1996 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America
"A great, reliable car; a good first vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At around 65,000 miles, I noticed that the engine was running a little rough. I had it serviced at the dealership and they made an adjustment in the computer. I never had the same problem again.
I replaced the alternator around 80,000 miles.
General comments?
Like many 4-cylinder vehicles, my Saturn has a little less pick-up while the air conditioning is running.
I find the seats very uncomfortable on a long drive, but for my daily driving to and from work and errands, I have no discomfort at all.
My Saturn still gets an average 26 miles per gallon, a combination of city and highway travel.
This car has been worked hard over its lifetime. My wife and I bought it when we were first engaged. Seven years and two kids later it is still going strong. For most of our marriage (including the present day), it has been our only vehicle, so we have put a lot of miles on it.
I have had no major problems with this car and I plan to keep it until it is no longer drivable, which I think will be a long, long time!
I read some of the other reviews and I think some of the other contributors must not take care of their cars!
Recommended reviews
  | What a piece of junk! |
| Avoid Saturn |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 dual cam Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 92000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Park Avenue |
| Date of Entry | 5th September, 2002 |