2000 Saturn SL Reviews

Air conditioner compressor clutch went out at 100,000 miles. It was a $500.00 repair.

Third fan blower speed stopped working around 120,000. Did not repair.

Used a quart of oil every 2-3 weeks. This is common for Saturns, as I've heard from others.

This car has been a great commuter car for me. Aside from the items listed above and regular wear and tear items, I have had no trouble out of this car. Make sure to keep up on the oil levels, and this car will last as long as you want it to.

This car handles very well in bad weather (rain, snow, etc.). My MPG averaged around 32-36 in mixed driving.

Love it!

Brakes - Replaced the front rotors when I purchased the car. At 11000 miles they needed to be replaced again, and the rear brakes also needed work to avoid steering wheel shake.

Exhaust - hole in exhaust - repaired at 90K - returned at 110K.

Engine compression very poor at 90K - dealer inspected and improved seal between cylinder and spark plugs - engine had zip again.

Tie rod bent at 90k - replaced by dealer.

Aluminum wheels corroded from salt - cleaned by dealer.

As other SL owners attest - the car does not burn oil, no blue smoke, yet the oil will vanish mysteriously - I change it every 3k, and sometimes get a top-off in between.

I have really enjoyed this car - though now I am thinking about replacing it due to age and general need for repeated repairs.

The size is small, but the seats fold down and this is nice. It's a lot of fun to drive - like a little go-cart. But it is loud.

Both myself and the previous owner did all regular maintenance, and kept up with other problems on the car. But I live in Cleveland, Ohio - and this car lives outside - so it takes a beating from potholes, and the cold and snow in winter.

Though I mostly use private mechanics, I have gone to the dealer for more complicated problems - engine compression, tie rod - the dealer was great. Too bad Saturn closed - the original dealer is gone now.

Here's how the car compares to a similar vehicle I've owned.

Dodge Neon 2000 - stolen incidentally - The Neon had a nicer interior (fit and finish and stereo), but the Saturn's engine, transmission and handling are much, much better. Actually the Neon would stall out, even though it was an auto with only 40K on it. The Saturn has a solid drivetrain.

AC compressor had to be replace at 132,000 miles.

Rear window motor had to be replace at 112,00 miles.

This car has been VERY reliable! We drive it on long road trips and have never had a problem.

The only services we ever really needed for this car were replacing the tires, hoses, brake pads, fluids, and supine belt at the manufacturer prescribed periods (regular maintenance). Saturn should have continued manufacturing this car.

Engine died @ 98,000 miles due to no oil, but that's not Saturn's fault.

All in all, very few repairs.

Very reliable car, no perks, little comfort, no performance per se (no pick-up), but cheap to buy and maintain.

Factory radio/CD/audio is surprisingly good.

The car depreciates very fast, resale value is very low, so it makes it a great used car buy.

Gas mileage is very good, lower than a Corolla but not by much.

Can't rust, due to plastic - good thing for Canada. Overall recommend if you can get one with low miles.