1998 Saturn SL SL2 from North America - Comments

Got a 96 SL2 with 167K miles, no major issues (replaced alternator, radiator, will replace A/C compressor soon). Bought used in 2003 for $2600. Has been a great car.

I own a 1996 Saturn SL1 that has been mainly reliable. The only problem I had was a sensor that went bad in the engine. I took it to a mechanic who said the car was done and told me to scrap it. I took it to another guy, and he took it apart, found the bad sensor, and replaced it. The car has run good since. The main problem I had was the ceiling crumbled apart. I tore out the main ceiling and the headliner is still there. What can I do about this? What would I need to fix it myself?

Saturn SL2 2002 model -- at 35,000 miles it started bucking like mule when it shifted into 2nd and 3rd gears (automatic). Took it in to a Saturn dealer whom did repairs on the transmission -- 1,400.00.

After 1 week it started with slamming into reverse gear -- made it home -- but bucked like it did before -- the next morning phoned the dealer to return it but.. started the car, and lo and behold, a bright red puddle appeared under the front end of my car -- egads!!! I killed it and now it's bleeding all over my new driveway...

I'm very good with all maintenance - including the "disposable" rotors that are included with this model -- my dad worked for GM for many years and we bought GM vehicles, but after this piece of junk I may buy foreign -- hmmm a Hyundai with that ever appealing 100,000 mile warranty:)

I have 5 Saturn SL2's... 2 automatic, the rest manual:

1998 auto 325000 miles

1998 manual 224000 miles

1999 manual 121000 miles

2000 auto 101000 miles

2000 manual 98400 miles.

I have had 3 clutches replaced, 1 sunroof module (from the sunroof doctor... 0 problems for over 100k miles), 2 alternators, 2 tensioner pulleys. Total non-maintenance item repairs $1936.00 FOR ALL 5!

All cars have had oil changes at 3500 miles with Valvoline 5 - 30 and 1/2 quart of Lucas engine treatment. The automatic cars have had the transmission fluid changed every 25000 miles. The brake fluid and coolant in all cars have been flushed yearly.

Use compressed air to blow out the sunroof drain lines yearly... works wonders.

In my experience, the Saturn experience is very simple: if you maintain your cars properly, they will run forever. If, however, you behave as the overwhelming majority of Americans do, and do not maintain your cars properly, expect them to be unreliable.

Don't expect better reliability from your honda/toyota/mercedes, either. I have seen enough of them over the years that have suffered the consequences of being owned by maintenance-free idiots.

I bought brand new a 1998 SL2 Saturn that has 84,000 miles, and the only problems I have had is a fan motor replaced, but now my transmission is leaking very badly and the dome light does not work.

I am retired so I don't put a lot of miles on my car. I am true to having it serviced every 3,000 miles. I did have to have the headliner replaced this year. I was using the Saturn dealership up until 2 years ago, and they got so expensive to service my car that I had to find someone else.

Overall the car has performed good.

I have an 1996 SL2 AT ABS/trac with 235700 miles on it. Sole owner and maintain it according to the schedule or close to it. It's been very reliable. Changed the alternator once around 200K when it started whining (apparently is was about to die). Battery lasts about 5-6 years or so I've changed it twice now. My water pump just went out and got replaced. But yeah I've been lucky apparently or I just take good care of my car. I'm an mildly aggressive driver, like the "sports handling" but I don't overboard with it. Only complaint is that it's loud. Why can't small cars be nice and quiet like the bigger fancier cars? Any how I'm apparently lucky and got good parts on my saturn. 12 years, going strong, and still get 32+MPG the hilly Puget Sound area. Hopefully it'll last till the next gen cars (PHEVs etc) get all their wrinkles worked out and become more affordable.

Take care of your car and it'll take care of you.