1999 Saturn SL review from North America
"One of the best cars that GM has ever made -- and better than most foreign cars too"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Shifter cable became disconnected at around 90,000 miles. Cost for new cable: $60.
General comments?
Aside from routine maintenance such as oil changes every 3-4000 miles, a coolant flush at 135,000 miles, and a tune up at 98,000 miles, this car has cost me less than $100 in repairs after putting nearly 120,000 miles on it since 2003.
The clear coat around the door edges is starting to flake off a little, so it may need a paint job someday, but that aside, everything else is still working like new.
Also, I have been in two semi-major accidents in this car since buying it almost 7 years ago (neither was my fault) and both times the car held up very well and I walked away without a scratch. Insurance on this car is also dirt cheap.
I hear that GM may discontinue Saturn. I think that this would be a big mistake, and I will be sad to see them go since almost everyone I know who has owned one agrees that they are some of the best cars that GM has ever made.
Recommended reviews
| 1999 - SL SL2 1.9L DOHC four cylinder Amazingly reliable with minimal maintenance |
|
| 1998 - SL 2 1.9L 16-valve DOHC Affordable, unbreakable compact with the soul of a sport sedan |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 21000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 139000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Celica |
| Date of Entry | 22nd February, 2009 |