Used 1996 Saturn S-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Everything I Expected
Ridyen, 07/25/2009
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 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.
If you're looking for a cheap, reliable ride...
ladystardust, 10/11/2014
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
8 of 9 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).
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.
Saturn SL2
djohn910, 02/25/2010
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in dec of 06 for 2700. Two months later the starter goes out, 9 months after that the alternator goes out, 4 months after that the starter goes out again. The sun-roof has leaked since day one, causing the leather seats to crack, my driver side window not to roll down, the radio has been completely fried due to the leaking sun roof. I would not by a saturn with a sun roof ever again. Drinks way too much oil. I put 2 quarts every week in it. Have oil changes every 1000 miles.
Cheap little car
Mark, 07/11/2019
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 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.
19 years of scooting around
JDub, 03/28/2019
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got this car when it was only 4 years old but had 71k (current reading is 276k). The first summer I drove it, it consistently got 68-70mpg on the highway, and nowadays I still get closer to 40mpg. I got the most stripped down model, so my arms hurt the first week without power steering but it means one less thing to go out and need repairs. As a small female, I have found it rather easy to get a lot of the work done on it myself - radiator and heater hoses, heater core (doesn't need you to remove the entire dashboard, too!), oil changes, and basic maintenance. With everything crammed so tightly under the hood, it makes for a larger than normal turn radius than a comparable car but mad kudos to the engineers that designed this beauty. I have been hit in 2 car accidents (neither my fault), and neither really needed a lot of work, and I was t boned in one of them - just left some scratches in the plastic door and the back handle is a little wonky. I really wish they still made Saturns like the early and mid 90s versions as I would love to replace my baby with a newer model, as much as I would hate having a car payment again, I would do it for a Saturn.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
Sparkie612s, 02/27/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle used in 2000 and have had no real problems with it. I have driven it across the country on more than one occasion and the most I have to do is change the oil and make sure all the fluids are topped off.
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.
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.
Don't Buy
brittnb, 02/28/2011
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got this car because I had to. I regret it. This is the cheapest made car I have ever owned. My back windows won't stay up no matter what I do. I have them duct taped at the moment. My car shakes and rattles and no one can figure out why. I had to replace the radiator and muffler. The muffler has been replaced twice actually. It goes through oil very fast and I have to change the oil every 1,000 miles or so. I have to put coolant in it every other week or so. The one good thing about this car is it gets great gas mileage. I do not recommend this car to anyone.
DON'T BUY
quadski, 11/13/2011
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bout my saturn sl with 121,000 miles on it last november since then i have put on 15,000 miles. It ran fine at first burning just a quart here and there which is usual, but then in about february my transmission blew. It didnt end there after i got tht replaced i kept having more nd more problems. the oil problem kept getting worse and worse ik have to buy a case of 12qts a month i just replaced my drive axel my tie rod ends nd now i have to do my ball joints. it seems it just doesnt end with this vehicle i would not recomend it for anyone like me who is on a tight student budget and can barely afford the oil and gas much less repairs
400,000 km
jimmy123, 11/03/2010
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 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
Didn't live up to it's billing
Bob of Pickering, 07/18/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
from day one this vehicle has had more than it's share of problems, here is just a few: door gaskets replace or repaired 3 times, 2 alternators, 4 sets of spark pugs and wires, 2 radios, valve cover gasket replaced or repaired 4 times, still leaking. Cruise control malfunctioned. Currently the wippers will turn on for no apparent reason. Now that the warranty has expired, I've been dis-owned by both the dealer and GM.
Point A to Point B
George K, 02/09/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In searching for a economy car along the lines of a Civic, I ended up buying a 4-door, Saturn SL. After 40,000 miles in 2 1/2 years, I've had one incident, but it was caused by shoddy road-work. I switch fluids every 3000, keep everything in proper order, and the car keeps on running. I will say that it's like a sick horse when it comes to engine performance, but I never bought it to beat any cars at the green light. I bought it for longevity and mileage, and it has come through so far on both ends. I can make a 7 hour road trip on one tank of gas.
What were we thinking?
Jack Blacko, 02/17/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We started off with 14 warranty repairs during the first year of owning our brand new car. The alternator is only good for 36k miles. I have lost count on the number of spark plugs and wire sets that the dealer tried to correct many misfire problems. My independent mechanic had not trouble diagnosing a cracked crank sensor. The dealer put in new valve seals at 59k to slow down th oil usage with only partial success. After 50k, synthetic oil is the only thing that will keep the valve train from tapping for the first mile each morning. The EGR valve has gone bad twice, the A/C unit burned up last year ($602 for the part!!).
