2002 Saturn SL Base 1.9 SOHC
Summary:
At $9,995 in 2002, this was an excellent purchase, that has not failed me!
Faults:
I have had the drivers door weather stripping replaced 3 times, due to the fact that I constantly rub against it getting in and out. Trying not to do this requires some creative movements.
Just recently the ignition switch had to be replaced due to looseness that wore out the key.
The wiper motor was replaced recently because it would stop going, or go into delay mode under regular usage.
General Comments:
Bought new, and now the warranty is over, I can say that this car has been wonderful. The repairs needed haven't been all that bad, but they were more that the 2001 Corolla that my wife drives.
With the 5 speed, I can get the little 4 to let loose on the road a lot more than the Corolla, or my sisters 1998 DOHC Auto SW2. The car has a lot of spunk and gives a lot of effort. I wish that the gearing was more widely placed so the car could do more.
I drive about 10 minutes to and from work daily. 30-40 mph streets in the morning, and 55-75 mph highway in the evening. The SL gives a consistent 26-28 mpg then, and gives more than 32 with constant highway driving.
While listed as a plain car, this Lil' SL had a nice list of features. Keeping the AM/FM Stereo (wish I had gotten the CD!) proved well, since the radio has the best bass sound than all of the stock radios I've experienced in my cars.
The plastic body has been a blessing, since I only have to rub out scuff marks, while the Corolla has dents and dings. Fit and finish could've been better, since Saturn's are notorious for wind noise.
Now that the warranty is up, I'd like to upgrade the air intake and exhaust to improve performance and mileage, otherwise, she's perfect!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th October, 2005
7th May 2010, 20:05
I also have a 2002 SL that I bought for 9995, a 5-speed, in 2002. I did the brakes myself, took less than an hour. I now do the oil changes myself. It's pretty easy. I want to get a new car and say I will when it brakes down. So far it isn't breaking down though.
I have replaced: intake manifold (Saturn did this $600), spark plugs and wires (I did $30), front brakes (I did $70), starter (I did $105), O2 sensor (I did $60), and battery (I did $50). So overall not bad. My SL uses about 1 quart of oil every 2500 miles.
The funny thing is that I have liability only insurance on it, and it costs less than $200 every 6 months.
I drive mostly city and get over 30mpg always. During mostly highway driving I was getting almost 40mpg.
26th Jun 2007, 21:30
I have the same exact car. I get 35MPG city & close to 40MPG on the highway.