Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
Used S-Series for sale
Great Commuter No problems Cheaplybuilt
Pete from CO, 01/10/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new after college, wanted something with a warranty and reliability that wasn't going to drain my wallet. This is what I got, I now have 84K mi on mine with NO problems. I did replace a front axle, but only after hitting a huge hole in the road. Everything else has been routine maintence. If you can drive a standard transmission, the 5sp shifting is smooth and you'll need it on hills + hwys w/only 100 hp. Down side, handling is average, stlying average, "fun to drive" factor is low and the fit and finish are below average ("sweaks", enough that I installed an aftermarket stereo system)
Runs good!
mjmiron, 02/20/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I am very pleased with my Saturn. It's the second one I own along with the Vue. The major problems were the alternator going out at 65k, and having my front rotors ground every 12k. Other than that I have had good luck with the car and it's really easy to work on. I am also running Amzoil so I change my oil once a year which is great.
Nice Deal
MAZ, 01/06/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is reliable, fast considering its low hp, and can take alot of abuse. The fuel economy is also great. Overall no real problems with the car but I would recommend buying and sc2 because of the 25% more hp, different tires and suspension, and power options.
F@%* Saturn
God of War, 10/05/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you're looking for a car to give you a reason to visit your dealer for maintenance, look no further. The SL2 will break down about every ten minutes of its life. I've spent as much fixing this car as I did buying it. When I finally paid off the lien, the engine went. Since I've had the new engine, I've had all the same problems. Saturn maintenance tends to ignore major problems by fixing smaller ones to get you out the door. Saturn has chased this patriotic American to its rival Japanese and German competitors.
Great!...until that pesky cracked head.
April, 02/24/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car held up pretty well in 2 minor accidents. Very safe and stylish, with low insurance rates. The interior has held up well. As for reliability, I didn't have a care in the world... until the 82,000 mile mark, when the cracked head happened. I have found that this is apparently a common problem for these cars. I wish that Saturn had issued a recall on this vital issue. I suppose that 8 years and 82000 miles of trouble free driving is not bad for $12500, though. My mechanic is advising me to get rid of it while I still can, but I admit that the car has become a part of me in the 8 years I have owned it. Not sure what I'm going to do...
1997 Saturn SL2
James Clark, 02/02/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Saturn has been a very reliable vehicle, and performs in an exceptional manner for my 580 mile commute every week. Cost of operation very low up to 100,000. There have been no suprises, no major ticket items. Only tires, wipers, filters and regular oil changes. Best car I have ever owned.
Not a bad car
pnedwek, 03/07/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car as my first real car purchase and I was pleased with it until I wanted a replacement. I took care of it with the schedule maintenance and the only problems I had in 8 years was an alternator replacement and a new starter. The car was reliable - but there are better out there. It was not the most comfy of cars.
my little 'speed racer'
Moocher, 06/14/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased the Saturn new and we put 25,000 miles on it the first year. It now has 118,000 miles. We have put a battery in it, alternator and valve body-not bad considering the alternator and valve body are the only things outside of regular maintenance. I plan on putting another 100k before retiring it. It's great on gas and easy to maintain and above all it's a safe car.
You get a little more than what you pay
norwich9695, 02/04/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Some minor problems but I had the saturn no hassle plan for the first 5 years. Once paid off, I make sure to get the oil changed and add a little Dura-lube or Slick 50 for some good luck. 70,000 miles later no problems. I treat it to a christmas gift each year. One upper motor mount in 1999 (didn't need replacing) Tires in 2000, still had 8/32 of tread (practically new) 2001 new sound system (now with 200 watts of clean power) 2002 alignment and struts (against the recommendation of the technician). The Manual trans is the best I've driven from BMW Audi Passat Honda and Toyota (very smooth).
1997 Saturn SL1
Tina's Saturn, 03/09/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's definately an economic, low maintenance car. I have, however, had to have an "annual tow" and a few hundred dollars worth of work once a year, but outside of that, it runs well.