1996 Saturn SL review from North America

Nothing major.

Not sure why there are so many bad reviews for this little car. Mine has been very good to me. Purchase price was very cheap and mine was even better as I bought it a year old with low kms.

Do not complain about performance on this car as performance is not what this car is about. This car is about low fuel consumption and low operating cost.

Agreed, the deficiencies are there in the rusting doors, poor fit and finish, road noise etc, but what do you want for the price. There are better options out there, but be prepared to pay for it.

When I bought this car I looked at all the major competitors and found this to be the best value for the buck and the biggest size car for the gas mileage.

The biggest sell for me was how roomy the car was for its advertised 50 mpg. Nothing came remotely close.

As for the reliability, maybe I have been one of the lucky ones, but I have had nothing, but routine repairs like brakes, mufflers etc..

I will say though that the ridiculous emission sensors are annoying and expensive to have replaced.

And they force you to take them in to get serviced unless you have the specific tool to gain access to it.

This planned obsolescense annoys the hell out of me, but all the manufactures do it.

How can I dislike a car that has never left me stranded, always starts even on the coldest days, and doesn't break the bank when I fill up at the pump.

I can live with the deficiencies.

(just an end note: with the plastic panels I have no visible rust and the car still looks great when cleaned up)