Solid All Around
dan.t, 07/12/2009
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car we purchased in 2003 as an extra car that would become the kids car. It has an outstanding manual transmission, as well as a powerful engine for what it is. I am always shocked at how the quick the motor is. Interior headliner is sagging like crazy though, which is about the only negative to this vehicle. I can average almost 30 mpg with this car though, which is great.
no more saturns for me
kwaj_kid, 08/28/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saturn new b/c of the "no haggle" hype. It has given my grief ever since. Thank God I bought the extended warranty, b/c with out it, I would have been SOL. I've had problems with the transmission, the coolant system, and oil consumption. Recently the cylinder head cracked (happened 8 days after the warranty expired, to their credit, Saturn was "nice" enough to pick up the tab, as the service tech reminded me over and over). The speakers have all blown and the sunroof leaks. No More Saturns for ME!
Tough as nails
Saturnboy, 06/11/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm a spirited driver and drive my cars rather rough however, since I've had my saturn I've put nearly 30K on it and its still running strong. The twin cam engine mated to the five speed make an excellent couple giving me the most performance the engine has to offer. The fit and finish on this vehicle is 5 times better than on my Grand Am. Reliability has been outstanding for this car, I haven't had anything major fail and am up to 130K. With regularly scheduled maintance and preventive maintance I believe this car will make it to 200K easily. I'd recommend this car to anyone who needs inexpensive transportation with decent looks and performance.
saturn? no way
ihate saturn, 07/29/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car was good until the head cracked at 79000 miles.The dealer accused me of lack of maintenance and would not help with the $1600 repair, even though there are factory notices of known problems of cracked heads. i would never buy another Saturn, and I tell everyone I know how I was treated.
'96 Saturn SL1-Has Not Let Us Down
revellr, 09/09/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought'96 SL1 in'98, now over 160k miles.Runs as good as when bought.ONLY problem ever was a blown fuse.It can run on no gas & oil. With regular maintence to include new plugs, wipers, tires and oil changes, this car has been 100% dependable. Although it IS fun to drive, the 5-speed gets tiring in the city.This can be corrected by parking it for a few hours, and whaalaa...when you start it up it's like getting into it for the 1st time again!Only downfall is size. Not a lot of room, which detracts from comfort on trips. Rides smooth,minimal outside noise, ice cold air, descent stereo, quick stops,good get up and go, especially when it's not fully loaded.
nothing fancy, outstanding value
travis p, 08/03/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is the first car ive ever owned and i love it dearly. i bought it for getting to work this summer and hopefully many summers to come, it has no power locks nor windows, nor many drink holders. 4 cylinder engineaccelerates like a four cyl should, nothing more nothing less. The seats are the most comfortable ive ever sat in, athe mileage is awsome, and it always starts when i turn the ignition. everyhting that i count as crucial, ie mileage, comfy seats, and reliability, has not disapointed, but i would like some power locks some day.
Great Little Car
akannie, 08/11/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this because it was inexpensive and drove well. I love the manual transmission. I upgraded the stereo and speakers to make me feel like a teenager. No major problems. I only made one major repair of $1000 in the 5 years I owned it (brakes, serpentine belt and some wiring problems). It does well in the snow with studded tires. Gas mileage is great. I replaced it because I wanted power locks, a sunroof and a little more room. It got replaced with a a Saturn Vue.
Good gas mileage
Good gas mileage, 02/07/2009
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife purchased the car new before we got married. We have owned it for over almost 13 years. The best trip was OH to TN and got almost 50mpg. We now have 240,000 miles on it and it still gets 34+in town and between 40 and 45 on the highway. We took a trip to Niagara Falls summer of 2008 and on the way back had 48mpg. We change the oil every 3,000 miles. Did have a right wheel bearing go out. It is fun to drive with the manual transmission. It still has the original clutch and transmission. When it finally dies, it will be a sad day. I plan to replace it with another Saturn S series but in the 2000 to 2004 year range. Thanks Saturn.
It's a good car
It's a good car, 11/21/2009
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 2 years as of the 27th of December. It's a good car, but u must keep up with it. I've had to replace my intake gasket, get a motor mount, and constantly keep oil in. I just replace a fuel injector and a EGR valve a few months ago, but other than that it's a good little car. I have another year to keep before I give it up.
$'s worth!
"satisfied", 10/21/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car when i was a newly wed and poor! SL with AC as the only extra. Just passed 105k miles and no problems except the ac the 1st 6 months (pin hole in the compressor replaced under warranty). very dependable. good milage and fun to drive. I have had none of the problems i read in the other reviews. hate to sell it ( its paid for) but need more room for the family. little bit loud and sits low. best $13k i ever spent on a car! recommned it for quality and economy.
