1994 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America
"Big value in a small car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Total engine replacement at 48500 due to a timing chain shatter, costing about $700.
Front rotors replaced at 60000, costing $70.
Now at 65000 it needs a new motor mount and a new serpentine belt, which I am planning to replace myself, saving about $150.
General comments?
This car was my grandparents and then they traded my parents it for our 97 wagon, and I got the 94 to take to college. Below are some of my general thoughts on the car.
I was unsatisfied with the basic appearance, so I tinted the windows, put a spoiler from an Sl2 on the back, got new wheels, headlight covers, and installed fog lights. The difference was outstanding. For the first time I was actually proud to have the Saturn. I have to say, dressed up, it looks pretty intimidating. The motor still troubles me with just the 85 sad horsepower, especially coming from the 200hp Cadillac Seville I had.
The car corners decently for the small tire size.
The car has lousy acceleration and passing power.
It gets decent (ave. 30 miles per gallon) gas mileage, compared to my Caddy.
Reasonably comfortable, but not that great.
Interior has a cheap, plastic look.
A lot of road noise, especially on the interstate.
Struggles to stay at 80 MPH with the air conditioning on.
Brakes work well, bringing me to a stop in no time.
Handles very well in the snow.
Good for two people, but four is cramped.
Overall a very good car for a college student.
Recommended reviews
| Not a terrible car for the money, but you can probably do better over the long term. |
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| Actually, I would have to say this car has been about the most reliable one I have owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 I4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 50000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 65000 miles |
| Previous car | Cadillac Seville |
| Date of Entry | 27th May, 2003 |