1996 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America
"I highly recommend the Saturn 5 speed for great mpg and safety features"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine had to be partially replaced at 60K when a manufacture defect was admitted to. I had an extended warranty up to 100K and the engine had problems. The Dealer gave me a loaner for the duration.
Manual 5 speed transmission sticks and was repaired at 85K. Still sticks, hard to shift into first 3 gears.
General comments?
This Saturn is great for gas mileage.
I get approximately 38 to 42 mpg.
It handles well on ice and snow.
The Dealer puts a gas and oil additive each time.
I struck one deer and was hit on the side by another deer while I was driving at 55 mph. No damage. Plastic doors.
My 17 year old daughter was in the car each time of the deer strikes. Because of the safety features, she now drives a Saturn.
Recommended reviews
  | What a piece of junk! |
| Avoid Saturn |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 87 miles |
| Most recent distance | 210000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda 323 |
| Date of Entry | 27th August, 2003 |