Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Coupe Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
Keeps on Truckin'
T Arnell, 02/15/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this car-as a single woman, reliability is a MUST. Of course, I have kept well maintenaced but runs like a trooper. I was broadsided about 4yrs ago by big Chrysler. The policeman & insurance agent both told me the only reason I lived was because of the double steel bars in the door. Still runs great. The clearcoat is starting to peel but the gas mileage is great. I'll drive til it stops.
Awesome car
ECAP, 04/15/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my SC2 with 120,000 miles on it and it has been the best little car. This is my second saturn and i rate the second one higher than the first. I had to put a valve cover gasket and fuel filter in which the cover gasket was the only non-routine thing. SO after about a total of $55.00 and an afternoon under the hood i have a best car. I would NOT recommend visiting saturn dealerships for service. The people in the service department "dance around" the problem and will drive you crazy.
Wish they still made this one
mjw, 08/17/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this new and have had it 11 years. Apart from interior damage due to careless kids driving it is a great way of getting from A to B. If it were left to me, Saturn would have only improved the interior design and left the model alone. I still get comments about the "new" car, as on the outside you'd never guess it was 11 years old. Still gets great mileage, and the only money I've spent on it was for a new gear lever part that snapped apart when going into reverse. Just buy brakes, batteries, and tires, and of course, gas! As I said, "wish they still made them."
Piece of junk dont waste your money
zap101392, 02/28/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
has 127,000 on it and it has problems weekly my girlfriend has had it in the shop every month since she bought it, Transmission problems, stalls, wont start, speedometer and tach dont read accuratly, radiator leaks, burns a little oil, Headlight plastic discolors over time and makes for a very dim set of headlights. Now about the car it likes to wander on the road sound system stinks ,accelerations is terrible, seats are very very uncomfortable Yet the car was perfectly fine when it was purchased the only good thing about the car is the gas mileage about 27-34 mpg
SC1
I Love my SC1., 07/03/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My saturn is fast, saft, strong, sporty and sweet. I use to drive a neon so this is a big change. ADVISE: NEVER BUY A NEON NOT UNLESS YOU WANT TO VISIT THE PART STORE & SHOP ON A DAILY BASIS.
Love my Saturn
Mary Banks, 02/03/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
An exceptional little car! This is my second one - I flipped the first one 2X and walked away w/ broken nail and bruised knee. Bought another, immediately. I'm the original owner, 8+ years. No actual mechanical problems (besides sunroof), just normal wear and that's been rare - electronic fuel pump is the only part replaced thus far. Drives well in all conditions. Back seats too small for adults, but fine for kids and carseats. Sunroof no longer working - something w/ cables, fixed it, broke again, left it closed. Power window motor beginning to slow down after 8 years. Wish I could "save" it for my 3 y/o to drive in 13 years! Safe & reliable.
Great College Car
NDFresh, 10/16/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last winter when my 93 Cavalier died on me. I was low on money and was looking to get a car that was affordable, reliable, and got good gas mileage. I could not be happier with my purchase. Aside from some hesitation on starting, I've had absolutely no problems. This car gets really great gas mileage, and I'd really recommend it to anyone looking for a practical car to get them through school.
A great Buy
Chippster, 11/27/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had preiviously been driving a Dodge Neon and compared to that this car is perfect
my experiance
dave1, 04/16/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
great reliable daily driver. i have 105k with no unscheduled shop visits yet.
Nice for a while
Erin, 11/30/2010
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when I went to college. It was sporty and I loved it. Then all of a sudden everything started to break on it. I couldn't keep up. First the sunroof, then the A/C, then the starter, then the windshield started leaking, then the rear defrost quit working (among many small and major things). The cost to fix these things were more than the car was worth. Once it was in the shop for 4 months because they couldn't figure out what was wrong! I might have gotten a lemon, but I can't even save up for another car because I am putting too much money into this car to keep it running.
