1994 Saturn SL Reviews

The odometer quit at 70,000. At some point before that the seat leather cracked, the headliner started falling, and the turn signal lever always vibrated against the steering column (bad design).

Random electrical issues spring up sporadically -- one time it wouldn't start, another time the Check Engine light went on -- and the ignition switch stopped working properly, which sets off the warning chime any time the key's not inserted.

Having owned almost all the small Japanese cars of the 90s, I figured I'd try a Saturn SL2 -- the only domestic entry to get acclaim back in the day. I'd say the respect was deserved: this is a well-engineered, good-performing car whose only real flaw is interior quality.

For sure, it has character. Its twin-cam engine pumps out 124 HP -- good for 0-60 in 9 seconds with the automatic. Steering is fairly quick, responsive, and gives some feel of the road; it's also got good grip and doesn't lean much in turns (thanks to the SL2 having 15" wheels and a better suspension than the Saturn SL1). The pedals are well-weighted, and models with anti-lock brakes get 4-wheel-discs that feel solid underfoot. Ride quality is reasonable at all times. Aside from the absurd Ford Explorer-like turning circle, there's nothing unusual to report about the drive.

Back in the day, the press made a habit of complaining about the engine's loud, craptastic drone. I think the main reason this became an issue is because Saturn was among the first to use timing chains (everything besides the Nissan Sentra used a timing belt), which are inherently noisier, but promise lower maintenance costs in the long-run. Here in the 21st century, when everyone else has caught up and is using a chain also, the Saturn doesn't sound much worse. Guess it was just ahead of its time.

But if Saturns drive well and last long, the interior leaves a lot to be desired. Plastic quality is atrocious, and every component housed in the dashboard (along with the layout itself) is pretty ugly. The center console has an odd and useless shape, the glovebox opens the wrong way, and the lone cupholder is a brittle afterthought. Taller folks might take issue with the Saturn being only 5'5" (roughly 4 inches below average, and part of the reason it looks cool), and don't expect any person taller than that to tolerate the back seat for long. Items like the door locks and turn signal manage to feel both soggy and stiff, and the speakers sound horrendous, though the ones in front are thankfully easy to swap out (no need for door surgery -- just pry off the grilles with a screwdriver). And of course, the decapitating motorized seat belts were old, even when new. At least, the driver's seat is pretty comfortable, and everything's within easy reach.

Overall I'd recommend picking up a Saturn SL2, especially a 94, which has a cooler interior than the 95+s, and a cooler exterior than the 96+s.

Odometer broke at 68,000 miles.

Speedometer only worked up to 70 mph, and then started going backwards.

Water pump went out, cheap and easy fix.

Leaked oil like crazy.

Reverse quit working permanently.

Second gear went out, replaced the solenoid in the valve body for $90, and it started working again.

AC quit, replaced compressor and still didn't work. Most likely from a clog in the lines (system refused to pressurize).

Almost every plastic interior piece broke or fell off over time (dash, console, window trim, etc.)

Even with the shoddy build quality and mechanical issues, this car was extremely reliable and got great gas mileage.

Unfortunately these came with a terrible automatic transmission that burns out valve body solenoids, and wears out reverse either in the valve body or input shaft. The 1.9 L engine is cheap and easy to work on, and never let me down, although it did leak a lot of oil.

Also, it got great gas mileage, both city and highway.

I wouldn't have guessed it by looking at it, but it was incredibly safe as well, since it met a tragic end on the highway, totalling the car, but leaving me completely unharmed.