I've noticed that majority of these complaints are about the 1996 Saturn SC2 which has a DOHC engine, diffrent than the Sc1. I, well my mother; bought a 96 SC1 Feb of 03. It's consumed oil from day one... And delays switching into reverse from Park, but not from Neutral??? If you're not paying attention while switching and happen to give it gas it will make this loud thump when it engages... It scares me every time... I do see a little oil around the engine, but it does not make up for the amount of oil loss.. (About a quart a week).. This car is horrible with brakes... And even more picky about sparkplugs and wires... even with all the complaints, I often push this car like a $50,000, sports car.. Topping 100mph on the free-way prabably once a week... I think it's a trooper for having all factory parts except the alternator (I think my new stereo killed it).. even at 170k miles... I don't know why, but I really don't think this car will make to see it's last payment.. Only $3200 to go... Oh, it really could use an allignment, it shakes and shimmies over 70mph... and I think one of the injectors are bad, $100 a piece (not replacing) signs of a bad injector is really, really bad engine idling and shaking, and computer reports cylinder missfire. I just put fuel inj cleaner, worked like a charm.. The car rattles everywere inside and due to my stereo outside also... One more thing, When I'm sad about my saturn, I try fitting adults in the back seat, always a riot...
I am the writer of this review; thought I should update.
My mom just had the top motor-mount replaced in 6/04, (about 175K-180K miles) a reported common issue with this car. Bought part from Auto-Zone, for under $80, my brother says it now drives like a brand new car. I'm out of town so I can't give my opinion. Put it this way my brother is 6 feet 4 in, and he can't stand the car in the first place; but he did admit that the motor-mount made a huge change.
I would like to buy the car from my mom; but I think she wants to trade it in. Oh yeah, my mom still has the 800Watt stereo system I installed!!! "Rock On" MOM!!!
Another update.
The head gasket finally gave way.
Oil everywhere...
My mom had it fixed by the dealer for $400, it blew again 1 week later!!! It's in the shop now. I'll let you know how it goes!!!
Yeah; I know this is a bit late. The car died; well we pulled the plug!!! During the head gasket issue, the cost to repair was just too much (crooked dealer). My mom bought a Chrysler Concorde 96-97. A friend try to install a stereo as a gift; fried the computer, Also too much to fix... I'm not sure what she has now. Nevertheless I Bought a 2003 Chevy Impala base model 3.4L.@32k miles. So far so good @ 52k Miles...24 Aug 05.
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