Pleasantly surprised with used Saturn
vedi, 09/20/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After my teen-age daughter wrecked our one remaining family car, I was in desperate need of transportation. A co-worker sold me her Saturn for $800. Our little car takes everybody where they need to go with ease and efficiency. We have made several long distance trips recently and the car has been reliable, fantastic on gas and comfortable for two adults and two elementary school age kids in the back. Despite the fact that the A/C doesn't work, interior is worn and the shift linkage is held together with tie rods I still prefer to drive it over our newly inherited Yaris. Friends who also recently purchased used Saturns are equally pleased. It's a fun car to drive, good recommendation here!
Great car
droadrunner, 04/27/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased car new and the auto tranny bit the dust after 167000 on engine and transmission, and 307000 miles on rest of car (I towed additional 140000 behind motorhome) Only non routine maintenance was a rt. front hub assembley at 64,000 miles. Still had original rear brakes. Engine was a bit noisey, but it was fun to drive and reliabiliy/ economy was outstanding.
Saturn Sucks
bayoufire, 05/10/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would only suggest buying a 97SC2 to a person who is a mechanic. Since buying my sc2 i have taken it to my saturn dealer 4 times for an oil leak. One time they left one of the bolts up next to the windshield rather than attached to my car. My most recent encounter was having my car towed in for a bad alternator and yet another oil leak and unattached back seat that magically popped off one day when i hit my brakes. While this is not the worse car ever made It is second only to that of the Ford Pinto.
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.
My Saturn is Great
LoveMySaturn, 08/01/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my SC2 3 1/2 years ago and have had nothing more than normal problems with it. I would recommend Saturns to anyone! Saturn treats their customers so good. I didn't even buy mine from a Saturn dealership and I get things from Saturn in the mail all the time (free inspections, anniversary cards, promotions,...etc.).
A Fun Commuter
Millefune, 02/04/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 97 SC2 for about a year now, and the overall experience has been positive. With a feather foot on the throttle, I'm getting an combined mileage of 38-42 MPG with 85% highway and 15% city. It's amazing how this car is getting hybrid mileage if driven right. It's also pretty peppy for a car of its age, and it feels really light on turns. Actually, the steering feel and turn-in response is really good. Of course, the suspension could be more sporty, but for stock... it's pretty good. Not too much roll or plow. It feels like a front-wheel- drive Miata sometimes! Of course, this is all relative to a car that was only around $10K-13K when it was new. It's an entertaining econobox!
Great value
2-term saturn driver, 02/10/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in 2004 to replace my the same model (2002 edition) which I had put 220,000 miles and decided to upgrade. This car has been excellent in reliability and the body style is much improved (no pop-up headlights anymore) than the previous SC2 years. Overall a great value for anyone who doesn't mind giving up the plush luxury car for a very reliable, fuel- efficient, decent car.
SC2
gryffon2, 02/12/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fairly zippy little car.
Fun and Economical Commuter
pdxcommuter, 09/20/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Saturn SC2 was originally developed to compete directly with the Honda Civic EX. It boasts a sportier look, engine, and of course, dent- resistant door panels.
I LOVE MY SATURN
Jess*, 05/16/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my used '97 Saturn SC2 in 2003 as my first car at a Mazda Dealership. I would have to say this is the most reliable car. It gets great gas mileage, and is very safe in accidents. I can say this because 2 years ago I was rear-ended. Not a dent on my bumper but a few scratches. The other car who hit me had his whole front end pushed in and had to have it towed. In April 2005 just a few weeks ago I had gotten into another accident where i was hit on the drivers side at a speed of 40mph, and I wasnt hurt at all. Of course my car was pretty screwed up on the side but it didn't destroy or total my car, and I was able to drive it to the body shop.
Stay away from sc2
No more saturn, 03/04/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was very fun to drive. Bought the car in 2000 @ 35,000k miles. Blown engine at 55,000K. Need I say more.
My first EVER reliable car!
Christine, 12/14/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In all actuality, I've been in the market for a Scion tC, but am a little scared to give up my Saturn. This has been an absolutely wonderful vehicle. Every car has it's problems, but in the 5 years I've owned this car, the only things I've had to have replaced is the alternator and the O2 sensor (these are both unavoidable at some point or another)...OH! and the tires and battery! :) Other than that, I can honestly say this is the best car I've ever owned. It's my baby!!
