Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
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Reliable Remodel
NYCVA, 03/07/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the first model year for the coupe redesign - it's a completely different vehicle from those earlier than '97 (I know, I also had a '92 SC). I'm still on all the original parts except for tires (I have manual trans.) Only complaint may be road noise and rattles akin to plastic cars in the cold. But, noise is far less than most reviews lead you to believe. Buy this car if you need room for you, your friend, your dog, and your stuff on a highway adventure with a limited budget!
Tranny problems
mike, 03/06/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a Saturn wagon I bought it when it had 75000 miles on it 3 weeks later the transmission actually exploded and I spent 3500 dollars on a brand new one and have been driving it for about a month and im having more problems with the new transmission it makes funny noises while slolwing down but overall its a good little car. It will soon be a manual transmission
1997 Saturn S-Series for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- SW1 WagonMSRP: $5,995982 mi away
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.
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.
These Saturn are good
JJK, 01/19/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am looking for a new Saturn, I have a '97 now with 214,000 with only 1 repair. I had '91 put 225,000 and bought this one. Now I looking for a new one. JJK
time for a change,but still going strong
JGinNC, 06/12/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Saturn SL in college; it was my first new car. 70,000 miles later, it still runs like it did the day that I bought it. The interior is obviously cheap - a temperature control sliding knob once broke off in my hand, leaving the thermostat set to 'hot' in July for a bit - but the car has generally been reliable. My only major repair was an alternator at 65,000 miles. Gas mileage remains terrific as I am still averaging 30-32 mpg in mixed driving. My biggest gripe is uncomfortable seats. I am ready for a nicer car, but I can't badmouth my Saturn.
BEST FUN CAR I HAVE HAD
DGRAND, 03/23/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked at the Saturn since they first came out and waited to buy the one I have. I bought it new in 1997. It is the best mpg I have ever had it gets 30 mpg no matter what the conditions. It has caused me no more problems then normal tune-ups and oil changes. I have really loved the fun of driving this car. I also have a teen-ager driving and the car is doing good. I have owned other new car's that never got to 50,000 miles with out major repairs. I have 63,000 miles and no major repairs at all. I really have had a good experience with this car. From buying it, to driving it, the car has been great.
I Miss My SL
hard2convince, 09/17/2011
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1997 SL new, and drove it for 181,000 miles. For 14 years, this car was near-perfect, with some minor repairs I would add up to wear & tear. Mostly was just change the oil and keep on going. It's still going for the new owner. Alas, I miss my SL. So, a couple problems I had were that the shifter cable assembly broke twice, at about 90K miles each. The original clutch went for 160K. Minor annoyances were that the light for the radio and the oil warning light didn't work, so had to check my oil regularly. Used alot of oil. Mechanics said it didn't burn oil or leak, just "consumed" it.
My Saturn experience
Heather, 04/01/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Other than having excellent fuel economy my Saturn has really been a lemon. It's had to go in for electrical and engine repairs numerous times and it has even had parts just fall off, like a part of the covering under the steering wheel. Also, it's very noisy & gets stuck between gears often even though it's automatic. If all of this model are like this, I wouldn't reccomend it to anyone. It might have been a lemon though.
Still Rolling
Timbo, 05/23/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since my wife and I bought our SL2 we have had very little maintenance other than regular oil changes, tune ups and brakes. We bought a 2005 L300 that has required more maintenance than my SL2. The car is cheap to maintain, requires little maintenance and is good on gas. I have had some BSR's crop up over the years, but they are all fixable for little to no money. The car is fun and sporty, yet still responsible. As the car gets older I am finding that I would prefer to simply restore this car rather than buy another new one. This era of car was Saturn's best in my opinion.
1997 SC2
HOTSHOE, 04/01/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great car for what it's made for. I like many others have a rattle in my drivers door. You can stop it by pressing on the tray. My dealership has been excellent, though I haven't had to use them very much. The oil filter could be located in a better spot & I'm on my third battery.
GM should have kept Saturn
J. Pritchett, 10/30/2017
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 1998 Saturn SL 4-door sedan, 1.9L SOHC w/ 5-speed manual . It is has problems with clearcoat and paint flaking off especially on the metal parts: hood, roof, and deck lid. The cylinder head was recently replaced. This particular engine is known to have a casting defect with the cylinder head cracking in the cam journal, as it affects about 1 in 20 cars. Conveniently, parts are cheap for these cars. And, it's well designed and easy to work on.. On the up side it is fun to drive, rides well, gets great gas mileage, and has plenty of power. It is reliable and has never failed to start and go. It does well around town, it handles well. Holds the road nicely at highway speeds and does a road trip well I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off.
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Good Basic Car
Tommy, 11/03/2018
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Basic car, nothing fancy but if low mileage low maintenance
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Fancy And Luxurious It's not. Cheap and reliable
Jon , 07/24/2023
1997 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
These Saturn s series Cars Are very cheap and reliable To drive. They're amazing, little cars If you take care of them. Little more Maintenance Then a honda or a toyota. Really need to keep your fluids changed. The money you save on gas and insurance almost pay for Maintenance and repairs.
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My 1 & only Saturn
Matt Valadez, 06/16/2006
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Mom purchaced this car used to tow behind a motorhome. Her plans changed (nothing to do with the car) I was having trouble with my vehicle at the time so she gave me the Saturn. I'm very grateful of her generosity but as far as the Saturn is concerned I would not purchase a Saturn myself. The car is very noisy and uncomfortable. The tilt wheel on Saturn cars are pretty much worthless the way it tilts. I had water come into the trunk from going thru a car wash. The auto trunk release worked for a very short time. The cruise control will suddenly shut off on its own. The automatic transmission does not shift smoothly. For some reason the ignition seems to stick at times. Wish I had a Toyota
Dont buy saturns
Joya, 02/12/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
We bought the Saturn at about 110,000 miles. Right away the head gaskets blew. We replaced the engine and continued to have complications, especially after 144,000 miles. The power window control for the back seat window, behind the driver's seat stopped working. We had to constantly replace parts, such as the radiator, thermostat, water pump, ect. Every month something had to be replaced. It always broke down after long trips. Saturns generally don't last for more than ten years. I wouldn't buy another one
Great Buy
Matt, 06/29/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my SL1 with 27,000 miles on it. It has a 5-speed manual, A/C, CD player and the delightful Saturn Security System with power door locks. Right off, I had to replace the alternator, but the rest has been ordinary maintenance. I was rear-ended by a 4x4 the year before last. The only damage was a broken tail light. The 4x4 turned over. These little cars are built to last. My son & daughter took it to college last year and it's now approaching 100,000 miles. I love this little car and it hurt to part with it.