The only things to ever go wrong with my '93 Saturn SL1 are typical things that happen to everyones car. I.E. Brakes go out. Other than that, not a thing has gone wrong with the car, and I've had it for 2+ years.
Generally speaking this car is fantastic. I really don't see why all of you guys are trashing the car. I've made 3 seperate trips from Georgia to Arizona and back, and gas is only about $130-$150 for the 2,000 mile trip. So for a car that's 12 years old, 25 miles to the gallon isn't bad. I've had no problems with my saturn whatsoever. It was given to me on my 16th birthday over 2 years ago. Even with the 3 2,000 miles there, and 2,000 miles back trips, it doesn't use any more or any less oil than it should. The SL1 makes a good first car to a young person.
I love my saturn it is a very dependable car! It is pushing 250,000 miles and it is still running strong. Rock on wood!! My saturn doesn't get to good of gas mileage unless I put in fuel injector cleaner which is rare because I forget. But I think that the sl1 saturn is a dependable car if you take care of it. Then it will take care of you!
My Saturn is 14 years old, about 190,000 miles on her. I wouldn't trade her for anything. Although would love a newer one.