1993 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America

The first problem I had with my 93 Saturn SL2 was that the automatic seat belt on the drivers side stopped in mid stream (it moves automatically when you shut the door and turn on the ignition). The cost of repair was going to be over $400 so I opted to have a permanent metal "hook" put in, which is OK except for the fact that you have to be VERY careful when you get into the car - it can poke your eye out if you don't pay attention!

Shortly after that, my fuel pump went out, which was also pretty expensive to have replaced, but I just happened to be within a few miles from a Saturn dealer when it went out and I was stranded, so they sent a tow truck for me (convenient) and the dealer replaced it. It might have been less expensive at an independent shop, but I didn't have a choice.

However, since those few problems occurred right after I bought the car (I bought it used in 1997 and it was fully 5 years old at that time) I have put on an additional 107,000 miles and I have not even been able to afford regular servicing or oil changes -- and it has been very, very reliable since then. It DOES run hot in slow or stopped traffic, but I just turn on the AC and the engine cools off immediately and stays that way. I can sit in dead-stopped traffic without the engine getting hot IF I keep the AC and fan running.

The car was purchased new by the previous owner in 1992 (I am the second owner) so it is now a 15 year old car, and I have to say that considering the miles it has on itand the lack of servicing and hard driving it has had to endure, it has been a very good and very reliable vehicle. The ERG valve now needs either cleaning or replacing because it won't pass the Calif. smog test, but as I said - it's a 15 year old car! It still looks great and it still drives smoothly most of the time and it gets great gas mileage (avg. 28mpg)

Overall, I think this car is pretty good for the money!

I would buy another one - but I would be sure and ask about the problems that everyone has had with Saturn first, to make sure that they have corrected them on the newer models.