1993 Saturn SW SW2 from North America - Comments

The alternator has gone out twice, four years ago and just now.

A few age-related problems, leaky hoses and the like.

One short bit of overheating.

Replaced the battery once.

Pump croaked once.

Sounds like a lot, but it's been nearly eight years. Thinking of getting a new one about now, since things are going bad a little more rapidly, and I have a long commute.

In general, it's been a great car (our only one, for several years). Nothing fancy at all; a fair bit of wind & road noise inside at higher speeds, a rougher ride than more expensive cars.

For such a small car, you can fit an amazing amount of stuff in it. I've had five people in the car, the back full of gear, and a canoe on the top all at once, and while there isn't much acceleration with all that weight, it still goes along fine.

The gas mileage is great; I must admit that I gloat every time I'm at a gas station and fill up next to a suburban assault vehicle. On a ten-gallon tank, I get 300 miles of highway driving, sometimes more. I'm seriously considering getting another one.

The 2001 SW2 I have sounds a whole lot like its 8 year old brother.

Not a luxury car by any stretch, but OK on comfort. I can (and have) driven it for long stretches, 4 to 6 hours, without feeling uncomfortable.

Performance is better than most anything else I had owned before (Toyotas and one Hyundai). Certainly not a muscle car, but then it also costs only 40% of a Corvette :)

GREAT on gas mileage. Plus the back of it will hold huge quantities of whatever, when needed.

Basically I got it for about $19,000, close to fully loaded, with service contracts and extended warranty. I felt like I got my money's worth.

I have a 1993 SW2 which has been almost trouble free. It has A LOT of rattles and squeaks, but besides that, no repairs other than routine maintenance. The engine emits all kinds of roars and rattles when started for the first time on a cold morning, but it uses no oil and gets between 27-38 mpg, so I guess nothings wrong with it.

P.S. it has 73,000 miles on it.

Hi. I have a 1993 Saturn SW2. It just turned 100,2200 miles. Runs great - no smoke or heavy oil consumpsion. But I'm getting concerned with this timing chain thing. Anyone know the causes?

Pete

mon_ahh@comcast.net.

I too own a 93 SW2 (bought in April 94) - I'm the original owner and now have 121K miles on it. Haven't driven it much in last two years because the driver seat back collapses got so bad it became absolutely unsafe to drive. Problem started in 98 - 99 - Dealer denied it was manufacturer's defect and wanted over $600 to correct. Finally got the defective seat back recliners replaced so I could sell it in good conscience. Repairs cost $300. Other than that, it was a good car; amazing power and room, tho noisy. Too bad Saturn and its dealers gouge their customers and won't back their cars. Because of that lack of integrity, I'll never buy another Saturn.

I just bought a 1993 SW2 for 2400. It has 49000 miles on it and runs perfect.

I'm most impressed by the A/C. It's cold, and it gets cold fast.

Automatic seatbelts are annoying, but I'm getting used to it.

Overall, a great car in great shape.

Bought my SW1 used in 1999 with 114000 miles. Now nine years later and 225000 miles and after a fuel pump, starter, gas gage and a small cooling issue (sensor) it still is running GREAT. With preventive up keep I think it will reach 250000 with out to much of a problem. To get from point A to point B there is not a better car to do it in. IMHO.