25th Jul 2007, 13:43
I have a 98 SL1. It has given me nothing, but problems. With 70,000 miles it now needs a new slave cylinder for the clutch a new transmission and a new rear end. Not to mention the brakes are always needing changed. My previous car was a Saturn also. I loved it and never had any problems. It seems that you are very lucky if you get a good Saturn. I will NEVER buy another Saturn.
27th Jul 2007, 11:50
Your '98 SL1 needed a new rear end? Uh, that's a front wheel drive car. Sounds like you need a new mechanic.
28th Jul 2008, 23:11
I have a Saturn SL1. It worked good for a little bit, and then all of a sudden out of the blue the head gasket gave out, no warnings, nothing, just a lot of oil in my transmission fluid. I will most likely never buy a Saturn again.
8th Dec 2008, 10:07
I will never buy another Saturn again!!! Through having two of them, one a 94 SW and one a 98 SL2, both have horrible, cheap, and overall roundabout defective transmissions.
The 94 lasted 230 k miles! I was really impressed and saddened to get rid of it because the motor was still a champ. However it had seen a transmission replacement, transmission seal (separate times), and the differential pin ended up slipping out, therefore cutting the trans in half practically.
The 98 seemed better and smoother riding until again at 75 k the transmission wet the bed and had to be replaced with a used certified trans. 3k later the same thing happened, this time sending pieces through the gear box, transmission case with a 6 inch dia. hole, and even through the torque converter about a 3/4 inch hole.
If you want a real car, buy an Acura!!!. I will never be able to trust a Saturn again!!!
26th Aug 2009, 20:39
I have had 3 Saturns; a 1993, a 1996 and my recent 1998.
The 93 had 380000 km on it when sold and was completely problem free.
The 96 had 260000km and was just wonderful.
My 98 has 250000km and going strong.
They are excellent on fuel, easy to fix, very durable body and interior. They all were 5 speeds and all got the 35-40mpg.
The only complaint I have is they sit too low and they all burn oil; a common issue with Saturns.
With a body that lasts forever, a motor can always be replaced. Just keep an eye on your oil.
These cars are great buys for a cheap beater.
5th Sep 2009, 02:21
I've got 2 Saturns, 2001 SL and SL1, both have tranny problems.
They roar at 15 mph, took the whole front end apart on both and thought I had a hub, bearing and ball joint, but it was much worse, my tranny differential bearings are gone on both cars. One at 260,000 km and the other at 142,000km. Wow, 8 year old cars and I've got problems on both of them.
The SL has additional problems that I can't seem to fix, did a vacuum test and got 21 psi, and the thing still misfires on 3 of 4 cylinders, changed the ignition coils, computer module, spark plugs and wires. Also did a spray intake test and still no fix.
Man did I got sucked into 2 lemons. Got a price quote that it would cost me $2000 to fix each one. Going to take the two cars to the scrap yard, market value was only $500 a piece, ain't worth jack to fix'em.
4th Nov 2009, 17:50
I had a 98 Saturn SL. Loved the car. Only problems I had was a tension pulley. And check engine light that was spitting out random codes. Stopped using cruise to fix that problem. Had 219.000, sure would've had many more if it wasn't for someone hitting me head on.
24th Jan 2011, 20:17
I have a 98 Saturn SL2. It is one of the best cars I've ever had. 5 speed with almost 322,000 miles on it. I drive it every day for work, anywhere from 100-325 miles a day, and it never had a problem.
The only work that has been done to the car has been average maintainence, such as brakes, tires and oil all on a regular basis. It still has the original battery and starts right up every day with no problem.
I know the automatic transmission has problems, but my 5 speed works fine, even with more than 320,000 miles on the clutch.
26th Oct 2004, 11:23
I have a similar experience today. 2000 SC2, at 36,700 miles the master cylinder failed. Saturn stated "moisture or poor fluid must have been added and we can do nothing as it is out of warranty". The system was never opened. The fluid level was viewed to be low through the transparent reservoir. The cylinder had obviously failed prior to the end of warranty. This is the last Saturn I will ever buy. I would not recommend buying a Saturn or especially having it serviced at a Saturn dealer.