1997 Saturn SC SC2 review from North America

Needed new spark plugs and wires.

Needed new Engine Coolant Temp. Sensor--these go bad on these cars often. A bad one will cause bad gas mileage, trouble starting in warm weather, and the car may overheat because it can't tell that it is getting hot to turn on the radiator fan. The part is about $15, and very easy to replace.

Needed new brakes.

Air filter--somehow had mice in it. About 1/4 of it was eaten...

All routine maintenance.

Trip meter does not work.

I love this car! Some people complain about the space, but for those of us who happen to be a little short (I'm 5'3) it's great. I had to use a big pillow to see over the steering wheel in my last car. And, my brother fits in it fine, and he's 6'1. I really appreciate the adjustable lower back support on long trips.

I've had practically no problems with the car, and it was mildly neglected by the previous owner (he changed the oil only once in 14,000 miles of ownership). It does use a bit of oil, about a quart every 2,000 miles, as many Saturns do. Check your oil, it's a good thing to do on any car. Change it every 3,000 miles.

I've taken it on various long trips with no problems. I live in West Virginia and drove to Maine, then Virginia Beach, then back home, a total of 4,000 miles, starting with 177,000 miles and ending with 181,000. It got around 36 mpg consistently on that trip, and I went through mountains on back roads or drove fast on the Interstate.

It has plenty of power for normal driving, and it can go pretty fast. It never slows down on big hills even when I'm going about 80. And, it handles well on curves and in snow.

I love the polymer panels! My car will never rust or dent, and it's still very cute and practically new looking after 7 years and 183,xxx miles.

Good website to learn things about the cars: www.saturnfans.com There are Saturn techs and just people who know a lot there who can tell you how to fix minor problems on your own and help with diagnostics.