2002 Saturn SL SL1 from North America - Comments

I've only had one minor problem with the car, that being the keys. I had to have new keys made, as they would get stuck in the ignition, and/or not turn.

I've really enjoyed the car thus far. It's not quick, but with the 5-speed, it is more than adequate. You have to be realistic, I knew when I purchased the car it was an economy car, not a Porsche or even an Eclipse. I have no problems with merging in higher speed traffic, and while passing does take more caution and planning than my Grand Marquis did, I can cruise at 75-80.

The car is basically loaded, as much as a Saturn SL1 could be loaded. It has PW, PL, cruise, tilt, AM/FM, cassette, CD player, and a power sunroof. I have read about others having various electrical problems with the windows and sunroof, but everything has worked flawlessly to this point. I did replace the factory stereo with an Eclipse CD head unit, and new Eclipse Point source 6 ½” speakers in the doors and rear deck. For just under $500, you would be amazed at the improvement in sound you will get. They do make a sound deadening material you can put in the floor, doors, and roof, to make the cabin a little quieter. It does help reduce road noise, but I didn’t see the need to add it at the time, and that is what the amplifier and subwoofer are for. OK...Yes, I’m 38, and still like my music loud and clear.

The gas mileage is great, I’m averaging about 25 mpg in town, and get about 42 mpg on the highway at interstate speeds. Minnesota highways have a 55 mph speed limit, and I’ve averaged about 45 mpg with the cruise on and set at 55-60 mph. Even with the air on, I have yet to fall below 40 mpg on the highway, so I am very pleased with the fuel efficiency.

The only complaint I have with the car is the in town ride. I only mention this, as I’ve driven a 2001 Toyota Corolla S, which is a little sportier than the base Corolla, and a Matrix XRS. I was told the Matrix XRS had a rougher ride, but was much sportier. Well, they had the sporty part right, but I found the ride to be quite pleasing, considering the quickness and styling, basically the product you were expecting. Both seemed too absorb road imperfections much better than the Saturn.

The ride is very compliant and comfortable, as long as you have a nice road, but train tracks or potholes can get a bit rough, and I slow down to baby the car. A Corolla would have cost a couple thousand dollars more, so I can live with the suspension. I should mention that I had the suspension checked, and was told it was fine, and needed no work done to it.

The car is surprisingly quiet and well mannered on the highway, with a very smooth ride and comfortable seats, better than I would have expected from a lower priced economy car like this. I traded in my 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis for this car, so my comment about the ride is actually quite a compliment, as I am a big sedan type of guy.

The only other thing I have done to the car is add better tires to it. I didn’t like the factory Firestones, so I had Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred’s put on. I didn’t think a tire change could make that much of a difference, but boy was I wrong, as I gained awesome traction in rain, snow, and ice. I think the tires perform so well, that one might get to be overconfident, and maybe overdrive winter conditions. I do know a few other Saturn owners, and they have Goodyear ComforTred’s, and those seem to be a nice tire as well. Both tires provide a very quiet, comfortable ride, along with good traction, so again I’m very pleased.

In conclusion, I’ve owned the car for about 13 months, and had no problems. I’ve changed oil as specified, checked fluids and tire pressure weekly, and the car starts, runs, and stops like a top. Yes it’s smaller than what I used to drive, but it seems to be a very reliable, spacious little car. I’m 6’0”, and I have plenty of legroom, so don’t let the cars small size fool you. You can't beat a car that gives you so little trouble, and costs less that $200 a month in loan payment, gas, and insurance.

I agree, I got my 02 SL1 in april of 2006 and it had 67000 miles on it and here it is october of 2007 and shes up to 101,000 miles, still runs great, 45 mpg hwy, only have had 2 problems, 1. the service engine light was on and off frequently wich turned out to be the air intake gasket, and it wasnt as expensive as I thought it would be.

And 2 the sunroof came off its track, but was easily fixed.

Now I'm use to driving crown vics and I gotta say I love how well the little car performs and how she can turn on a dime.

I give it 5 stars.

I have a 02 SL2, bought brand new. Which must have been a SL1 with the sport package from the factory. 1.9L single cam. No Power anything 5 speed. 15 inch tires, spoiler, sunroof and a CD player. At 100,000 I replaced the gas filter. now at 135,000 engine light on Saturn tells me I need a intake gasket, serpentine belt, plugs and wires. Other than oil changes and tires, this is all my little Blue Baby has needed!

I bought my 2002 SL new, turned 150000 today on my way to work. I had to get keys made, mine eventually wouldn't turn the ignition. Had the dealer make them off the VIN. These engines use oil, check it often(Like every 1000 miles a quart for me). The oil rings get stuck, look on the internet for how to fix cheaply, I haven't done it yet. Mine gets 42mpg going to work (!), and 49mpg per tank on highway trips. I use a scangauge, pump the tires to 40psi and coast when possible. Go on gassavers.org for mpg improvement tips. So far: replaced serpentine belt, plugs, plug wires. Original front brakes still had material at 95k miles, I replaced them at 95K and again at 145k. Back brakes original, still almost 1/8 in brake material. Original struts, exhaust, alternator, radiator etc. Put in a new battery at 140K. Just replaced outer tie rod ends, that was easy. For as many miles that are on it, it still looks good with just routine maintenance! I've had about 12 cars so far, this is the best one. Going to keep it!! I wash and wax it, to keep the car looking good. No dents on doors (plastic!), no noticeable rust. Find a metal bodied car with 150K without dents! Bottom of car has held up great, just bolt heads rusted, etc. It has plastic gas tank, no rust there!! Email me for pictures if you'd like: cuda4sale@yahoo.com. I'd recommend this car, but I'd only but a 2001 or 2002. Least amount of problems from what I've read on the internet. I don't think the seats are comfortable, but I have the SL. Its the base model, only option is air. I've never had a problem with the air either.

I bought a Saturn SL1 in 2002.

In 2004 had to have a valve body and new tires.

In 2006 had to replace gas cap to solve check engine.

In 2007 serpentine belt.

In 2009 tires again and intake manifold gasket, and it winds up real high on the rpm before shifting when it is cold outside or if the engine is cold. Not sure if problem is fuel injection or powertrain.

The brakes have always made a lot of noise when it's cold or wet outside, and I finally got tired of taking it somewhere and being told they have some kind of build up on them, and paying a lot of money for the buildup to start again in about 6 months.

I won't buy another Saturn because I don't feel it held up well enough, because I only drive around town, no highway driving hardly at all.

Don't let that discourage you, see for yourself any time you are shopping for a vehicle, jjjjjjj.