1996 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America
"Good, reliable, cheap transportation"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Brakes and rotors wear out quickly. Alternator failed 25,000 miles and 80,000 miles. Left rear window has separated from the window track and is now stuck.
Horn button had to be replaced at my own expense.
Transmission mount and coolant temperature sender replaced by dealer at my expense.
Dealer service department did not recognize bad alternator when I brought it in for service, alternator failed next day while on highway.
I am not very pleased with the service department and mechanics, they never seem to fix what you brought the car in for. However they are very pleasant, just not very good at fixing cars.
Also the check engine light used to go on all the time during the first 5 years of ownership.
General comments?
Decent highway gas mileage of around 35-38mpg.
Good air conditioning system with no problems yet at 105,000 miles. No problems so far with electrical systems. Engine and transmission has no problems.
Seats are uncomfortable.
Road noise is intrusive.
Handling is good.
Trunk and passenger space is good.
Good, economical highway cruiser.
Recommended reviews
| What a piece of junk! |
|
| Avoid Saturn |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 liter Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 50 miles |
| Most recent distance | 105000 miles |
| Previous car | Saturn Mustang |
| Date of Entry | 22nd November, 2007 |