Never again...
jvt, 09/04/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd Saturn that I have purchased (the first was an SC2). Everything is alright until it hits 60,000--then it's downhill from there. Now I have an oil leak to take care of. Thankfully I just purchased a new Jeep Cherokee, so I don't have to drive that piece of junk (I still have the Saturn 'cause the dealership offered very little and I still have another year to pay it off!).
shellies 96 SL1saturn
shellie, 02/08/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car 28 to 30 miles in the city, fun and repairs are resonable, no major problems
I love this car!
stefaniejl, 01/22/2008
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for a few months now, and I fell in love with her. Very safe, sturdy, and not at all tinny. The engine is very clean, and the car burns very little oil. Responsive steering and brakes. I will never, ever sell this car.
Good car but not without faults
Debra Kelly, 11/09/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Initially, I was very happy with my Saturn. I have owned it for 4 1/2 yrs and put over 80,000 miles on it myself. It had 37k when I purchased it. Now that it has over 126,000 ,and an oil leak and I am at the end of the loan....it needs to be replaced. Door locks and windows are broke and repairs for these components are several hundred dollars EACH. The repairs I have had to make are identical to the repairs reported by other Saturn owners in this review.
Taken
Dvy20022, 08/11/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Decent car, but had a cylinder head problem, tha Saturn knows about, but won't recall. If using large amounts of oil, contact the dealer before 60k miles or their special policy will expire and you are out of luck. Only dealer or corporate office will reimburse you for the cylinder head issue. Special Policy is a recall with time limit which benefits only Saturn, only holds them financially responsible for a limited time. Also when we bought the car, 2 months into it, the speakers rattled, I was told to put cotton behind the speakers around the speakers , since they were not meant for a high performance stereo. It was the factory stereo.
Solid Car for the money...
TStCere, 07/14/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car proved to be a solid investment for me. I drove it pretty hard, putting over 100K miles on it it about 5 years, and other than changing tires and the battery c couple times, it has had no major machanical issues. The only real drawback is that I am 6' tall guy and it was a little short on a leg room...but other than that it was every dollar I spent on it.
Best Car Ever
Mandie, 11/08/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Gimme a break. If you have had your car for 170K, of course things are going to go bad on it! If you don't check your oil, of course you're going to have problems with it! If you only listen to your stereo at the highest level, of course you are going to blow the speakers. I love my Saturn. I have about 65K on it. I have had no problems with it since I bought it in 2000. I have yet to make a repair on it. My husband and I both owned Corsica's when we met, and trust me, the Saturn is 10 times better. In fact, we are looking at replacing my husband's crappy Corsica with a Saturn this weekend.
Run It Forever
RS, 12/04/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put a tremendous amount of miles on this car. I am up to 116000, and besides needing a new radiator and clutch(to be expected on any car with that milage), it runs great. Starts instantly no matter how cold it is. The best part is how I can just get in it and take it on a road trip anywhere, and never have to worry about. It is amazingly comfortable since the driving position is ideal. Everything is within reach, and the seat is highly adjustable for any driver. I am six feet tall and am plenty comfortable. Build quality does stink though, many rattles and squeaks. But overall reliability and gas milage is great! Great first car!!!
Good Car
Spiraljoy, 08/27/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I brought my Saturn SL2 1996 in 98. And all I have to say is that it was and has been a great buy. The only problems I've had to date is the need to replace the alternator, battery, timing belt and I the oxygen metor. I have practically driven this car to the ground. I initally got the car with 30,000 miles now it is well over 75,000 and runs as good as new. This car has travel with me from NY to BOston and BACK. ANd the service I recieved from the Saturn dealership was exceptional. Its a great car in my opinion.
Cheap and Reliable
shensley, 11/08/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had to replace alternator, A/C Evaporator, and a minor part in the clutch (manual trans.) Dealer service has been excellent. Burns a quart of oil every 1500 miles. Interior comfort isn't that great, engine is loud and underpowered even for an economy car. However, gas mileage is excellent. On long trips, I average north of 40 mpg. The paint still looks great after six years. As a testament to the design, I was rear-ended by an Accord several months ago, and came out of it with a tiny scratch on the bumper (the accord took over $1500 in damage).
been good
bstaples, 11/13/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a wonderful car. We bought our '96 SL2 in July of '99 thinking about a family. It had all the features we were looking for and that it handles well in bad weather. The only problems I have had is the driver's window regilator went out at about 55,000 miles and the alternator went out about seven months ago at 85,000 miles. But this car has held up with harder driving. Now that we have a family, though, we are finding that it is a bit cramped. We are thinking about the new Vue.
shellyjas
shellyjas, 08/04/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
140,000 miles no major problems, 28 miles to the gallon, quiet and just a good all around car
Solid American car
RogueIX9, 08/22/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have an SL2 with a seemingly unique black/gold paint scheme (black until bright light hits, then reflects as gold). The paint scheme is awesome, and i've never seen it on another car of any type. It has a 5-speed manual, which is a necessity if you want this car to accelerate. With the manny tranny it has tons more pop than most cars in its class. The exterior has held up great, the paint is in perfect condition, and the dent-resistant panels do their job. Handling is unequaled among other cars in its class. Interior is comfortable but is very cheap. Has been for the most part reliable, replaced alternator and shifter cable, now at 79k miles.
