now I have a problem with a blown head gasket and missing motor mounts. The one thing I can say about a Saturn is that they can run with no oil. It's oil consumption is very random. Many times I have pulled out a dry dipstick. Gas milage is terrible and also intermittent. Generally getting around 230-280 miles per tank. Terrible terrible car. Too many problems for what it is worth.