Faults:

I had a SC2, and now have an SL, both 95's... both have the same overheating problem, which believe it or not, I SOLVED!

If you currently have this problem, change the Engine Coolant Sensor, turns out it's a design flaw and they're all shot.

On the SL (my current), the starter went, it's a little over 75,000... pushing 76,000... otherwise, no problems to report with this one... as for my SC, as I said, I had the same overheating problem... my tension pulley froze up while driving on the highway, so the belt broke, and power steering pump exploded (yep, exploded, while driving), so that was replaced.

The power steering pump that was replaced, started leaking. Leaked onto the alternator, so both had to be replaced.

Valve cover gasket needed to be done (oil was getting into the spark plug holes)... top motor mount broke, then, cylinder died, motor was replaced, overheating started again, changed the sensor again, overheating stopped, got sick of the car and sold it.

General Comments:

Saturns aren't bad, there's a lot of design flaws, but all easy to get around.

The engine coolant sensor, the top motor mount, and the tension pulley are common problems with these cars, so keep that in mind.

Faults:

Unpredictable oil consumption (OK for 100 miles. then in next 100 may drop 1, sometimes 2 qts.)

Spark plug wires at 30,000 miles.

Frame support for the right front wheel completely rusted out. (all Saturn owners, especially 1995, should have their front end / frame checked)

Faults:

My first Saturn was a first gen 91 SL2 that was in horrible condition, but the price was well below KBB, so I bought it, replaced the entire suspension and the head gasket. Oh and I bought that one with 116000 miles on it, but other than that, just your usual wear and tear.

General Comments:

I have loved both my Saturns. My 95 is my favorite since it is a 5spd and the engine only had 60000 on it, and the body had 90000.

Yes it consumes oil, oh well, the oil consumption is mostly from the breather and PCV valve, and over time the valve seals let oil pass through, but other than that, my Saturns have never left me stranded, except when I knew I needed an alternator and just did nothing LOL oops.

The interior had no rattles until I upgraded the stereo hehe, and have added a few performance goodies that have also increased its MPG. Yes, that's right, replaced the intake with a better one.

Needless to say, I love my Saturns, they are great reliable cars. Just take good care of them, and if you buy a used one, beware that if it wasn't taken care of, it will be a hassle in all honesty.

Faults:

Right front stabilizer at 170,000 miles ($400).

Alternator at around 145,000 miles ($200).

Complete exhaust system at around 160,000 miles ($400).

General Comments:

As you can see by the list of repairs, this car has been cheap to own and drive. $1000 in repairs over 13 years is less than $80 per year! 178,000 miles and I've never had a breakdown.

The above list doesn't include normal wear and tear items like brakes, oil changes and tires. It's been very reliable, and even with 178,000 miles, I wouldn't hesitate to drive it across country.

Great fuel economy (over 30mpg).

The worst problem is that my cracked windshield is EXPENSIVE to replace. The estimate is near $500 installed. I've been told the reason for this is GM won't license aftermarket production, and it's a windshield that has to be purchased mounted in a sealed frame.

It's by no means a luxury cruiser, but it's comfortable enough for me to drive it 90 miles a day. The interior has held up well.

The hood, doors and trunk open and close like new. Door handles and hinges in good shape. The paint and finish are fantastic and the exterior looks brand new when washed and waxed.

Some wind noise, but like I said, it's not a luxury cruiser.