1997 Saturn SL SL2 review from North America
"Will not buy another one. Going to buy high volume vehicle. Cobalt. (GM employee)"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Our Saturn is currently on its third alternator, and its second battery.
The ever occurring theme of oil consumption plagues our Saturn as well.
The belt tensioner had to be replaced.
The Service Engine Soon light is continuously on.
The original Power Steering pump leaked and had to be replaced.
General comments?
Working in the Automobile field for many years, I am not sure what to make of the alternator failures. Maybe being located under the P/S pump and the leakage shorted the original out?
The oil consumption problem is in my opinion the result of how the engine is cast. Very thin and cheaply made.
In our Saturn I believe the Exhaust valve seals are failing.
Next the rings are not controlling oil on the cylinder walls.
The information I have says engine does not have enough material for rebuild.
Finding a used low mileage engine is said way to go.
The Service Engine Soon light is on because O2 sensors are reading inaccurately because of oil in exhaust system. (my diagnosis)
Information I have says not to rebuild but find used engine. Engine does not have enough material for rebuild.
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| This is a perfect commuter car at a great price |
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| One of the better 500 dollar beaters I've ever bought! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 ltr. Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 6000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 100000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 24th March, 2005 |