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Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Cost Effective

he shoots he scores, 10/21/2005
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Saturn SL1 used with 46,000. I currently have 132,000 and the engine is finally starting to give up. The car has been extremely reliable. I purchased the car with the 5 speed because of wanting the best mileage and it still averages 37 MPG. It is not the most comfortable car but for a lower priced car I have no complaints. It has been in two minor snow related accidents and held up very well during the accidents.

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5 out of 5 stars

my little engine that could

scotty2987, 01/25/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my saturn SL1 so much. It's my little engine that can. I can't even express how much that car means to me. When i was in an accident, it didn't show ANY damage, except the front license plate holder fell off. i reccomend saturn!

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Wow

Billy, 10/28/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car about a year ago. Since I bought it, lets count what has died (considering it had 139k on it but cmon...) oil pressure sensor, shift linkage, water pump, and so much more i don't have room to list. The dealer wants me to buy an entire shift linkage cable set for $300 but the damn cheap plastic piece of crap costs like $.50. All of the parts Ive had to buy are expensive. I don't think the dealer likes you to fix it because there's no room to do anything and you have to take off half the engine to get to the water pump and oxy sensors. God forbid you fix your own car. Interior is cheaply made, ceiling falls apart to dust when you touch it. poor quality plastic fails.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

112K miles and still zipping along

littleriv, 10/30/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first new car purchase and I have no regrets. The goal was to get a SAFE, economical, dependable vehicle and that is exactly what I got. I consistently get over 30mpg and have had no major breakdowns or repairs. At about 40k miles, we replaced the alternator.This year we replaced the break rotors for the first time ever. Only other expenses are oil changes and preventative maintenance. Only cons are vibration noise, seats do get uncomfortable on long drives (ask my 6'2" husband), and there is a notable decrease in power when you put 4 adults in the car. But, what would you expect for the price?

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Miles to go before she sleeps

rmeehan, 02/01/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought in Mar 2000 with 42,000 miles in Spokane, WA. Have driven all over...WA to AL to TX to FL to OH and now to Alaska, where I have lived for the past 2 years. EXTREMELY reliable in all climates. COLD winter in AK this year; car starts right up, even when - 15 or -20. Great in snow/ice (traction control, studded tires&front wheel drive help). Now at 103,000 miles. Replaced EGR valve this week—1st unscheduled maint. I have ever done on this car...I do all scheduled maintenance religiously. The water pump is currently developing a leak--about to swap that out, and that will be the 2nd unscheduled maint. event in 4 years and 60,000 mi--A great investment.

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