SaturnSuks
Want2morecyliders, 09/23/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
At first the car was Great! but right around the 90k mark things started to go bad. I've had to replace the alt. twice. and now I've been told the car is burning oil and I need a new engine. NO WAY! The 2,3 and 4th gears went out on me in traffic. that was fun! and it's been goin downhill from there. I will say this its a tough car. I've been hit 3 times and you wouln't know it. Once by a Izuzu Rodeo which the Saturn torn up the rodeo and I walked a way with a scracth and a 2in hole in the bumper. It served me well, could have been better though mechanic friend asked me what I drove. I said saturn "keep oil in it"he retorted. boy was he ever right!
Will buy another if this one ever stops.
deb, 09/04/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best buying experience ever. No pressure, no hassles, no crap. The best running vehicle I have ever owned. May not be fast and furious, but it is pretty quick. Handling is exception for this price range. Had to take it in for some warranty work on one occasion (tranny module), excellent experience there also. No running problems or cosmetic problems at all.
Awesome Value
shaggyismbm, 12/18/2007
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for $1300 and it was a great deal. It had 175,000 miles on it and it ran like a new car. It handles well, the motor is quick, the trunk is roomy. The only problems I had were the speedometer quit on me a while back (also my odometer) and my alternator went out. I would guess the car has about 250,000 miles on it now. It was a great value. Oh yeah and I hit a deer in it and it didn't even knock out the headlights. I drove off just fine with only a little body damage. Nothing major just a bent up hood. (I wish I could post a picture)
Great small car
drizzlemiao, 09/25/2003
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a durable american car if you drive it with good maintanance.Good condition can be achieved even after 7 years use.
Reliable Car - Good Gas Mileage!
1996 Saturn, 11/08/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Gas Mileage! Fun and sporty car. Good value for your $$. Buy an automatic transmission instead of a 5- Speed though. The 5-Speed gets tiring driving in the city. Great brakes on the car! It had 63,500 miles on it and never had to overhaul the brake system once.
Saturn...Reliable with Respect
MdDakota, 11/19/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my automatic gold colored saturn at 116,000 miles. It has 120,000 now. For me being at just 6 ft.it has a lot of room. Luv the trunk space. No rust; the fiberglass panels have held up well. I've had the usual problems: quart of oil at every thousand miles, needed O2 sensor replaced at time of purchase. And, my front windshield gasket has breached. Water all over on the driver side. Aside from the problems this car runs great. With some maintenance and continued care, I exspect this car to work well for my daily commutes. And at 34 mpg. I can afford a little better to fill up.
I Like It!
Kevo, 06/24/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think that this car really is what Saturn has made it out to be: "A different kind of car for a different kind of consumer." Not only do I enjoy driving this car, but it really is great on gas and maintainence (which is good for a poor high school senior like me!) If you're looking for an affordable alternative to others on the market while not sacrificing all the perks of a luxury car, I would definitely choose a Saturn.
Bigggg Mistake
Saturns R. Worst, 11/26/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car looks great but has been nothing but problems - some minor but still aggravating, but others quite major. It has only 65,000 and now has a cracked cylinder head. Oil leaked into the cooling system, and vice-versa. Come to find out, its a known manufacturing defect especially on single-cam engines of this vintage. Add this to numerous leaks, squeaks, breakdowns, and being underpowered - I've had enough. No more Saturns for me.
Great little car
misjief, 06/15/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been great and very reliable. Fun to drive.
It's actually pretty decent.
Changiboy, 04/11/2002
1996 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you want a little runabout that is reasonably flexible but is cheap to maintain and reliable, then this may well be it. Pushing 6 yrs, 90+k on mine and no major trips to the Shop, just one recall rework on the enginge. I've hauled everything from 7foot Christmas trees, disasembled 80 inch wardrobes, all sorts of boxed and packages over the years and the little car has always delivered. It's no race car or luxury car, but it can carry things my much larger Galant cannot, thanks to the folding rear seats. If I have one main complaint, it's that the thing turns ike a pig. The aforementioned Galant can actually turn inside of my saturn!
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