1998 Saturn SW SW1 review from North America

Crank position sensor at 90K miles.

Service Engine Soon light gives false warning after it rains, goes out the same day. This light is about the emissions system, not the engine.

Burns oil -- 2 quarts between 3K mile changes.

Fuel injectors are easily clogged/fouled.

We moved 15 times in 9 years. The Saturn hauled our stuff and got us there with no problem. It still looks like a new car. It is on the original brakes and clutch. It gets 40 mpg on interstates.

Every Saturn dealer service department I visited, 5-7 all over the US, has been outstanding.

I bought a Saturn because it was the only inexpensive brand offering traction control. I had it custom built with only traction and cruise control. No air, no automatic, free radio, stock interior, $12K list price. As it turned out, I got the right car for the wrong reason. I haven't needed traction control or ABS braking much. The car has been a champ for reliability, cargo and good driving experience. It can chirp the tires when starting and cruise at 85+. Handling on mountain roads is better than most non-sports cars.

I checked Would Not Buy because Saturn no longer makes the S series. The cars they sell now cost almost twice as much. I refuse to pay $8K more for an Ion wagon with 5 cubic feet more space. The Chevy HHR is closer to the SW in spirit and price.

My only complaints, not serious ones, are about cheap seats and oil consumption.