Comments: 1-15, 16-26
The Torque Converter went bad.
The floor mats were expensive and wore very quickly.
The Change oil light always seems to be on even when I have changed the oil.
The filters seem to wear out quickly.
Its on its 3rd ignition switch already.
It feels like its getting old and falling apart at 38k miles.
Despite what has gone wrong with this car, I can't say its the worst car I've ever had. That's what I can say about my Pontiac Grand Am though, that was the worst car I ever had.
What I do like about my Saturn is the dent resistant body since I slid into a tree and all it did was crack the fender
It made me want to stick with it a little longer when contemplating selling it so I could lease a Ford Explorer.
I wouldn't mind buying another Saturn. Its just hard to get excited about my SL1 since its your basic economy car. No thrills, bells, or whistles.
However after my experience with my Saturn I think I will lease my next
car instead of purchasing it. Since with a lease you get a new one ever 2-3 years and don't have to worry about your car having negative equity and having to cough up a big enough down payment to cover it so you don't have to drive an economy car for the price of a nicely equipped 4wd SUV.
I recently needed my oil changed before leaving town. I had not been able to make an appointment with my Saturn dealer ($22.00). I went to one of those "quickie" oil change places ($48.00). They either don't know how, or they don't provide the service of re-setting the "Change Oil Soon" light.
I currently own a 1994 Saturn SL1 and I will never own one again. I too have had extensive over-heating problems I go through about 5 gallons of coolant a week and needless to say I have had the starter replaced, the alternator replaced, both master brake cylinders blew out, and now it is idling really rough along with difficulty in shifting into 1st gear. I have only had this car a year and a half, I thank God for an extended warranty or I would have left this car on the road months ago. The really sad issue about this car is that it was checked prior to purchase so these problems are just now coming into focus. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know @ jcw1234562002@yahoo.com immediately. It is nice to know that I am not the only one going through these issues.
JCS.
How to change the oil light is in the manual. I can't remember how to do it off hand, but you'll have to pop the hood to press the right buttons.
Yes, It is very easy to blame the Vehicle Manufacturer. However did you ever service the Vehicle?
I have a 2002 SL2. Mine has a button located toward the top right of the fuse box, drivers side fender. The button has red letters saying 'oil r' Hold down for 5 seconds with key on, when 'oil change' light flashes it is reset. If you are alone, count to 5 then check 'change oil' light.
Until last week I had a 1997 Saturn SL2. Best car maintenance-wise I've ever had. It was good to me, so I just bought a newer one.
I also had an oil light problem (off & on). It's a known problem.
I can deal with that. There's a lot worse troubles you can have with a car!! It doesn't take much to check under the hood to see if oil is low.
As mentioned earlier, a button in the fuse box (under the hood, near battery) must be depressed and held while the ignition is on. I then you turn the key all the way to start the car.
Clears the light. Do it each time I change the oil in our 2000 LS1 and 2002 SL1. When I or my daughter have the oil changed we have yet to find a tech that knows to do this.
Too bad you can't turn this "feature" off :-)
Hi there,
I'm considering buying my mom a used 2002 Saturn SL, with 28,411 miles. Price is $7995.00.
OR a 2004 Chevy Cavalier- 29,461 miles, $8995.00
Would you recommend the Saturn for her? She's badly in need of a car; I want to get her something somewhat reliable, but don't have much money.
I know it could very well be too late by your posting date, but... Absolutely the Saturn wins over the Cavalier. Just do one of the many comparisons you can do on line and you will see. Good Luck
I'm considering buying my mom a used 2002 Saturn SL, with 28,411 miles. Price is $7995.00:
Please don't. Not that your option is not any better. If you do, please make sure you get receipts for all repairs and keep a good account on it. My 2002 Saturn's oil light kept coming on and after taking it to the dealership which adjusted the light and told me the oil was fine. Two weeks later I was left stranded on the highway with a hole in the engine. Just a warning.
I own a 2002 Saturn SL1. The engine appears to be somewhat noisy compared to other cars I have driven. Road noise transfered into the interior is also an issue. I agree with previous commenter's that the brakes are marginal. The engine head gasket failed at 32,000 miles. The gasket failure is unusual and resulted in a large repair cost. I previously owned a 1993 Saturn SC2. The overall quality of the SC2 was superior to that of my current SL1. I have driven the entire Saturn line. I believe Saturn's provide good transportation at a fair price. However, if you desire excitement or inspiration search further.
The cavalier is LEAPS and BOUNDS better then any SL2. The cavaliers from 2002 and on have the Ecotec engine, a near mantainance free engine, with a timing chain, no plug wires, and an engine that has gone through the new rigourous GM testing. This engine can also be had in the Saturn ION and the Saturn Vue, the new grand am, the new solstice, the new cobalt. It's a rock solid engine and much better then the SL2's 1.9l engine. I have an 03 cavalier, my wife has an 02 sl2. The cavalier is worth the extra $1000. Read about both cars!
Wow, I really hate this car. My girlfriend owns a 2002 Saturn SL1, and I've been helping her with repairs. We follow all the recommended maintenance schedules, and this car STILL manages to break down. In the first 50,000 miles, it has had a MAJOR head gasket failure, premature brake wear, suspension problems, premature exhaust pipe failure, constant alignment problems and excessive tire wear.
Of course, I drive a Honda, so my expectations of normal wear and tear are probably unrealistic for an American car. But imagine, if you will, a world where American cars could equal or better the Japanese cars. A world where engines and transmissions would last 200,000 miles... where suspensions would last 100,000 miles... and a world where reliability would be American; something we would take pride in...
The change-oil light re-set instructions are in your owners manual. READ IT!! Or check the net!?
If you own an SL or SL1, and are concerned about normal engine noise levels... go to the wrecking yard, find an SL2 and buy the underhood silencing pad. (Make sure you get the fasteners.) It will make a noticeable improvement! While you're there, get the center arm rest as well!! These suggestions may be applicable to base ION models as well.
RECYCLE!!!
My family bought their first Saturn used in 1994 (it was a 1992 SL complete base model) and I am still using it and getting another car (2002 Saturn SL1). This car has lasted us well. When my mom bought her new 2002 Saturn SL she gave me hers. She hasn't had ANY problems with it despite the fact that she doesn't take car of it as well as it should be. They just replaced the brake pads a week ago. We have had such a good experience with Saturns that I would definitely buy again. Parts are not hard to get a hold of and service has been easy to say the least. I like them.