1997 Saturn SL review from North America
"I would sell it if it had any resale value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The cooling fan does not come on soon enough for my comfort. It goes to three quarters hot before coming on.
It was a half gallon low on coolant.
No sign of coolant in oil or leaking.
The gold pain is chipping on the hood. It is factory paint. The bumpers are gray and turning white. The trim strips on the doors is losing the clearcoat.
The oil gets dirty quickly after an oil change. It may use a little between changes. Not good for such a low-mileage car.
It has a chugging noise or rattle up front which I think is a noisy motor mount.
Great gas mileage with the five-speed manual. Clutch and shifter junky in action, but seem reliable.
General comments?
I have a friend who has 350,000 miles on his with no problems, except the alternator. I have another friend who has a totally bad one that eats oil. I will not buy another Saturn.
Recommended reviews
| This is a perfect commuter car at a great price |
|
| One of the better 500 dollar beaters I've ever bought! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 57000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 67000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Festiva |
| Date of Entry | 2nd October, 2002 |