Used 1996 Saturn S-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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If you're looking for a cheap, reliable ride...
ladystardust, 10/11/2014
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from my dad back in 2004 with 140K miles on it. It now has about 213K, and the engine is running great - it's performed almost like a Japanese car. Other than routine maintenance (oil changes, the odd tune up, new tires) the only things I've had to replace on this car were an engine mount and a rear windshield (the windshield can't be blamed on the manufacturer - some kid smashed it one night). The cosmetics of the car aren't great, but what do you expect from a car that's been kept outside for over a decade? It needs a little oil added about once every other tank. But it gets amazing gas mileage (about 29 in town and almost 40 on the highway).
Everything I Expected
Ridyen, 07/25/2009
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my 96 Saturn SL1 new and it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Not a fancy car but one that always gets you from point A to B. Like others a very minor problem with the shift linkage which was fixed by dealer even though it was out of warranty. Took on a deer at 50mph, car stopped straight with both hands off steering wheel (was covering my face for protection). Very solid car for the money. Son and I just put a new cylinder head on at 150K but total cost was about $600 which included tools, the head, gaskets, all new hoses etc. Put it back together, started it up and son drove it home. Still gets 37mpg after 14 years. Doesn't burn a drop of oil.
Cheap little car
Mark, 07/11/2019
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got my 96 SL1 5-speed from my mother in law 5 yrs ago for free. It had 68,000 miles on it. It has 96,000 now. I’ve replaced the radiator and installed a cruise control from a junked Saturn. Last night was the first time it failed. The master cylinder and slave cylinder for the clutch failed. Had it towed home. The following morning I bought a new one for $70, and had it installed in about an hour. I’ve driven it cross country twice, and it’ll get 40mpg if you keep it at 70. This car is easy to work on, parts are cheap. Interior is cheap, and a bit cramped, I’m 6’2”. I replaced the headliner myself, materials were about $75. I cannot complain, it’s my daily driver.
I LOVE My Saturn
beelor, 04/30/2011
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used in 2002 with 60k miles. I kept up with routing maintenance. Repairs were consistent with normal wear and tear and never anything major. Had 185K miles on the car last week when a lady cut me off and my car was totaled and I am heart broken but my little car protected us from receiving serious injuries. It did leak oil as is common with this model because of the valve cover gasket. I still got almost 40 mpg on highway and 30 mpg city. This is the best car I ever owned in 40 years of car ownership. My little Saturn did die a noble death. I am looking for another used Saturn and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable economical auto.
Great little car
bwright06, 04/29/2012
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had my 96 saturn for about the last 7 years. It was bought used by my grandparents and then sold to me when they wanted a new one. I didn't have a lot of problems with it at all in these last 7 years. Have never had any big issues until recently. Has 196,000 miles and I have a bad cylinder. Unfortunately I have to find a new car before mine really stops running. I was very pleased overall and it just seems like a fluke that I did not get more miles out of it. I am now looking at a 1999 Saturn SL2...so obsessed with the Saturn.