2002 Saturn SL Sport review from North America

April 2006: Steering wheel making a rubbing noise when turning just slightly. Called dealer, they said it was likely an airbag coil, no big deal, but they would check it as I was going in for oil change the next week. Problem was NOT the airbag coil, but the quell bearing and the steering column. Both replaced under warranty (cost was about $2800)

November 2006: Noticed oil spots on garage floor. Had oil changed 2 weeks ago, called dealer, he said bring it in for check. Cleaned oil has "spilled" in some "reserve" under the pan. They cleaned it up, said it would be fine. Kept seeing oil, 2 spots 4 inches apart. Called again, back in. Bad head gasket. Still have warranty... took heads off, bad manifold... warranty paying for that. Mechanic said GM stopped making this engine after '02 because of these problems on the single cam engine, not seen on dual cam.

I like the car. I seem to have gotten a lemon on this model though. My '98 SC1 had NO issues, was at 80,000 miles when a woman turned in front me, totalling my car out. I do ALL maintenance on my cars on time. Mechanic said on my '02, he's never seen a cleaner engine.

The car is slow, no pickup, the manual tranny is a burden... next car will be automatic.

Size is good, easy to park. Mine looks sharp with tinted windows, sunroof, spoiler and alloy wheels.

Gas mileage is OK... about 22-24 for me.