Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
Disappointed
This was my first and last Saturn. I currently have 70,000 miles on the car, it was purchased new, but I have had many problems. The following components have been replaced: the air conditioner compressor; water pump; fuel pump; horn; alternator; and upper motor mount(twice). The automatic transmission also clunks sometimes when it up shifts. This car does get plenty of tender loving care and is not abused.
Sad to say good-bye
I have had this car for almost 10 years, and only in the past few months has it started to feel old- noisy, rough going up hills. I don't like the new Saturns and only wish I could get another 1997 Saturn brand new again. It gets good gas mileage, looks good (even when it's dirty), & has given her all over the years. I have had no major repairs. If you take care if it, it will take care of you. I will be getting an '09 Toyota in a few days, and topping off the gas tank for the last time tonight made me very sad. She gave her all for 143M miles, and still has more to give to the next owner. My dog will miss sitting in the back window, I am sure.
Great car for the money
I bought by Saturn my second year of law school when my other car died. Needless to say, I did not have a lot of money and was despirate. We looked at Honda Civics and Ford Contours, but bought the Saturn to get what I wanted (power windows/locks, cd player) for the amount I could afford. I have had no major problems with this car except for a defective recalled part in the Summer of 1999 which was replaced without cost. I recently put a new alternator and battery in it. It has 110,000 miles and drives like the day I bought it. I am planning on keeping it another three years (gotta pay those student loans off first!) and maybe get a VUE.
Not Bad
Bought this car with 130K, now have 139K on it. Bought to save on gas and keep my truck in the garage. It is now my dependable, little work car. Small on the inside for someone 6' or over (I'm 6'4") but I get 33 mpg+ and my truck only gets 18, so I love it. For a plastic car, its not bad but it rattles like a can of spray paint. Put new plugs in when I bought it and the dealership had just replaced the clutch. Other than that, no problems to report. I drive it to see my folks and that is a 6 hour drive. Not a bad car.
Long time Saturn owner
Bought my Saturn used in 2001 from the dealership. I was the second and the last owner of the car. Although the "check engine" light remained on for most of the past five or six years it was a dependable go to work car. I will always recommend a Saturn to anyone who asks my opinion. My Saturn saved my and my daughter's life due to its good construction and duel airbags. My Saturn is totaled but will not be forgotten.