1995 Saturn SL 1 review from North America

When there is frost on the antenna, it makes a humming noise.

Rhythmic scraping noise in dashboard (Recall issued)

Master Cylinder defective and needed replaced at 3,000 miles.

Rocker arm shaft defective and broke at 22,000 miles.

Leaking front doors started at 56,000 miles.

Factory radio/cassette deck lights start to go out.

Engine developed cracked Rings at 72,000 miles.

Brakes replaced at 76,000 miles.

Sunroof rails worn and replaced at 110,000 miles.

Seats starting to become very worn, seams starting to come apart 112,000 miles.

Engine vacuum system hoses collapsed and needed replaced at 120,000 miles.

Engine replaced with used engine at 140,000 miles.

Clutch replaced at 140,000 miles.

Plastic interior molding starting to disintegrate.

Used engine has cracked rings at 157,000 (76,000 miles on engine.

Needs shocks and struts at 157,000 miles.

None of the radio lights is still alive.

I took delivery of this car in Alaska in November of 1994. (after the 6 week old 1994 SL I had was totalled by a red light runner) The airbags in the 1994 functioned well and I walked away from a fairly serious wreck with only a sprained ankle.

The fuel economy was outstanding until 2003. On long highway trips I would often get 45+ mpg and averaged 37 mpg in mixed driving. It is currently averaging 28-32 mpg.

The car started burning a lot of oil after 70,000 miles. This is in spite of religious 3000 mile changes and all required and recommended service.

(and an engine block heater for those 30 below zero starts). The transplanted engine has started burning oil now...

When this car was new, it was more fun to drive than my dad's CRX! The clutch was nice and shifting very precise. Handling was very solid.

The anti-lock brakes worked very well on the icy streets of Anchorage.

The plastic moulding on the doors and console are starting to disintegrate from UV exposure and 12 years of wear and tear.

The car has an amazing amount of hauling capacity due to the fold down rear seats. (rare for the time). Things I have hauled in a single trip include: 2 4x4x8 fence posts, 50 1x6x6 cedar fence boards, queen size futon mattress.

The car is currently in need of new shocks and struts, new brakes, an engine, drivers seat, new windshield, new carpet, well, lots of things.

This was a great car for the first 5 years I had it, and a pretty good car since, I will not buy a newer Saturn because they are more expensive than a Civic or Corolla and I will not spend any substantial amount of money to fix this one if it breaks.