1999 Saturn SL SL1 4dr review from North America

Engine consumes 2L to 3L of oil between changes.

Good:

My 4th of 5 cars/vans. I always liked this one best.

Great pickup / performance for its class, even at 280,000 KM.

All seasons tires in the snow still work quite reasonable.

Comparatively little service needed, in all 8 years, about 1/3 the price of the car for all except oil / gas / tires.

Never failed to start, even with a 6 year old battery in winter (but was close near the end when I replaced it).

Great mileage: 13 KM/L (37 Miles / Canadian/UK Gallon, or 31 Miles / US Gallon), measured each tank since day 1, using 2/3rd highway and 1/3 in-town main roads (but not stop/go), winter and summer (strictly in town or lots of AC got me 10% less).

Bad:

Non standard size tires made buying spare rims + winter tires not an option for me. Never needed them (used mostly as a commuter car, 90KM / day).

No arm rest on the right, and the left door based arm rest is not comfy either, but I got used to it.

Quieter than all my other vehicles, though now a little noisy with age as the window seals are out of place (a little bit of effort to put back, when I have a moment).

Trunk latch in the way if putting in boxes, etc... into the trunk. It should have been recessed.