Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
Used S-Series for sale
Disappointed
KAL3, 02/19/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Highest recommendation
cjcrex, 07/13/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Saturn SL new in '97 and have since driven it 65,000 miles in all types of weather, city and highway, short and long distance etc. I have not had a single complaint or a single non-scheduled repair. I love the way it handles, I enjoy driving it, the dealer's stereo sounds great, and I can fit a remarkable amount of stuff in the very spacious trunk (plus 50/50 fold down back seat). Love it, couldn't recommend it more.
Great Car
Any, 08/24/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for over 5 years with no major problems. This car has worked out great. It has been to the West Coast, East Coast, Canada, and even Florida. Still running strong. Average around 32-34 MPG highway and city.
Solid Performer
BillH, 09/13/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought with 12K in 7/98, now with 102K. Only repair required was for the sun roof motor. Decent gas mileage but a tight fit for anyone over 6' tall and 190 lbs. But our kids loved it and I loved the fact that I didn't have to put a lot of repairs into it.
Sad to say good-bye
mimi, 07/23/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
5yr Saturn Owner, 06/21/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Terrible Car--DON'T BUY!
bpeterson, 07/18/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While our car was in for major service for the 4th time in 3 months, we learned from other people in the waiting room that ALL thier saturns had been in for major service just past 30K miles. With 62K we were told that our car needed a new engine, despite following all the recommended service from the dealership. Having relatives in the auto repair business, we aquired Saturn's service bulletins, proving that our dealership (where the car was service exclusively) had ignored telltale signs of major problems. Still, both the dealership and corporate refused to help, let alone return calls. Stay FAR AWAY from Saturn's faulty products!
Not Bad
pbolt, 04/20/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
JackieD, 07/18/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car
K. Barry, 04/13/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Saturn 97SL has been nothing but a great car. This car get's 32MPG and has never needed any major repairs other than the normal tuneups and oil changes. My Saturn has 93,000 miles on it and it still runs like it did the day I bought it. It's great for my family and it has NEVER, in 5 years, broke down anywhere (knock on wood).