1995 Saturn SL SL1 review from North America

Everything that went wrong with this car seemed to be normal usage components (tires, brakes, etc.) for a high mileage vehicle. The one thing that seemed extravagant in terms of cost, etc., was an at-the-time slow oil leak, which caused me to trade in the vehicle for a newer car. Saturns are known for oil problems as they age; in some respects, I was lucky that I got to this high mileage (145,000) without oil problems.

This car was very economical to own. Even in the last year I owned it, I was still attaining great gas mileage, usually just over 30 in the city and upper thirties on the highway.

The car aged gracefully. It didn't look as old as many 1995 vehicles do. The paint stayed in good condition, the plastic side panels prevented many dings, and the interior held well. The few options this car had (automatic locks, traction control) worked well throughout ownership.

There were an increasing number of creaks and noises on the inside of the car while driving the vehicle; this is most likely due to the plastic expanding and contracting following temperature changes.

The rear window frames developed a rusting problem at the end.

The paint on the hood seemed to chip a little easily.

Highway merging was occasionally a problem without having the more powerful dual-cam engine of the SL2.

The air conditioning worked quite well and quickly cooled the car.

The front seats were comfortable for a smaller sedan; the rear seats were a squeeze for adults of average or taller height.

The trunk was spacious.

The fold-down rears seats were great and enabled the car to fit and transport an extra-long twin mattress with the trunk closed.

This car is an ideal college-student/person entering the work force car. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one again, but I would get the larger engine. I was sad that 2002 was the last model year.