1996 Saturn SL from North America - Comments

We had numerous visits to Saturn for repairs over the years. At first they were fairly minimal and covered by the warranty.

Had it in 7 or 8 times for check engine light, faulty brakes (manufacturer issue, replaced for free) cooling system issues.

Car began seriously going through oil right about the time it hit 50,000 miles. I have always changed my oil religiously every 3 months, so I know this was not due to driver negligence. Gas mileage also began dropping at this point. I was getting about 40 mpg highway and ended up at about 29mpg.

April of 2003, the car would not shift into first gear. Cost 1,200 to REPAIR transmission synchronizer plate. Still did not shift right.

Continual electrical problems with inside lighting and car lighter. Dome light worked when it felt like it (not very often) and lighter stopped working altogether.

October 2003: Woke at 2:30 am to the sound of my car horn blaring. Ran out to find my car in flames. Poor thing was screaming and trying to blow itself out with the cooling fan :). It melted and flamed right before my eyes before the fire department could arrive to put it out. This was not a smoldering burn it was a "movie" type car fire and if it had been parked in my driveway it would have set the house on fire. Cause of fire is, as of yet, unknown. I will post if they figure it out.

I loved my car despite its many faults.

It had a lot of road noise and the seals around the windows let in a lot of air even when rolled up.

The seats were very basic and not comfortable on long drives.

The engine tended to overheat quickly in warmer weather if you got stuck in any kind of traffic.

Mine did not have power steering and was akin to driving a go cart...very tough on the arms when parking.

The 4 cylinder engine had no gumption and would bog down considerably going up hills. Forget running the air if the hill was very steep.

Overall, the car was reliable... in that it RAN. The frequent trips to the very expensive service department were irritating and the rapid decline of mileage and increase in oil usage were worrisome. After the $2,000 I have put into it in repairs and maintenance in the past 6 months, I would still love to look out and see it parked there on the curb instead of the blackened char mark that is the remains of the car.

Your story was interesting. I got a chuckle out of how you described the fire. I have a 1996 Saturn SL, for the most part it has not been terribly bad, after having it for 7 years, most of the defects are beginning to show, sunroof leakage, Ignition - No Start, or Stall Then Long Crank/DTCs P0300..etc.

Jennifer in NC

This has got to be the funniest review... Are you still driving it?? I have a 96 Sc1, they kind of suck too... burns 1 quart every 400-500 miles..

NHTSA Recall History.

1996-97: Horn could become inoperable or activate without pressing button; heat could build up, leading to an underhood fire.

I found this on Car Review Website:

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/used/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/2284.

Funny that no one knew of this recall...

I'm purchasing a '96 Saturn SL2 this morning for $1700. It's only had one owner, with no major problems as of yet. I have read your horror stories and hope that my car will fare better!!! I hope that it would burn up before costing me too much in repairs!! :)

If I could only be so lucky that my Saturn would spontaneously combust! I also have a 1996 SL2. It was previously my mothers, I remember when we bought it new at the dealer with the "new" buying concept at Saturn in 1995.

By 2001 when she gave me the car I've repaired it every year since. Wheel bearing, starter, alternator, tires, transmission work twice (both for slam reverse), and finally it's in the shop with a leaking engine seal that wasn't replaced when the tranny was out, the engine just lets the oil flood out and I was lucky I didn't seize the engine. I think another wheel bearing is bad again. I'm in college, I need tuition money, not Saturn repair bills!

Consider yourself SO lucky that it burst in flames! Makes me think I should bump my insurance back up from liability... bursting into flames is an act of god right?

So, seeing as how the body panels are made of plastic, were you left with nothing, but a pile of goo in the driveway?

That sounds like proper justice. The car burned you for so long, now the circle is complete. Too bad they couldn't burn up before they got to the Dealer's lot. I almost bought one, but after seeing someone have to endure the silly good luck party at purchase, I felt the humiliation would be too much.

I own a 96 sl as well. Right now, everything is going wrong with it. It started out with the cooling system. I replaced every machanical part and it still over heats. then as I thought I had it going I go for a test drive and the Idler Pully, Fell off. Oil went everywere. It burns oil like a mofo, and over all its just a pile of crap.

Just bought a 96 SL1 with 170000 miles for 1400. So far its in great condition. Very clean. Only the horn doesn't work. It came without a horn and I recently purchased a new one from Canadian Tire (big rig sound). I'm going to get it installed tomorrow, I'll post how it goes.