1997 Saturn SC SC1 from North America - Comments

Replaced alternator and battery several times.

Had problems with cooling system and fuel pump. Had those replaced.

Continue to have problems starting the car consistently.

I purchased my 1997 SC1 in 2000 from Saturn of Aurora in Colorado. I was very excited because I heard so many good things about Saturn. I have always followed the manufacturer's regular oil change and maintenance schedule.

I have only have the car for 3.5 years and have driven it about 39K miles. Things were great the first year or so. But, at that time, I wasn't driving it every day.

The temperature sensor light started coming on in early 2002. As a result I had the fuel pump and a new cooling system put in.

Then in late 2002 I had problems starting the car. I would have to try about 3 times before it would actually start. I took it to the dealership and they gave me a new battery. That seemed to work.

In early 2003, I started having the problem again. I took it to the dealership. They said that everything was fine. They couldn't fine a problem while they were servicing it. I took it home and, a couple days later, I had the same problem. I took it back to the dealership. They said that the battery was fine, but that the car wasn't able to start because I needed a new alternator. So, I had a new alternator installed.

Around Thanksgiving of 2003, I started having the same problems with starting the car. We got another battery. It worked for about a week. Now it won't start at all. But the battery is working fine because the clock still comes on!

I am so frustrated with this car. I still owe money on it. Overall, I think the car was overpriced. I paid about $11,500 on it back in 2000 and I still owe about $3800. That's about all that it's worth in the blue book. I definitely wouldn't want to sell it to anyone. I wouldn't wish all these troubles on my worst enemy.

Sounds like a problem you are having with your mechanic not the car its self! Try a new garage!

I have one and its been fine to me. Only thing that happened was the passenger side window wouldn't roll up, but that was an easy fix. Over all I'd say this car was worth it. I bought mine for $4,200 in the fall of '03.

My transmission went bad this year and my mechanic told me only Saturn can reprogram the computer, but I still think it's a nice car.

Did you find the problem? I'm having the same trouble!