1999 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America

The seats aren't the most comfortable things in the world, but they are tolerable.

My gas pedal sticks upon first starting the car, but I feel this is an isolated problem, not one of the manufacturer's.

Condensation is a chronic problem, and it interferes with visibility. I keep an old t-shirt handy to wipe the windshield while driving.

My Saturn SL2 is my first car. I'm a seventeen year old female, with minimal car knowledge and funds, so I wanted to buy a low-maintenance vehicle. I purchased this car from a private seller in August 2004. It is now December, and I am very happy with this buy.

My parents both own American cars, and they have had minimal luck in owning them. This initially turned me off to American vehicles, but I'm glad I gave the Saturn's a chance. I looked at Toyota's and Honda's in the buying process, and settled on the SL2.

The car is small, but it has a surprising amount of power behind it.

As for the safety factor: Two months ago, a man ran a stop sign and hit the back end of my car. It spun out and I narrowly missed hitting another car. The impact was intense, and I hit my head hard. The man's car was significantly damaged, but my little Saturn and its dent-resistant body was pretty much OK. This has made me feel confident driving my car.

In short, so far, my SL2 has been a joy, and given me hardly anything to complain about. I realize I haven't owned it for long, but it being my first car, I wanted to express the positive experience and impressions I have. I hope the car continues to please!