Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews
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Reliable, Good-Looking, and Fun
Bryan, 03/03/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have really enjoyed owning our '97 Saturn SW2 wagon. Originally purchased for my wife, it has been a reliable and decent-looking family car. The 16V motor has been strong. It's tuned for more torque in the lower RPM range, so it's great for driving around town. We definitely enjoyed the wagon body style. It has hauled our family of 4 on extended vacations. I use it daily to haul either a mountain bike or surf board. It has held up really well for 11 years. Most people are shocked to hear that it actually that old.
I Love My Little SW2
Robbie, 03/27/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought my '97 SW2 9 years ago with only 15K miles on it. I guess the original owner didn't like the car. Since then I have put on over 100,000 miles and the only major repair was replacing the AC compressor. Sure, the seats are only sightly more comfortable than sitting on a cardboard box, but this car has been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. Still looks good, too - thanks to the plastic body panels.
1997 Saturn S-Series for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- SW1 WagonMSRP: $5,9951,910 mi away
Great car that pays for itself in gas
autoballer, 11/09/2006
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I got this car over the summer since my Caprice needed a ton of work. I now get 2 times the fuel economy 29-35 avg mpg depending on how I drive. It hasnt had any issues at all other than an old battery I admittedly killed while watching Pirates of the Caribbean 2. It has plenty of power as a 5 speed, if it was an auto it would probably stink, and I notice a significant diference in performance when I have 2 average sized passengers. Weight seems to be a big deal to it. I think it might be common to have the wheels squeal when under load while turning onto a highway etc. The stock stereo had almost no bass so I added a small sub.
not to bad for the value
dustingalb, 03/15/2012
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
This was the best vehicle ive had so far. Only minor repairs to it, and its 14 years old now and still driving it. has some seatbelt issues, but its fun to drive. It lacks some acceleration but what 1997 vehcile isnt ha.
Great, Dependable Vehicle
rawsonfour, 12/30/2007
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car as a graduate from college. It had 19,000 miles on it. It now has right around 100K. I've now got a family of four, but when we were deciding whether to upgrade or not, we realized we couldn't beat the gas mileage. It's the perfect commuter car. It seldom needs work; it's paid off, and when it does need work, when spread out over the year it beats a hefty car payment any day. We've only had one major repair in the entire time we've owned it; replacing the shifting rods to the transmission (manual.) Cost: $700. Other costs were usual wear and tear: tires, upkeep, etc. Highly recommend. We'll drive until it croaks. It will be a sad day when we have to give it up.
No Resale Value
IrateinIndy, 05/11/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After last $920 repair, I've had enough! Engine burns oil at 1 qt/500 miles, no leaks, oil changed faithfully at 3,000 miles. Body rattles, no reliability, lousy paint. Second EGR valve, fuel pump, engine mount, 7 PCV valves, O2 sensor, serpentine belt twice, exhaust system. Engine has no power and vibrates like crazy. All this reapir and I can get $1,900 for a trade in. Oh yeah, brand new tiers and front brakes. Saturn again, no thanks!
Good Anuff...Git R Dune
Lil Engine tha Kud, 05/26/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
My 97 saturn SL1 was bought used in 02 with 85k on it. She now has 160k and still.....runs. You dont need a speedometer with this car bc it shimmies at 75 mph. It does like to over heat alil while in rush hour traffic. Gas mileage is great, mid 30's.
Amazing car!
Chris K, 09/12/2017
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for $100. After replacing the motor mount and a new tensioner, its been running great! It's getting me through law school, and only $20 to fill the tank. I get an average of 35 miles per gallon, and because the body is mostly plastic I don't have to worry about dents from the parking lot. I bought it with 120k miles, and currently at 129k miles. Best decision ever, I'm driving this car into the ground.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mostly- my favorite car
Rebecca, 05/19/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my Saturn. I bought it used and was really worried, but I have had almost no problems with it. The only things wrong with it were caused my me (like driving through a deep puddle and having my battery die) I drive it through the canyons here. It sticks to the road really good and has some kick when I go uphill-not bad for a 4cyinder. The best part-it that it looks really sporty, but isn't expensive. I had one guy call me "Ms. Money bags". I beg to differ...:)The car is awesome. My only concern is-it may not be the best car if you are tall-the rearview mirror can block your vision. Watch out for that..
I will miss Christine! (fr Stephen King)
Melissa, 02/12/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My EX-son-in-law picked this car for me after my Geo died. For $750, and 187,000 miles, I was VERY skeptical. Not the type of car I would buy, bright red is a little flashy for my 60 yr. old taste. Then everything started to go. The clutch, alternator, brakes, water pump, ball joints, tie rods,I was beginning to think she was EVIL! Put about $1500 into her and then all of a sudden I had this amazingly reliable, great on gas, goes thru any weather vehicle! Christine gave me back the joy of driving with her 5 spd pickup and great handling Sadly, high mileage oil use and 1 bad cylinder has me looking for another vehicle. Even on 3 she has more get up and go than any 4 cylinder car I've had.