1999 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America

No unusual repairs needed.

At 240K I replaced the water pump and serpentine belt.

At 305K I replaced the outer and inner tie rod ends on both wheels. No other repairs.

Does lose/burn 1 quart every 1000 miles. Likely caused by worn valve stem seals.

5 Speed tranny shifts very well. (no idea how old the clutch is)

All accessories work except the A/C, but I got the car with 225000 kms so that is OK!

Seats are not comfortable - good for 1 hour drives only.

The SL1 single cam motor is weak - look for the 5 speed tranny to compensate.

I buy cars from the low end of the used car market because there is good value to be found. Generally 5 to 8 yrs old and under $3000 in price. Have owned Camry, Corolla, Escort, and Jetta of this category.

The Saturn SL1 is by far the best performing low budget car out there. Design features such as 1) plastic body panels, 2) steel timing chain and 3) stainless steel exhaust make this the ideal hi mileage long term ownership car. Similar age/mileage cars need these items replaced at a combined cost that exceeds their value. Not so for the SL Saturns.

I still get 30mpg combined mileage. I drive 120 miles round trip 5 days a week with absolute complete reliability. Even better is that Saturn SL cars are seen as "disposable" and do not command high prices as used cars.

I compare this car to the 5000 hour light bulb - too good for the manufacturer to make repeat business on it because the product lasts too long. Too bad GM dropped the best features of the SL in later Saturn designs.