1996 Saturn SL SL2 from North America - Comments

Just to let you know, I am very good with cars and do all of the repairs myself. This vehicle is meticulously maintained. I bought it new in 1996.

Front pipe cracked/rusted at 135,000 at the transmission support bracket. Dealer wanted to charge $850 to replace front pipe/ converter as a single unit. I took the broken pipe off myself and had the cracked welded for $15.

Saturn oem muffler rusts out about every two years.

Struts replaced at 75,000 miles.

Brake rotors warp often, but I now buy higher quality non-dealer rotors and it is less of a problem.

Oil consumption first started around 80,000mi, but switching to 10W-30 helped a great deal. There is some evidence of antifreeze getting into the oil because of a white film on the bottom of the oil filler cap.

Rear sway bar links rattled and were replaced at 85,000mi. Poorly designed part, grease caps feel off causing premature failure.

Manual transmission leaks around the axle seals, but not enough to warrant repair.

Check engine light comes on often, fault is usually the upper O2 sensor, which has been replaced three times.

Spark plugs foul easily and are replaced every 8-10,000 miles.

Clear coat paint on trunk lid spoiler scratches easily.

Rust has been a problem on all four door sills, and in engine compartment. Single layer of flat black paint on inner frame is prone to rust. Most manufacturers use multiple layers of paint.

For the money, was and still is a good car. You get what you pay for. It has good power, a fairly decent ride, and always starts. I feel some Saturn parts are poor quality and designed to wear quickly to keep people going in for dealer repairs. Saturn (GM) is not the only one to do this.

Well if you do not put any thing on the cars body and keep it waxed it looks great it is just not taking care of your car.

I have a 1996 Saturn and replaced the Heater core, Now I have a service light on with a wrench symbol beside of it, why is that? Note: It is not the " Service engine soon light". If anyone knows what to do please let me know.

Debbie from Indiana.

I have a 1993 Saturn SL2 with 304,000 miles on it. It is really starting to show it's age, but it has been a great and vary reliable car.

I still have all of the original suspension parts. I also still have the original muffler and sway bars. In fact, the only things I have had to replace on the car are the rotors, the radiator, an oil gasket, and the right front wheel bearings. I also had to have 4th gear in the transmission replaced after 200,000 miles when it burned up. However, this is the only work I have had done to the car.

I am going through oil very quickly, about a quart per week, but with so many miles on the car, I am not complaining.

Rust has also not been a problem.

It has been the best car I have ever owned, bar none!!! I would not hesitate to buy another on once this one finally does give out.