Great Little car
ChevyTruckOwner, 02/23/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine two years ago from my sister, the fact that I knew the entire history of this car was most appealing. If nothing else I can say this car has been incredibly reliable. I've got 80,000 miles and there has never been a problem that would keep it off the road. Peppy is a good way to descibe the power, nt fast but not slow either, it's fast enough. I think it looks great, I think it's LOOKS alot faster than it IS. Hence I think this would be a great car for kids given the fact it has airbags, dent resistant panels, and looks sporty. However it is mostly plastic, has some body rattle at idle, and can feel pretty small.
Reliable car at a very decent price
Pitt Panther, 03/10/2006
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
227000 miles folks. Need I say more? Having bought this car at a Goodwill auto auction for about 700 dollars(with about 211k at the time), I'd say i've gotten the value out of this car at least 10-fold. At first I was a bit skeptical, but after a while I fell in love with it...that's right, I fell in love with a Saturn. Oh sure, poke fun. But as far as I'm concered, this is one of those "too good to be true" things that actually lives up to its claim. It works fine, and I only take it to the shop for oil changes. It is absolutely the best purchase I've made in a long time.
GREAT CAR! Reliable
Jerry Gossett, 03/20/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've had since new. It has been a very reliable and great car. Good power for a 4 cylinder with excellent highway mileage and 25-26 mpg mixed driving. Dent resistent side panels are great -- keeps car looking good. Very good sound system. Sits low like a sports car, so access by grandparents is a bit difficult. The only problem has been the seat belts don't fully retract as they should, but that is minor. Overall, it has been a great car. It has 54,100 miles & still runs great.
Red coupe rules!
Engtchr, 03/07/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Previously owned an SL sedan (1992) which was given to my daughter when I got the coupe.She purchased a 3 door coupe in 1999. This car has needed only routine oil changes, tires etc. until late 2002 when the original battery and exhaust system were replaced by the dealer whose service has always been excellent.I plan to keep the car for another 30000 miles(110,000).
Safe
Male Driver, 06/04/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my SC2 for about 5 years and put over 80K miles on. It would now have 105K but I hit a tree head on at 65mph, so no more SC2. However, my only injury was a couple scratches on my right hand. Very safe car. Fun to drive after adding a few performance modifications. Handles well through corners. It was a good experience, but I would not buy another. I had to replace the starter, fuel pump, alternator, sun roof module, driver side door regulator, radiator, water pump and battery. It was practically new again at 105K miles. Have not had a good time dealing with the Saturn dealer.
I LOVE THIS CAR!!
Heatehr, 07/09/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car to death. It is so much fun to drive. It is very peppy and has amazing pick-up. I would recomend this car to anyone (that doesn't have a family). It is a great single person or couple car. Trust me when I say, NO BABIES!
I love my Saturn
mike mo, 09/10/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From all the talk I hear of increased oil consumption from this model, I can truly say I havent experienced any. My SC2 gets about 28-30 MPG in the city, and nearly 38 on the highway, so I can always expect to get 300 miles at least out of my 10 gallon tank. The handling is great, the acceleration is peppy, and for a Saturn, it's really easy on the eye.
I love it!
Andy, 12/05/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned 3 Saturns in my life, and I will definitely buy another when the time comes. Great gas mileage, fun to drive, well put together, and the people at the dealership are always very helpful.
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.
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.
Best family car yet for me
Alan Chacon, 12/17/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SC1 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving this car for a while, and I love how reliable it is because it has never failed on me ONCE. Of course I do all the oil changes, and all the tune- ups regularly, so that also helps, but in the end the WHOLE car is great to cruise across the country.
Like My SC2
pkpanda, 04/19/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SC2 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With less than 8k miles per year, I'm pretty easy on the car. I'm 6'2" and it's relatively easy to find a comfortable driving position, although I treat it as a 2-seater. I enjoy the 5-spd stick and the engine is peppy enough. I just replaced the right window "regulator motor" at $260 a pop; the left "regulator motor" was replaced six months ago. Previous complaints included the use of sub-par Delco battery that was replaced after the terminal fell off due to a leak in the battery case (which didn't bode well for everything below the battery). Overall the car is well- designed and fun to drive.
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!
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.
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.