1994 Saturn SL review from North America
"Saturn knew what they were doing when they came out with the Saturn SL 94 and 95's"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Not too long after purchasing the car the alternator went out at 130,000 miles. The alternator is hard to get to and it wasn't cheap to fix.
At 180,000 miles the radiator got a crack in it. I replaced it myself, which is not hard to do. It only cost me a total of $40.00.
When my car reached 203,000 miles the clutch finally started to give out. That cost me $600.00! But, well worth it.
General comments?
When I got my Saturn it was a sharp looking well running car, and still fits in with todays cars.
I bought my car at 110,000 miles put the pedal to the floor all the way to 203,000 miles. I have never had one problem with the motor. Just a few minor things had to be replaced, as in any car.
It always ran tip top.
It is cheap.
Very good on gas, and surprisingly fun to drive considering the small 1.9L.
The most dependable car that I have owned or driven. Props to Saturn.
However, my Saturn and I came to a tragic end. At 203,000 miles I had to pay $600.00 to get the clutch replaced. I got an A+ tune up, Valvoline Slick 50, Bosch Platinum plugs and wires, and a new air filter. When I got my car back from the shop it was faster, ran better, and more fun to drive than the first day I got it. At 205,000 miles I took a trip to St. Louis, on my way there I started to hear an noise that sounded like the bearings were going out on one of my pulleys or something on my motor. But I kept driving anyway. On my way back the noise was twice as loud and my RP-M's were going up even though I never touched the gas. But she got me home. I was on my way to take it to my mechanic and the timing chain broke, shot my pistons straight up in the head, destroying the motor. If only I knew? That car would have went 300,000 easily.
It is just about following your manual, and replacing parts at the millage they suggest. I am now debating on getting a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT HO. Or a 1995 Saturn SL Twin Cam. The Grand Am would be a blast, it is a very fast car, but the Saturn will probably go twice as long. I love speed so I don't know.
I think that I have made my point, and those people who think that Saturn's are not good cars, take a look around. You would be amazed how many Saturn's you see a day just going to work. And that is just the 1994 & 1995 SL.
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| Built to last by Dedicated Tennessee Craftsmen! |
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| An affordable and reliable automobile. A+ |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1994 |
| Year of manufacture | 1994 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9L Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 110000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 206000 miles |
| Previous car | Saturn SL |
| Date of Entry | 26th October, 2004 |