1998 Saturn SC 2 1.9 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Issues... Yes would I buy another definitely!

Faults:

Well to start off at about 125,000 miles, the transmission started leaking all over. Found out it was because some sort of roll pin shears off and blows a hole through the side of the tranny.

130,000 miles roll pin sheared again.

135,000 miles roll pin sheared yet again; this time I used a hard-end steel pin and welded parts that were held together with roll pin. This ultimately fixed issues completely.

137,000 miles had to replace a temperature sensor. At the same time I replaced a thermostat.

139,000 somewhere around this mileage "service engine soon" light came on, also "brake" light.

140,000 had to replace alternator and engine belt alternator seized up.

150,000 miles got a leak in radiator; needed to replace that.

160,000 miles front wheel bearings and lower ball joints and tie rods, also passenger side sway bar connector links broken, so replaced those.

170,000 miles catalytic converter clogged; had to replace that, so I replaced the entire exhaust system, which was leaking and rusted in some spots.

175,000 miles replaced front brake calipers and discs and pads. Calipers were leaking. Also replaced all rusted brake lines rear brakes also.

200,000 miles replaced valve cover gasket and head gasket and new timing chain. Really gained power back after this, and also replaced plug wires coils and plugs.

215,000 miles tranny went out, so I replaced it with a rebuilt tranny with low miles on it.

225,000 miles replaced some pieces of fuel line that had rotted away.

250,000 miles replaced throttle position sensor.

279,000 miles the engine finally seized up and is now sitting in my garage while I look for a rebuilt engine or short block.

Milages are estimated.

General Comments:

Overall the engine did burn oil from 100,000 miles on it. It wasn't bad till about 200,000 miles where I had to put a quart in every two weeks finally up to the end when I pulled the dipstick it was all gone. Haven't taken the old engine apart yet to determine what happened, but I am in the process.

I had the leather seats, which did not last long and some interior parts slowly fell apart, but it is only a work car and it always got me from point A to point B. It only left me stranded once. I drive about 180 miles a day and the gas mileage was superb; I love it.

The car although it had its issues, I still love it. I have easy access to parts for it and the local dealership is very pleasant to work with. I would definitely buy another Saturn; as a matter of fact I am currently in the process of purchasing an Aura.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2008

1998 Saturn SC SC2 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great little car

Faults:

Only problem with car to date was an episode where it would not start. The problem was a bad crankshaft position sensor. No other repairs, other than replacing tires and front brake pads and muffler.

General Comments:

Great highway mileage: averages over 30mpg. This car has been excellent value. It handles like a go-cart, and is quick, though it rides rather stiff.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th January, 2008

1998 Saturn SC SC2 1.9L L4 16v from North America

Summary:

This is a piece of junk manufactured by an overrated car company

Faults:

The leather seat stitching tore out after 2 years and was replaced under warranty, now the seat has a hole torn into it from just getting in and out.

The passenger side window motor stopped working after 5 years the dealer informed me that the cost would be around $200 dollars because the motor is riveted to the window arm. I replaced the motor only myself. I had to drill out the rivets then use screws hold the new motor in place.

The control module for the windows melted and I had to replace that.

My sunroof would constAntly make noise and the only thing they would do is shove grease into the track. since then the one arm has cracked and the sunroof started to leak (currently using tape to seal the sunroof), it would cost $1000 to replace the entire sunroof.

The engine blew at 56,000 miles. now at 91,000 miles the engine is acting up again.

The transmission had a hole larger then the size of my fist at 67,000 miles.

General Comments:

I do have the car serviced every 3000 miles or sooner depending on use.

I no longer go to the Saturn dealership for service because I do not have any confidence in their work. they are owned by gm and all the other gm dealers are gm goodwrench certified saturn is not.

I contacted saturn and when they answered my letter they basically said too bad, if I don't go to a Saturn dealership for service then they don't care what I have to say. even if I have brought it to a gm dealership for service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th April, 2007