1996 Saturn SL 1 review from North America
"Good until the warranty expires"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Horn had to be replaced.
Driver's seat-belt had to be replaced.
Sunroof stopped working, had to replace the motor on it.
Alternator went out at 45,000 miles.
Cigarrete lighter assembly needs to be replaced.
I'm told that the fuel pump is weak and needs to be replaced along with the clutch and temperature sensor.
The dash rattles at speeds over 55 MPH.
General comments?
I was perfectly happy with my Saturn up until the extended warranty expired. Now that the warranty is up, the dealership is recommending a lot of high cost maintenance.
The dealership here (Champaign, IL) seems a little shady: they didn't notice any problems with the car in August (still warranty) but in January there was $2000 worth of problems when I brought the car in for a routine oil change. The a week after telling me all these problems they called to say there was a "special" warranty of the 97 Saturn's fuel pump. Seems a little strange.
Recommended reviews
  | What a piece of junk! |
| Avoid Saturn |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 23 miles |
| Most recent distance | 52000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet S-10 |
| Date of Entry | 19th April, 2002 |