1997 Saturn SL review from North America

No major problems, I ran the car hard and just did basic maintenance like oil changes. I did have to replace the O2 sensor at about the 9 year mark, and I put in a new battery after 11 years.

I bought my 97 Saturn SL1 in Orlando, FL in Sept. 1996 and moved to NY and then to Seattle.

This car has been very reliable. I put on 168,000 miles in 12 years and I planned to drive it for another ten years.

However, I recently got rear ended and realized just how safe the vehicle really is. I am extremely impressed!! I stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk and got plowed into by a driver going 35mph (by their admission, probably faster). My foot came off the brake and yet I "slid" about 150-200ft. My head was immediately pinned to the head rest, which in the bucket seats of the SL1 are considerably high, designed for this very reason I assume. Also my seat back broke and I collapsed into the back seat, thankfully no passenger was behind me. I don't know if the seat back is supposed to break like that, but I am certain that it helped absorb the energy and prevented me from being thrown into the steering wheel after the initial blow. Slightly dazed I was able to sit up and get out of the car under my own power. Other drivers stopped and I could tell by the look of shock on their faces that they were amazed I was able to function. I ended up getting my back and neck x-rayed and due to the head rest my spine was still aligned and there were no signs of whiplash.

The next morning I looked at my car, and the back bumper was completely folded under and actually pinned the rear wheels from moving, explaining how I "slid" without my foot on the brake. I am purchasing another SL1 as soon as I get the insurance money.