1998 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America
"Good"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The belt tensioner broke about 4 months ago, and the head gasket/seal was leaking oil about a year and a half ago and had to be replaced.
I replaced the oxygen sensor less than a year ago (easy fix). I bought a diagnostic scanner and found that's why the service engine soon light was on. Everything else that has gone wrong has been normal maintenance. Such as brakes and rotors.
Oh, one of my power window motors went out. Pep Boys wanted to charge me a fortune to fix it. I ended up buying a motor from the Saturn dealer and installed it myself.
Actually, lately the car seems to run a bit rough while on the freeway, especially when I go above 60 mpg or so. I need to figure out what's wrong. But on the streets it runs smooth.
General comments?
I have been very happy with my car. The 1998 Saturn Sl2 has been very reliable and drives well.
I've read a lot of negative comments about this car. But it is after all an 'economy' car. And it is bound to have problems here and there. Even luxury cars will have problems after being 10 years old. If you get all your routine maintenance done, it should last.
Recommended reviews
| A poorly made piece of junk |
|
| A good car if you stay on top of the maintanence.. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9L 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 70000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 120000 miles |
| Previous car | Buick Skylark |
| Date of Entry | 4th July, 2009 |