Used 1997 Saturn S-Series Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Reliable, Good-Looking, and Fun
Bryan, 03/03/2008
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
7 of 7 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.
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.
One of the best cars I've owned
Doug, 03/09/2019
updated 09/14/2020
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1997 SW2 with 161,000 miles for $1000.00 in 2016. As I am writing this review, it has 207,000 miles, and still gets great gas mileage. It has only needed minor repairs (Starter, Battery, Water Pump), and I was able to work on it myself. I also hit a deer at 35 mph, and it only cost me $50.00 for a used fender. It only took 45 minutes to install it. It turned 221,000 miles in September, 2020, and it has not needed any repairs since writing my original review.
- Safety
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- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
Why can't GM make more like this?
Tourist1292, 05/22/2009
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I put 109k miles on this car in 13yr. It survived in an accident at 45mph and nobody got hurt. Gas mileage has not changed since day 1. Some oil consumption since last year that needs to top off once between oil change. It has been very reliable otherwise. There was one major repair to replace the wobbling timing chain within the 7yr after market extended warranty. Other than regular oil changes and tune-up, I spent less than $3000 on this car including the cost of extended warranty, deductibles for repairs, 1 after warranty repair, and 3 brake jobs plus ~$900 on two sets of Michelin tires. Just sold it without working AC and rear wiper fluid spray today at 1/8 or original cost.
Good mechanically, but cheap on details
Solitaire, 11/28/2003
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought our Saturn wagon as a family car, but quickly realized that car seats don't fit well in the back seat. And the interior of the car is cramped, to say the least. The seats are extremely low to the ground, making getting in and out of the car difficult. Mechanically the car has performed well, but smaller problems abound: trim coming loose, handles falling off inside the car, the power windows getting stuck, etc. The air conditioner also isn't powerful enough to efficiently cool the back seat. It's a good small station wagon, but not for the claustrophobic and only for someone who is going to take care with the somewhat delicate interior.
MAJOR PROBLEM WITH 1991-1997 ENGINES
jason T, 09/09/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
There is a major problem with Saturn engines from 1991-1997. Manufacturer has a special policy warranty for single cam engines. My 1997 SW2 engine seized at 68,000 miles. Not covered under the policy because dual- cam engine and no single-cam engine.
Buy some earplugs with your Saturn!
Dedloff, 05/27/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchase this vehicle as a "family car". Little did I know that a child car seat does not fit very well in the rear due to the deep scoop of the rear seats. Large amount of side to side movement occurs. Not only that but I traded in my Honda Accord thinking that a Saturn was an equal trade. BOY was I wrong! The ride, handling, feel, and noice level are all smoother in an Accord. My advice, find a nice old Honda Accord Wagon for sale and buy it. You'll save yourself the headache, literally!
Excellent value!!!!
Mike H, 09/24/2002
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car to meet the needs of my new family. Surprisingly, it met my needs too. It is fun to drive yet frugal. It holds everything this family of four needs yet it isn't a boat.
Beware of the Oil Gussler
bluesrev, 01/14/2004
1997 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
at about 20,000 miles I cruised into the dealership wondering why my oil light was on! They said to check your oil. I repeated my question..If I get my oil changed every 2500 miles, why am I going through oil???? An automobile historian in town on a talk show clued me when he told me it was a "lemon" engine. They NEVER told me at the dealership!!! I now add oil every 3- 500 miles!!! Lucky me! Never again!
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