2000 Saturn SW sw2 from North America - Comments

--Muffler crack, warranty replaced at

28,000 miles.

--Battery terminal loose, leaking at

32,000 miles, warranty replaced.

--SW2 is very fast. 0to60 in 9 sec.

105 mph in 3rd. When lightly loaded.

--Best highway car I have ever owned.

Toronto to St Petersburg six times,

averaging 22 hours for the 1,450 miles.

--GM automatic torque converter

clutch locks up in 2nd, 3rd and 4th

which is normal and is the reason

for 48 miles per imperial gal.

--Low seats, installed cushions to

improve.

--Installed K&N air cleaner which

improves performance and economy.

--Plastic interior rattles and cracks

in cold weather.

--I change the engine oil every 5,000

miles and add a little slick 50, and

I hope I don't encounter the oil

consumption problem.

The Saturn my parents own is a sw1, It isn't very fast or fun, but I did go 100mph for the first time in that car, and it wasn't that scary. It topped out at 105mph in third gear then hit the rev limiter and went back down to 95, but it was fun while it lasted.

I am pretty sure Saturn did some extensive engine modifications in '99 which MIGHT have solved the oil burning problem. GM has corrected their quality control problems and now makes great cars. Hopefully the oil burning problem was fixed for your '99, but I do not have any first hand knowledge about the '99's other than what I have read.

I have a 2000 sw2, and I have the oil consumption problem. Right after I get the oil changed it doesn't seem to be a problem until I've driven about 1500 km. After the 1500kms, I need to add a liter of oil every second gas fill-up. I asked a mechanic about it and he gave me a thing he found on-line that said this was a common thing. I haven't worried about it too much, I just keep the oil topped up between regular changes (every 5000 km). Apparently there is a procedure that Saturn dealers can do that involves cleaning out the inside of the engine with detergents, etc. They have to keep your car for a couple of days while the stuff soaks, and works to remove carbon deposits, etc. It is supposed to reduce, or even eliminate the consumption problem. But it is about $160 to have done, and I figure I can buy a lot of oil for $160. And, who knows how long the procedure will last, and if you might have to have it done again.

I own a 2003 Saturn Vue and a few weeks ago I noticed 3 hairline cracks in the rear door edge adjacent to the hinges. One of the cracks has almost reached the outside edge of the door and will most likely continue around the bend to the visible area.

A few days ago, I noticed one crack that had developed on the other rear door in the same area (close to the hinge). Perhaps there are other VUE owners or Saturn owners that have experienced similar problems or haven't noticed yet.