Skip to main content

Used 2002 Saturn S-Series Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
182 reviews
1...

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.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Didn't expect much, was pleasantly surprised.

The1who, 06/04/2016
updated 07/04/2017
2002 Saturn S-Series SC2 3dr Coupe (1.9L 4cyl 5M)
44 of 44 people found this review helpful

This was my car in college. I thought I could get maybe three years out of it--I kept it for six. It wasn't fast, slick-looking or even very comfortable, bur it ran well when I needed it. I could always start it--even with a nearly dead battery in an icy Wisconsin winter. It wasn't very sporty, but the steering was responsive and fun. The acceleration with the manual was decent for a small engine and it sipped gas. The road noise was harsh at speed and the interior felt cheap, but the engine didn't sound hoarse and the controls were logically-placed. Parts for it were very cheap and easy to replace myself. I sometimes miss the simple, easy to fix Saturn.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Best Car We've Ever Had!! 200k and still like new!

colonel12, 11/30/2015
2002 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 4A)
42 of 42 people found this review helpful

This has been the best car we've ever owned. It has nearly 200,000 miles on the clock and still runs like new. I inherited it from my parents when I became old enough to drive, and it's never let me down even once. That was nearly 7 years ago. It's needed very minor repairs every now and then, but they were all after 150,000 miles. I wouldn't be afraid to hop in this car and drive it across the country. The most expensive repair that it's needed so far, was a replacement intake manifold coolant stem. This was about $500 to repair. Everything else has been minor, and essentially routine maintenance. Wish they still made them, because I would buy another (if this one ever dies)!

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

ORIGINAL OWNER HAS OVER 208000 MILES

Mike Ainsworth, 02/06/2016
updated 02/12/2018
2002 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 5M)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful

While on vacation, August 2001 we traded a minivan for a new 02 SL1 auto in Fargo North Dakota. Now has over 208000 miles . Oil has been changed every 5000 miles or less. I have never let it run low on oil ever. It has the original engine with a automatic transmission,struts,radiator.A/C still works. power windows and locks all in pretty good condition rides good. Transmission fluid and radiator fluid flushed regularly. I used spray adhesive from Home Depot to glue in new diamond tweed seat covers front and rear diamond tweed from O'Reiley Auto Parts. Replaced headlights from Amazon.com The only thing I regret is that the rear licence plate frame from the Fargo Saturn Dealership got pitched. Wish I could find a new one. Full coverage insurance is $265 every 6 months. Updated on August 7,2016 My Saturn SL1 is still running. Did have some repairs cost around 800 dollars to get it to pass emission. and misc. repair like new thermostat,,belt. air filter etc. at a honest repair shop here in town. Now it has about 216000 miles on it . I am so happy I don't have a payment. Its a good car. Last year 2016 my daughter bought a new car and instead of trading her old one she wanted me to buy her 2010 Ford Focus. Then we sold the saturn. It still ran good. I like my new used ford focus ses. I'm retired now and the car has been sold.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
27 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE this car!!

gmgirl33, 08/24/2014
updated 08/24/2016
2002 Saturn S-Series SC2 3dr Coupe (1.9L 4cyl 4A)
38 of 39 people found this review helpful

I bought my 02 SC2 3 years ago and it only had 60,000 miles on it. I love the way it looks, sporty with an attitude, it definitely cannot be mistaken for any other vehicle from any angle, which is a huge plus in my book. I used my car for commuting over 500 miles a week for almost 2 years. I also am very hard on my cars, I have a bit of a lead foot. Now I use him to travel all over U.S. for my job, he now has over 133,000 miles on him but I do take care of him, with regular oil changes and tune ups. But this car has not cost me any more than that, I did put tires, but that's normal. My father, who owns a auto shop, told me to buy a Saturn. It was best choice I ever made! (8/2016) Still have car, it has over 175,000 miles, getting ready for a 1000 mi trip. I still love it.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Saturn Fan - Own 3 SC's

RPM, 07/23/2015
2002 Saturn S-Series SC2 3dr Coupe (1.9L 4cyl 5M)
31 of 32 people found this review helpful

I own a 1995 SC2(180K Miles), a 2002 SC2(153K Miles) and a 2002 SC1(113K Miles). These are quite possibly the greatest economy cars ever built. These cars were so far ahead of their time, it's insane. Back when these cars came out in 1991, GM only had a piece of junk Iron Duke 2.5L 4-cylinder with throttle body injection in their other cars. Saturn was GM's answer to Honda and Toyota. The original Saturn(which were actually 100% Saturn and not made of other GM junk parts) SL's and SC's are just wonderful cars. They are easily the cheapest cars in the world to buy, maintain, drive and fuel. The only thing I have ever had to do to these cars is: You will have to replace a wheel bearing/hub assembly($35 on ebay) at around 135-150K and they will lose the plastic radiators at about 150K($50 on eBay). Other than that, they are 100% bulletproof reliable. All mine are 5-speeds. My 95 SC2 gets 35mpg on the highway. My 02 SC2 gets 36mpg on the highway and my 02 SC1 gets 40mpg on the highway. I highly recommend the 2001-02's for the updated styling and better, more rattle free interiors.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great car. Very reliable.

Roman, 08/25/2010
2002 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I love this car! The sound system it comes with is amazing. Gas mileage is really good I can drive around for hours on a few dollars of gas. It is very reliable I haven't had a single problem with the car it's an 02' and had tons of miles on it but it runs just like any new car. Oh and for the people who are complaining, this car is very good in build and quality. If you buy this car from a reliable source or just a person who took care of it I guarantee you will have no complaints.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

great car

Don Berry, 03/28/2016
2002 Saturn S-Series SL1 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 4A)
26 of 28 people found this review helpful

I bought my '02 Saturn SL1 as a used car with 117000 miles. I traded it a few days ago and it had 283000 miles. I would not have traded it if I hadn't been offered a good price for it. There was very little maintenance done on it. New brakes and a new cooling fan. One muffler. The original exhaust is still in good condition. I loved this car. Never got less than 30 - 32 miles per gallon combined city and highway.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

MAKE IT AGAIN

SATURNRICH, 07/06/2009
2002 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Ok,Where do we start.It gets 40+ mpg on highway,cost under 12 grand new,and this was in 2002.Why stop making them.This model was the example of american car companys listing to the public and giving them what they want.One of the most under rated cars in history.Car costs almost nothing to maintain (i drive 100 miles per day) You cant kill these cars. I will keep smiling all the way to the bank in my great little blue saturn.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Great small car

steiny96, 01/19/2013
2002 Saturn S-Series SL2 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

This is the ultimate second car to own. It looks innocent, pedestrian. The interior is satisfying but not a luxury experience. The seats are supporting but not completely comfortable. But, underneath this boring appearance is a great ride. The steering is weighted perfect--just point and steer. The engine groans when pushed, but is surprisingly quick. And the 5-speed is smooth and a joy to use. Add to that a very reliable engine, rust proof exterior and 35 to 40 MPG, and you get a car that makes the drive to work quick, reliable and cheap. It isn't a Honda, it isn't a Porsche and it isn't a Buick. It's a Saturn. And for the money, you can't buy this much fun from any of those brands.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

02 Saturn sl1 bought for 600$161k

Kenneth Shields, 03/24/2016
2002 Saturn S-Series SL 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I love my Saturn sl1 it's a automatic transmission. I had no issues with my car just maintain it correctly. It will treat you good

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
1...
Items per page:
10