1995 Saturn SW SW2 Wagon review from North America

1.9 DOHC engines leak oil; I go through about a quart every 400 miles. I been using SAE 30 and it doesn't leak out as fast. I read online that the rings in these cars aren't the best, but it's no major concern, just be sure to check your oil once a week to be on the safe side.

When it rains, wet spots appeared on the driver back floor board. I ripped part of the carpet back, and found the problem; some of the welding around the emergency brake cable wasn't sealed, and water drained in from the rear of the car as rain would run down into the car. I used a "form a gasket" tube of this rubbery stuff from Advanced Auto, and ran it all around the welded area; seems OK so far.

One drawback is it's hard to work on by yourself. If the alternator goes out, good luck, it's located under the engine and you need a mechanic to replace it. It's also hard to change the serpentine belt; in fact I can't do it, and take that to the mechanic to change as well.

The lighter seems to always blow out a fuse. I don't smoke, so I threw the lighter away, but use the port for my cell phone charger, as well to charge my GPS.

One of the best features about this car (that no one mentions) is it does NOT have timing belt, but has a timing CHAIN, and probably won't ever need changing.

All those drivers who had a timing belt snap on you, and the car dies in the middle of nowhere; they know what I am talking about. Plus those belts need changing about every 60,000 miles, and get costly.

The car has excellent power for a 4 cylinder. Nice and quiet. Handles nice, looks sporty and cool.

Had a decent sound system, I since put in an MP3/CD player, but it still has original speakers.

Really, for the money, this car blows away the Ford Escort Wagon; I used to own one and it's a good car, but this Saturn Wagon was far superior, and yet you rarely see them on the roads.