1995 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America

Cassette deck failed at 8,000 miles. Warranty replacement.

Brake pads replaced at around 20,000 miles.

Engine mounts replaced at around 40,000 miles.

Alternator/battery replaced at around 45,000 miles.

The stock Firestone tires are awful, so make sure you replace them with something better. Of course if you find a 95, it probably won't have the stock tires anymore. However one should definitely obtain wider tires as a replacement. There are a number of choices that will fit inside the wheel well. I installed Pirelli P600s around 38,000 miles, and was very happy. The stock size is far too narrow. They're good for fuel economy but poor for handling and stopping, particularly if you don't have the optional ABS.

Known Saturn SL problems:

Driver's side door will leak on your head during rain. The problem was reduced in the 95 model, but not eliminated.

Odometer produces an odd sound that is audible at low speed. At higher speeds you can't hear it because of the road noise.

The elastic strap on the driver side sun visor always stretches out. Eventually you have to cut it off, even if you've never used it.

The twin cam SL2 is supposed to consume oil at an unusual rate, but this hasn't been a problem for my single cam SL1.

OK, so that's it. I don't have many complaints except that the car is becoming very boring. Where once I dreamt of 100,000 miles with no car payments, now I can't wait to get out of it. The 1991-1995 body style is much more interesting than the following style, and the 1995 was the best model of that series, so buy a 95 if you want one. That was the only year that Dark Green was offered in that body style. The 100HP engine in the 95 SL1 is more than adequate, even with the automatic transmission.