Used 1996 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
Used S-Series for sale
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.
GREAT car; fuel-sipping
Vince, 11/07/2010
1996 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
1996 Saturn S-Series for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- SL2 SedanMSRP: $2,9972,007 mi away
Salvation froom an Escort ZX2
Voca164e, 07/27/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We needed a four door car once our son was born. We got our '96 (two years older than our trade in vehicle) with 83K and have now owned the car for about six months and have put 10K trouble free miles on it. The car is great to drive, with excellent handling, decent acceleration, and good brakes, and it's economical. I have a few complaints. The blower is noisy on high, there's a few creaks and rattles. The transmission was shifting harshly, so I serviced the transmission, and it seems to shift well now. The A/C isn't quite as good as our old Escort.
Safety PLUS
Very Blessed, 02/07/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Our son had a high speed head on collision with the Saturn yesterday. After sliding off the highway and across the median, he ran head on into a 4-wheel drive pick up. Even though the whole front end was compressed, the dash and structure held and he was able to get out and walk away with just a few aches and pains... The only downside was that the car caught fire and was totally burned up, almost beyond recognition. But we are impressed with the body integrity of the Saturn and it's safety features. It was also a fun car to drive and we had no problems with it. We would definitely buy another!!!!!!!
Don't buy a Saturn!
flowerdaisy61686, 05/06/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this 1996 Saturn used in '99.I have had nothing but problems from this vehicle. I don't plan on ever buying another Saturn and i know plenty of people who feel the same way.