Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used S-Series for sale
Saturns seem to age quicker at 60000 mi.
Stephen K, 05/11/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
When I purchased this car from a private party at 60,000 miles, it had low mileage for its years and was in pretty great condition for its age. Unfortunately time seems to catch up to Saturns with a vengeance. By 70K miles there were issues with various electrical systems and both the rear power windows and the A/C compressor failed, by 75K miles both rear power windows wouldn't raise anymore, and the engine died at 93500 miles, 2000 miles after the last oil change, because the oil change light didn't come on and the car was running rough. BEWARE of electrical issues on older Saturns!! Other than that, it was a little workhorse...in performance mode (not standard).
Deserves More Credit Than It Gets
DriverDavid, 04/21/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought from a Saturn dealer about a year ago with 72,000 miles - now at 104,000 with no problems. I wanted a reliable American car with good gas mileage, and that's exactly what I got. I average 38 MPG, and over 40 MPG on trips! (to do this, get the SC1 or SL1 with the single overhead cam, and the manual 5 speed trans) I also find the seats comfortable (yes, they are low and firm). I am 6'4" and 220 lbs. and fit in the car fine. Yes, a couple of little plastic bits inside have broken, but look - this is a 2300 lb. car designed for gas mileage. A little noisy at idle, but very quiet at highway speeds. It's the modern answer to the VW bug - just better!
1997 Saturn S-Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- SL1 SedanMSRP: $2,8501,972 mi away
- SW1 WagonMSRP: $5,9952,350 mi away
- SL SedanMSRP: $3,4772,450 mi away
Gold 1997 SL
David B, 06/25/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Most reliable automobile I have ever owned. Great gas mileage, better than 40 miles per gallon highway and 30 around town. Easy to work on for tune ups, oil change, brakes etc. Spark plug wells tend to accumulate dirt so you have to be careful when you change plugs. Fuel filter could have been in a better place, O2 sensor is a piece of cake. Nice smooth 5 speed. Still have the original clutch. Liked it so much a got a second one used same color too.
The only Reliable American Car
Greg, 11/13/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned a couple of Saturns and they have all been great. I am speaking of the reliable aspect of the vehicle. My first Saturn (1993) I sold to my sister and she still drives it today with 240K on it. My current Saturn has 220K on it. It runs very well and I have to put nominal money into it- just regular maintenance. There is road noise like wind, tire, and engine however. That I can do without. But, when you drive a honda, it is no different. The only difference is the Saturn is American and is much cheaper to repair.
Great car
mike, 06/03/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car with 129000 miles and a rebuilt title. It had been rear ended and rebuilt. The day after I bought it I drove over 2500 miles to Alaska and did not have a problem. Drove it back to Utah the long way (over 3500 miles) and then to Arizona and never had a problem. I averaged 38- 42 mpg on the long trips and 32 in the city. The car ran great and I never had any problems. After 1 year and 25000 miles I was involved in a front end collision and they totaled it out. I wish I had it back. I have always had issues sitting in cars for long trips but the seats in it fit me well and I was always comfortable.