1996 Saturn SL SL1 from North America - Comments

This vehicle has less than 90,000 miles on it and has a blown head gasket. I unknowingly purchased it in this condition. I have had this car for about two weeks and have gone through three quarts of oil- I don't know if this has all gone into the coolant (that's what blew the gasket) or if it's also one of Saturn's other oil consumption problems at work.

After purchasing this vehicle I found a wealth of information on the Internet about this known defect of Saturn's. From what I can determine they are admitting the problem for the 1994-1996 years, and extended a "secret" warranty. However, the warranty expired after 6 years, so I am out of luck. I am hoping to find someone out there who is filing a class action lawsuit, though I have no idea how feasible that would be for a nine-year-old car. But I do know that Saturn has admitted (quietly) to this defect and there is no logical reason as to why this car should have a blown head gasket at 88,000 miles.

My last two cars, both Honda's, ran to 150,000 with only regular maintenance costs, and are probably still running today.

I will never buy GM again.

My hope is to dissuade any possible Saturn purchaser from believing all the hype. Saturn does not live up to it's promises and is knowingly selling defective cars. From what I have read, the problems extend at least until 2001. But don't take my word for it, do the research yourself! I wish I would have.

I own a 1996 Saturn SL1 which I bought from the dealership in November of 1995. Everything was running beautifully on the car until the guarantee was over which was at about 38,000 miles. The problem was the CV bolts at a cost of $1,000.00 on my credit card through the Saturn Car Repair Shop. I love my Saturn and use it every day for work and back - 45 minute drives one way since 1995.

Unfortunately I've been rear ended three times. Two of those occasions, the driver did not have car insurance. I was also hit head on by an elderly man without his glasses that day in 1999. The Hartford Insurance company paid me close to $2,300.00 and I faithfully took the check to the Saturn Repair Shop to get my baby fixed again, but ever since then, my Saturn has never worked the same.

I faithfully followed the Maintenance Checklist until I lost my job in 1999. I've had the alternator, starter, tension belts, radiator, battery, water pump replaced. I had a friend do a Transmission Flush in 2002, brake repairs, tune ups; I've purchased four, new tires twice because I drove my Saturn to New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Connecticut, Miami, FL Fort Lauderdale, Fort Meyers, Orlando, FL and Tampa, FL on mini vacations to keep my sanity.

Today I have a blown head gasket and it will cost me $1,000 to $1,800 get it fixed. The transmission has been slipping for two years. I'm trying to bring down my credit card balance not raise it, so this expense is not going to happen. I am seeking advice from several mechanic friends before I make a decision on what to do next.

Throughout the years what I notice is that whether you get a new car or an old car, you will spend money getting parts replaced. I think "Labor" is overly priced and it depends on the mechanic's integrity that will determine the outcome. Profit verses greed is the denominator in all American businesses.

I live in the flatlands of Florida and I grieve for all who have had to go thru car repair nightmares.

God bless.

Ana

Port Richey, Florida.

I have owned many cars from Acura's to Toyota's and Nissan's. But when I recently got my car stolen I had to settle for a Saturn with what little money I had in the bank. All I have to say is that I never had so many problems with a car in the last two months than I had with cars in the last 6 years!

I always had problems with them overheating, the clutch repetitively being adjusted (even replaced) and replacing the head gaskets. Another annoying factor was that the service engine light was ALWAYS on. There just simply not good cars to own and I most certainly will never buy another Saturn. My suggestion is to just stick with Toyota's and Honda's if you want a car that will run for longer than two months even two years without any problems.

I just bought a used 1995 Saturn, standard, 1.9 L with 166,000 miles recently. Nobody took care of the car until I changed the oil, and changed the spark plugs which were corroded. Now the the car is running fine, and no problems so far except for the 50% functioning shock absorbers.

1996 - SL1 - Response to the 3rd comment (sorry can't see names) but the person that mentioned Spark Plugs. Believe it or not I purchased a 96 SL1 Standard with 200,000 kms on it for $3500 in Nov 06. Dec 25 06 had it towed 400 kms because it was smoking so badly. 1st garage after the New Year told me needed clutch. Didn't have the $1200 at the time so towed it back home. Saved up and in May 07 had clutch /flywheel repaired $1600.00. Paid in full Called to tell me - well you need a motor in order to have the car e-tested. Cost $2600.00. As a typical'witch' - I wouldn't pay that and had to find a job from home. Because this will be the 2nd year (and I'm getting embarassed that it hasn't moved) - had it towed again. ALL it need was NEW SPARKPLUGS and the 1st Garage put too much oil in (3 litres xtra) - so I now have my nemesis back with new battery/tires/spark-plugs/e-tested/front brakes for a grand total of $899 CDN. WOMEN UNITE is all I can say (and I am not young) Hope my 'New' Saturn 96 SL1 can give me 1 more year.