1996 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America
"This car can take a licking and keep on kicking"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced the head at 130,000 miles.
Replaced the tensioner and alternator twice.
General comments?
I drive cars until they die. I am an office equipment technician and run 150 to 250 miles a day.
I have owned 2 Saturn SL1 models; a 96 and 97. My first was sold at 125000 miles, and my most recent was junked at 250,000. I could not ask for more from a car.
Yes, the alternator is hard to replace, but as far as reliability, this car was great. Up until it died I was still getting 30 mpg.
If I could find another low mileage Saturn of the same make, I would buy it.
Recommended reviews
  | What a piece of junk! |
| Avoid Saturn |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 249000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Aerostar |
| Date of Entry | 6th June, 2008 |