Used 1999 Saturn S-Series 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.
This car takes a licking and keeps on ticking!
schanteuzer1, 06/21/2013
1999 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
I did not realize 'til I had my "new" 1999 Saturn wagon just how badly this car had been abused. I drove the car home on fumes, it was so low on gas. I checked the oil a few weeks later. It was over 3 quarts low! Then I had a flashback to when I first went to look at the car and the first words out of the previous owner's mouth were "It hasn't been sitting." I drove it around for a bit, liked it and bought it. I seriously don't know why this car continued to run the way it was treated, but I did some regular maintenance things (like an oil change), I've had it for about 5 years now and I have not had to do any major repairs -it still runs great!
Better than my VOLVO!!!
DrH2Os, 05/13/2002
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
The SW2 is tops. It gives me 32 mpg, and my 30,000 mile maintenance intervals cost me only $38 in parts -- I do it myself. Why can't ALL of the car makers put the automatic transmission filter in the engine compartment? Screw the old on eoff, screw a new one on! Neat styling too! I've had many cars, and the only one I've liked more than my Saturn SW2c in my 29 years of driving was my 1972 Volvo 1800ES!
Best Car I Have Ever Have
Richard, 12/05/2017
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
There is no comparison to another car like the Saturn 1999 Wagon. The car is amazing, from the polimer panels to its superb gas mileage. It's a shame GM stopped manufacturing these cars. The best car GM has ever done and they dropped it. Unbelievable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2nd SW2!
myriadapps, 03/23/2010
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is my second Saturn SW2, the other was a 2000 that I drove until I decided I needed a new car, and then I regretted it almost every day. I flew down to Florida and bought this one off the Internet with only 32K, now has 76K and I couldn't be happier. Both this one and my previous one, which I bought at 10K and sold at 150K, never failed to start and only needed standard upkeep (tires, brakes, hoses, etc.). I never had to do a major repair on either one. I like the power and the drivability of the SW2. I am sad that after this one I won't be able to get a replacement, the newer Saturns just weren't as good and of course now you can't get them at all.
My Milage Did Vary
pjm83, 09/23/2011
1999 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Saturn used, with 52k miles, for $4k. Given the price of the car, I didn't demand much from it. I could forgive the uncomfortable seats, the anemic engine, the spartan interior; all I wanted was good gas milage and reliability. I was partially satisfied. A wiring problem killed the headlights at 85k. At 90k, the rear wiper stopped working. The car began burning oil in this time period as well - I was a lot less impressed with the fuel economy when I was routinely adding other fluids to the car. 100k, and the engine mounts loosened, adding more to an already-obnoxious rattling while driving. At 115k, the transmission went kaput. I had expected to drive the car further.
BEST CAR EVER!
HI-MILER, 06/28/2002
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
FROM THE EASE-OF-SERVICE TO THE MILEAGE, COMFORT, FEATURES, AND COST OF OPERATION, IT'S THE BEST . . .
Inexpensive, reliable, capable
rwagner, 09/18/2003
1999 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the right car for the wrong reason -- to get traction control. It has proved to be trouble free, reliable, good cargo hauler, good external appearance with little care, very good gas mileage (40 mpg), cruises at 80-85 with no difficulty.
As dependable as expected
breunor, 04/02/2004
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my SW2 planning to haul small loads in the back, and it fit the bill nicely. Very few problems with the car, and those were minor. Overall the TCO has been low, and I plan to get several more years out of it. Maintenance costs have been low too, especially since there's no timing belt to replace and the exhaust is stainless steel.
Very happy after 172,000 miles
marklaken, 05/19/2005
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been completely trouble free up until last week. I would say my maintenance has been poor at best. I've run it on nearly empty oil, I only have changed the auto tranny fluid once. The brakes have been repaired twice. I've switched spark plugs 3 times now, and plug wires once. That is it for maintenance. It has 172,000 miles on it! (mostly highway driving I think it cost me $16,000 new. They have incredibly poor resale value, which is beyond me, but i will definitely try and land another used one to replace this one. I am currently trying to solve its first major problem, an injection issue. It is also easy to work on! A great work car, commuter car or first car. It also holds a bit more than most sedans, comes in handy when you buy a washing machine, dryer or big TV.
