2002 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America

So far nothing has gone wrong with it. Before I bought it, it was stolen and was taken for a joyride before hitting the curb a few miles away. The front drivers side suspension was completely gone through and re-done where it was needed. The engine was also checked at the dealer and found no compression damage in the engine, although I have noticed since then that it goes through about a half quart of oil every 3000 miles. I have treated the problem with Marvel Mystery Oil and found that although it has not made a difference with the oil consumption, the oil does look a lot cleaner every time I change it.

KEEP UP ON YOUR MAINTENANCE!!!

Seriously, change the oil every 3000 miles.

Change the coolant every other year

Change the plugs every 60,000 miles or so.

If you have an automatic, change that fluid too.

These are not Toyotas, they will not tolerate redlining every shift, be nice to the car, and it will take you wherever you want to go.

Handles like a go-kart, and subsequently rides like one too. The seats sit low, almost too low, and it's a chore to enter and exit the vehicle. The seats are rather thin and uncomfortable for long trips. The shifter is extremely rubbery through the gears, not fluid at all, but does the job adequately.

The best thing about the driving experience is the steering and brake feel. The steering relays exactly what is going on under the car, and is almost devoid of boost, which is nice in this era of numb electric steering. The brakes are linear and adequate, not really strong, but enough to get the job done. They too are not over-boosted and have excellent modulation.

There are the typical squeaks and rattles associated with 90's and early 2000 GM vehicles, and the road noise is intrusive, but bearable.

The one shiny gold star that should not be overlooked is this car's excellent fuel economy on the highway. On a recent trip up to Northern California from L.A., I logged a real world 41 mpg traveling between 70-75 mph with intermittent A/C usage. This was logged traveling up highway 395 between Lancaster and Susanville, a distance of approx. 475 miles.

Oh, and the plastic body panels are a godsend in crowded shopping centers.

Bottom line, if you can acquire one of these cars in good condition at a reasonable price, it makes for an excellent long distance commuting economy car.