1996 Saturn SC SC1 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Good car, too small!

Faults:

The only thing I have ever had to replace on my Saturn is the alternator. It wasn't cheap, but that's the only thing gone wrong.

General Comments:

I like the car itself, but could have been made a little more roomier. The back seat is impossible to put sit even the smallest child in comfortably let alone a grown adult.

The car rattles and I can't find out where they are coming from! I love my car just wish it were bigger. Not a good car if you have kids or plan to in the near future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003

1996 Saturn SC SC1 1.9 from North America

Summary:

A fun, economical, and safe car, with a sharp look to it

Faults:

Other than expected maintenance, I've had no major problems with the car.

General Comments:

My 1996 SC1 was the perfect first car. Mechanically sound and reliable, the coupe was a fun car to drive.

My only gripe with the car was its rather meager 100 horsepower engine. Since the car had a 5-speed manual transmission, it performed when it was absolutely necessary, but I'd prefer a little more bang out of the engine.

The car was great on gas and, for all extensive circumstances, very economical, considering I'm a high school student with a part-time job. Responsible for paying my car insurance in full, along with gas, and any maintenance the car required, this car's reliability made what seemed to be an impossible economic situation a very feasible reality.

Most importantly, I strongly recommend a Saturn SC coupe to anyone because of it's safety. I was in a moderate to severe accident early this year. I was sober and blacked out; the doctor's do not know why. In any event, I hit a tree on the front, driver-side of the vehicle at approximately 35 miles per hour; the exact speed is unknown as no one witnessed the accident. The car spun 360 degrees and finished a good 40 feet from the tree I had initially hit. From the force of the impact, my engine block shifted 6 inches. Both driver and passenger airbags deployed and the car performed perfectly in the accident. Sadly, my car was totaled and would never see the road again. The impact was incredible and left tremendous damage on the car. However, I walked away from this accident with only a minor concussion and 5 stitches from banging my head on the window during impact. The newer Saturn SC coupes with side airbags would have prevented both the concussion and the mild head injury, and I would have walked away without a scratch. Needless to say, this Saturn saved my life, of course along with wearing a seat belt.

Without hesitation, I strongly recommend a Saturn SC coupe to any potential car buyer. New or used, the SC will provide you with an enjoyable ride, and you can be sure that in the case of a freak or severe accident, this car will save your life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2003

22nd Aug 2003, 14:05

Just wondering, did your car eat oil? My car; well actually my mothers 96' SC1 guzzles oil. I say it uses about a 1 quart a week. The transmission kind of slams into reverse. I have to use all my might to slam the brakes, the hood rattles, the back end swings on gravel even at low speeds. Did you experience any of these problems? I can't lie, I drive this car like a $200,000 Porsche and it's held up pretty well for 148k miles. We've only had it for 6 months. Plan on trading it in.

1996 Saturn SC SC2 from North America

Summary:

A great mix between sporty and economy

Faults:

Mostly maintnence stuff

New Clutch, Throwout Bearing, Pressure Plate

New slave cylinder.

General Comments:

I've had this car for about 2 years now. I bought it from a friend who never had any trouble with it whatsoever. It has been maintained religiously by the book. I've had absolutely no problems with it. Just general wear and tear things. The car is a GREAT mix of sporty/fun to drive and economical. I am 6'2 and I have no problems driving the car as long as the seat is laid back a little. The thing does rattle though, I must say. It can be quite annoying when the engine is cold and shaky. The windows must be all the way UP when raining though, badly designed. And like in the commercials the bumpers and sides are dent resistant.. but not hole resistant, my front bumper has a nice size hole from hitting a ball hitch at VERY low speeds. My SC2 strangely doesn't burn any oil like all the other posts here seem to. I drive my car pretty hard and hit has withstood everything I've put it through. Overall is has been a very good car, fun to drive, and easy on the wallet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd December, 2002