1996 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America

I bought this car over a Civic because of the reviews and that fact that Honda's were stolen frequently. Well, I kept in the the garage and had it well maintained. At 35,000 miles (2 years ago) it needed a new transmission. Now it still bucks and growls and I fear it is going out again, at only 38,500 miles! The warning light comes on yet no one can find any problem with it. I put in a brand new battery yet on cold mornings it doesn't turn over. The right front passenger door has a broken hinge that prevents it from not swinging wildly. The dealer-installed alarm never worked right and the dealer wanted money to fix it! I will never buy a Saturn again, although when it gets going, it is a rather smooth ride. In 1999 I bought a Subaru Impreza for my family and the difference in handling and reliability is remarkable; 40,500 miles and no problems! I will divorce my Saturn "family"! When I complained about the tranny, they wanted to buy back the SL2 with 35000 miles on it and sell me a new model. Such confidence in their product!

Shouldn't need a new tranny at 35,000 miles at a cost of over $2000!