I adore my '99... still!!!
Stephanie, 09/21/2018
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
... Best wagon ever! ...no longer for sale This is 2018 and it still drives beautifully ... minimal upkeep ... incredible automobile!!!
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Perfect car for parking lots
SaturnOwner-Chicago, 04/24/2002
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall the SW2 is a good car, just not a great one. The plastic body panels means it survives parking lots without dings. It's insurance rates are low, and it greats good fuel economy, yet performance is good. It's reliable and seems rugged, but it excites no one. The best description I have ever heard for Saturns is that they are perfect cars for people who don't care about cars. The choice of plastics in the interior results in a low-priced look and feel with buzzes, rattles.
Love my Saturn
PRECIOUS, 12/20/2007
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Use for business travel and pleasure. This has been a very reliable auto, Bucket seats are a bit low for my taste but comfortable once you get into them. Large cargo area with back seats down flat. In 5 years 2 repairs in the $200 range.
sw2 99 Texas
cora, 10/28/2003
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is reliable and economic as far as fuel goes. It is comfortable for the kids as well. We drove from Texas to Illinois and back without a problem. And the space in the back of the wagon fits lots of things. I would reccomended.
Great car, very rare
S-Series, 04/16/2005
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has very good reliability. I bought it used from Saturn, and I'm very happy with it. It's great for putting big things in the back. Its very rare to find one that has low mileage and is close to your area. The car is great in reliability and has great build quality. I would definitely recommend the SW2 to anybody. Overall I am very pleased with it.
GOOD FOR SHORT TERM ONLY
AUTOSTRADA, 07/01/2004
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
NO PROBLEMS FOR FIRST FOUR YEARS, BUT THEN STARTED FALLING APART: ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, OXYGEN SENSOR, IDLE PULLEY, AND WATER PUMP(AT ONLY 31,500k). SEATS HAVE GOTTEN LOW AND UNSUPPORTIVE. ALSO TOLD I NEED A NEW IGNITION MODULE, BUT I HAVE SO FAR PASSED ON THIS EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT. CAPABLE, EFFICIENT ENGINE, GOOD BRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROL, BUT I DON'T THINK I WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP THIS CAR FOR NINE YEARS LIKE MY PREVIOUS TOYOTA COROLLA WHICH NEVER HAD ANY OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS. I THOUGHT SATURN WAS DIFFERENT, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE THE STANDARD AMERICAN MONEY-PIT!
Best In Class for Cargo Space & Mileage
Paul M., 04/04/2006
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Saturn SW2 wagon has been the perfect car for me, it has the best combination of cargo space and gas mileage of any car I have researched. It may not be the fastest car on the road from 0 to 60, but it meets all of my needs. I have done nothing to the car other than change the oil (every 4000 miles or so), change the tires (only once), and had to change the battery once. The car runs like a dream and even did a cross country trip fully loaded with no problems.
Close to amazing in class
belle, 12/26/2006
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This red pepper station wagon has some fine features. Fuel economy, peppy power, fun to drive as a 5 speed, hatchback, 4 doors, outside finish color stays bright, traction control makes it good in ice and snow. At 84000m have had to replace water pump, censor, motor mount, battery, spark wires, rear brakes, fix front door hinge. I can almost say it has been a great car, except it started using oil at 56K and Saturn made lame excuses. I was very dissapointed in Saturn's response. Otherwise I could have been an unabashed fan! I always maintained the engine, and now have to add 2 quarts between oil change. Amazingly, it still drives great, but I won't ever buy another Saturn.
