Used 1998 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon Consumer Reviews
Used S-Series for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Great Little Car
Ron Beagles, Shelton WA, Shelton, WA, 09/26/2019
Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you prefer an automatic transmission, the twin cam 1.9 engine is a definite must, especially if you live in a hilly area as I do (125 HP vs. 90 hp in the SW1 single cam engine). Bought my 98 Saturn SW2 with over 100,000 miles on it, for $1,500.00. I replaced the alternator and the head gasket (myself) because the previous owner let the cooling system overheat and warp the head. Milling the head cost about $40 and the gasket was about the same price; the head bolts also needed to be replaced -- recommended in the Saturn factory service manual, however I chose to use studs instead of the "stretch" standard bolts since studs have better clamping force. The car now has 197,000+ miles on it and still runs great and gets the high gas mileage. Recently, I had the standard shift cable break at the shifter (below the shift lever arm, standard transmission; there are two cables, just one broke) and replaced it from a wrecking yard part for about $25. Also, I have been using a high quality synthetic motor oil (Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic High Mileage 10W - 30W, which, I believe, greatly enhances engine life as well as that of the standard transmission, which I now use 0W-20W synthetic motor oil instead of the automatic trans oil which is recommended ( I felt the recommended oil was too thin). Overall, this has been an absolutely terrific general use transportation car, thus saving the miles on my 1992 Lexus coupe, which I bought with only 134,000 miles on it; I also use the synthetic motor oil in the Lexus engine (but not the auto transmission -- (still looking for a suitable synthetic auto trans oil for it). I just wish General Motors hadn't discontinued the plastic panels since they are great in parking lots where door dings (and shopping carts) happen, not to mention the no-rust consideration which is important in those areas where they salt the roads in the winter. I just love my Saturn.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Just love this car!
Saturn Sally!, Johnstown, CO, 02/09/2022
Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second '98 Saturn wagon SW2. I bought one used, 80K miles, from the original owner and put 60K miles on it. I was rear-ended which totaled my car!. With the proceeds, I found an identical '98 Saturn wagon with 83K miles on it which I immediately bought. It, now, has 160K miles on it. I cannot tell you how much I just love this car! Completely reliable, starts every morning, runs well, lots of pep, great gas mileage, lots of room, great heater. I've now been driving a Saturn wagon SW2 for 17 years. Interestingly, a chat with a woman in the bank recently revealed that she'd had a Saturn that she loved as well. She shared with me that she got 457K miles out of it. You read that correctly! No typo! At 160K miles I think I'm just getting started!!
My last Saturn
Saturn in Ftn, 03/30/2003
Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Saturn SW1 new for my kids to use for University. The vehicle was expected to be reliale and if you listen to the advertisements an enjoyable experience. Almost from day 1 we had small issues with fit and finish. (Dome light, wind noise, tie down on seat material, rear wiper & washer (in the winter) to name a few. The dealer addressed the issues but there were just to many of them. The only problem that could not be addressed was the check engine soon light. The suggestion from the dealer IGNORE IT!!!