1995 Saturn SL SL1 from North America - Comments

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.

I bought a used 1995 Saturn SL1 almost 2 years ago, with 114,000 miles on it. It has had a horrible squeal since three days after purchase. I have taken it to the dealer, not a Saturn dealer, but the used car man I bought it from to have it lubricated or have the belt replaced five times, with the mechanic telling me each time that the problem was gone. Luckily I have only spent $40 on this process. I have recently found out that I may need a the belt tensioner replaced, which I will attempt and report back. Other than that I find the squeal goes away when I repeatedly scream at the car and threaten to take it to a chop shop.

I have also had a problem with the engine temperature light. It doesn't actually bother me, I just put in more coolant and the car and I both feel better.

The door does leak in when it rains, if I'm not careful to close it right. The last several inches of rain have stayed on the outside of the car.

I do agree with the problem of the elastic strap on the driver side sun visor, but I have my CD holder covering it, and it isn't a problem.

The car is almost 8 years old with 133,000 miles on it and despite minor inconveniences, I adore my Saturn and would definitely buy another. When I compare my car troubles to those of my friends, who are also 20-year-old college students with no money to speak of, I have it pretty good.

I have a 95 Saturn SL1 and it has 161,000 miles at this time. The only complaint I have is the rain leaking in on my head when driving. I replaced the stock radio and to date have had 4 generators, 1 isolation mount, numerous brake changes, and currently on my 4th set of tires. I need to update the interior. I am a mechanic and do all of the mechanical work myself and I estimate that I have saved over 3000 dollars doing it this way.

I have a 93 SL2 and have had the same driver's side door leak problem. It was only worsened after I put on a Thule roof rack system. What I did to stop the water was buy a adhesive backed car door seal and put it on the inside surface of the car so that I had a seal on the door and the door frame. I haven't gotten wet once ever since.

I am buying a 95 Saturn SL1 from a used car dealership and when I bought it I was told the only problem with it was that it needed a new muffler. I found someone who would put the muffler on it for me for free, however I have also had to put new brake pads on it and new rotter's, and new windshield wipers. I have had the car for not even a week. Plus now on my way to work at 6:15 in the morning at a new job that promises more money then I though imaginable, my car started stopping and dieing when I put it into 1st gear or neutral. I have had up to my tail end with used car dealerships, but what can ya do? when you have no money, you are 19 years old, no credit, and just getting your life started. Used Car Dealerships are major rip off's. I would think that Uncle Sam would want to treat us better.

I thought the acceleration of my 95 SL1 automatic was barely adequate. Once it was up to speed, it was OK, but sometimes I had to floor it just to keep up with city traffic.

I could never the get windshield completely free from condensation in hot, humid areas. The TV commercial back then would brag that the Saturn was extensively tested in different humidities and temperatures: "What would happen to a Saturn if it were in the Amazon jungle?" Couldn't recommend it.

My Saturn stopped working at 30K miles. Engines was all gummed up, never found out the cause. Saturn also refused to honor the warranty since I was not in the continental United States.

I would not buy another Saturn, and especially not the SL series.

Found out part of problem with saturn 4 cylinder engine. while tearing down 1,9 engine found needle bearings being used in rocker arms these bearings where wearing into rocker arm shafts thus changing clearances on valve train. also part of sludgeing problem in this engine is the sand casted cylinder heads there are pitted material in the casting instead of a smooth surface for the oil to flow over it is held in these pitted areas to overheat and turn to sludge. the only solution woud be to take needle bearings out of rocker arms and install bronze bushings and then buff out the pitts in cylinder head.