Good low cost transportation
EMTI95, 11/01/2007
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 89k miles, now has 135k. It has performed well. Looks sporty. Seats not designed for the long haul. I'm 6 feet tall and fit well into car, but only with steering wheel tilted up getting/out. Engine burns 2 qt's oil between changes, but no smoke(?). Differential blew apart at 110k, taking tranny with it. Had junkyard tranny installed. Still runs good. Lots of rattles and creaks, particularly in cold weather. Love the ABS, traction control, stereo, sporty feel. Except for tranny, opertaing costs low. Insurance low for teenage daughter. Great student car. She even likes the manual trans. Not many of her friends can drave a standard.
SWs way better than LW's!
carshoppin, 03/16/2002
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
LOVE this car. Fondly referred to as our "mighty 4-cylinder." This has get-up and go when we need it. Comfy to drive cross-country and with great mpg. Had it outfitted with hitch to pull small uhaul(4x8) trailer. Anything bigger greatly affects handling. Don't ever slide into a rubber-necking a Ford Expedition on an icy hill though, as the higher bumper literally peels the hood up into a crumpled heap even when impact isn't enough to set off air bags. For this reason it's rated a "10" by insurance co.s (the lower the #-cheaper ins). Traction control great. These saturns are prone to top motor mount failure which causes cabin vibration at idle. (cost to fix-$150.)
best yet!
pat buxton, 12/02/2002
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this car immensely. I have had no major difficulties in over 3 and one half years of use. Saturns are one of the best American cars on the road, and are improving every year. Can anything good come out of Tennessee? Of course!
Could be worse
lisao, 12/07/2002
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rather basic transportation, but very reliable. About as exciting as white rice but it will get you there and back every time.
SW2 is a rare find!
rickh20s, 12/13/2003
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Finding a used SW2 is not easy; but when you DO get one, you'll probably never sell it. It's easy to drive, maintain, and pay for! Plus, it doesn't look too bad, either, for a wagon!
Lemon
sa1nt412, 05/06/2004
1999 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been a nightmare almost from the beginning. I regret ever buying it. I was moving from Phila to CO, so I shopped for room, comfort and most of all fuel efficiency. This car is very comfortable on short stints, but since the driver's seat can't sit up straight it is VERY uncomfortable for long excursions. I should know I've driven this car across the entire country. I've never been able to get decent mileage [low 20's] and the dealerships refuse to see that as a problem. I also had transmission issues, which required that the trans be rebuilt and it took me over a year and a lawyer to have that taken care of.
Most dependable cars ever made
Michael, 10/14/2005
1999 Saturn S-Series SW2 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this SW2. It only has 64000 miles, but I anticipate putting many more on it. I have a 1993 Saturn SL1 with almost 240000 miles (original engine and trans). The only things I've replaced are 2 tensioner pulleys, 2 alternators, 1 water pump just recently and front wheel bearings at 190000 miles. I expect to get the same reliability from this car as well considering the only difference mechanically is the twin cam engine (the SL1 is a single cam). You cannot find a better car that gets such good gas mileage at a better price (30- 36mpg regular driving and 44mpg best ever on a road trip on the SL1). If you find one, BUY IT! I only paid $5200 with a 3,000 mi./3 month warranty.
The car is great, the dealer is not!
Holland, 04/09/2003
1999 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Saturn and when we went to pick it up, the underbody package and scotch-guarding we paid for was not done and the dealer was set to let us drive it off the lot without doing the work. All I will say is..POOR SERVICE! - low fuel light does not work and our Saturn dealer said they fixed it but did not and a few other minor electrical issues. Solid Car - Thank heaven for dent- proof side panels. Saved lots of cash. Rear bumper construction solid as well. Backing into a cement barrier, crushed in the corner of the bumper...temporarily. Over a period of 5 minutes, it slowly reformed into it's normal position, leaving only a scuff.
Great Wagon
RobertW, 04/23/2007
1999 Saturn S-Series SW1 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the car custom built, the only options are traction and cruise, no AC, cost $14K. As an itinerant contractor, we've used it to move 12 times in 9 years, always loaded with 500+ lbs. It only failed once, due to a crank rotation sensor. I had to clean or replace fuel injectors a few times, and it burns a little oil. It still has the original brakes and clutch. Very good fit and finish, no rattles.