1997 Saturn SL review from North America

Serpentine belt and tensioner (which was probably a scheduled maintenance item at that mileage) 50,000 miles.

Disk brake pads replaced at 50,000 miles. Rear shoes need replaced.

Temperature sensor replaced at 50,000 miles.

I have had very little problems with this car. Most of the problems listed in "things gone wrong", I would consider scheduled maintenance items. With the possible exception of the temperature sensor. It does run at just below halfway on the temperature indicator, but I have never had any overheating. This may be a normal operating temperature for this car. The power of the engine is more than sufficient for a 4 cylinder car. I drive highway every day with no problems with merge power. I have had this car to the mountains several times, It eats them up. The gas mileage is the best thing. With gas prices high, it has been wonderful to have such an economical car to drive. I would estimate my gas mileage at between 28 and 31 miles per gallon. I love the fold down seats in the back for hauling. I recently moved and it came in handy to have the extra room. The noise at start up takes a while to get used to. I live in a cold climate and this car has a lot of plastic, I think this is normal for such a design. The plastic body panels make good sense for northern climates were salt is used extensively in the winter. This makes for no rust on the typical rusted out wheel wells. The interior is not finished out like a luxury car, but I didn't pay luxury car prices either.