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1999
Saturn SC

Starts at:
$10,595
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New 1999 Saturn SC
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SL Manual
    Starts at
    $10,595
    29 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC1 Manual
    Starts at
    $11,945
    29 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC1 Manual
    Starts at
    $12,445
    29 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC1 Auto
    Starts at
    $12,805
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC1 Auto
    Starts at
    $13,305
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Manual
    Starts at
    $14,505
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Manual
    Starts at
    $15,005
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Auto
    Starts at
    $15,365
    25 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Auto
    Starts at
    $15,865
    25 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 1999 Saturn SC review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Had a brief visit with Saturn’s three-door coupe when it was unveiled in Spring Hill, Tenn., last year and now have had the chance to spend time with it on Chicagoland roads.

The third door is great for providing access to the rear cabin in a coupe that traditionally is intolerable when it comes to ease of entry and exit.

But, while the third door has eliminated the barrier to getting in or out of the rear seat, it hasn’t made the rear cabin any larger.

It’s still a kids’ compartment or the storage area for youthful owners’ gym bags. It’s not Valhalla for adults.

If that third access door, like the ones on extended-cab pickup trucks is so great, how come other coupe-builders haven’t copied Saturn?

Whenever we ask those who produce the Toyota or Honda or Ford or any coupe why not a third door, the response always is, “Saturn owners are more likely to have little kids that use that door.”

Hmm. Does that mean producers of Toyota, Honda, Ford (or whatever) coupes don’t sell to youthful owners who could use the third door to conveniently store the gym bag or dry cleaning in back? And don’t the other coupes have owners with kids?

Just wondering.

As for the SC2, there’s more style than sizzle. Good-looking sport coupe for those who want a more eye-catching design than Chevy Cavalier, Ford Escort, Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla but to whom high mileage and low price are more important than performance.

The SC2 is powered by a 1.9-liter, 124-h.p., twin cam, 4-cylinder engine (base SC1 model offers a 1.9-liter, 100-h.p., single overhead cam 4) that growls at initial acceleration as 4-cylinder engines are wont to do. But when teamed with a 4-speed automatic, it delivers 25 m.p.g. city/35 m.p.g. highway. A little noise but a lot of mileage.

Ride and handling are pleasant, but slow down when approaching big bends in the road.

The big plus, of course, are those plastic body panels that won’t dent, ding or rust, and will look showroom new five years from now if you give them a bath. Another big plus is the availability of ABS with traction control, though to keep the base price down, it runs $695.

One glaring flaw, and we emphasize glaring: Saturn needs to add a black dot matrix on the windshield around the rearview mirror like it has on the coming midsize 2000 Saturn LS to eliminate glare.

The SC2 starts at $15,865 with automatic. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, dual manual sideview mirrors, rear spoiler and fog lamps.

Our test vehicle added option package 2 with cruise control; power windows, locks, and right outside mirror and alloy wheels at $1,320; ABS with traction control at $695; AM/FM cassette with front and rear speakers at $260; and carpeted floor mats at $60. Add $440 for freight.

For the optimum sport image, add the power sunroof at $695.

A significantly redesigned SC coupe arrives in January as a 2001 model.

1999 Saturn SC review: Our expert's take
By

Had a brief visit with Saturn’s three-door coupe when it was unveiled in Spring Hill, Tenn., last year and now have had the chance to spend time with it on Chicagoland roads.

The third door is great for providing access to the rear cabin in a coupe that traditionally is intolerable when it comes to ease of entry and exit.

But, while the third door has eliminated the barrier to getting in or out of the rear seat, it hasn’t made the rear cabin any larger.

It’s still a kids’ compartment or the storage area for youthful owners’ gym bags. It’s not Valhalla for adults.

If that third access door, like the ones on extended-cab pickup trucks is so great, how come other coupe-builders haven’t copied Saturn?

Whenever we ask those who produce the Toyota or Honda or Ford or any coupe why not a third door, the response always is, “Saturn owners are more likely to have little kids that use that door.”

Hmm. Does that mean producers of Toyota, Honda, Ford (or whatever) coupes don’t sell to youthful owners who could use the third door to conveniently store the gym bag or dry cleaning in back? And don’t the other coupes have owners with kids?

Just wondering.

As for the SC2, there’s more style than sizzle. Good-looking sport coupe for those who want a more eye-catching design than Chevy Cavalier, Ford Escort, Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla but to whom high mileage and low price are more important than performance.

The SC2 is powered by a 1.9-liter, 124-h.p., twin cam, 4-cylinder engine (base SC1 model offers a 1.9-liter, 100-h.p., single overhead cam 4) that growls at initial acceleration as 4-cylinder engines are wont to do. But when teamed with a 4-speed automatic, it delivers 25 m.p.g. city/35 m.p.g. highway. A little noise but a lot of mileage.

Ride and handling are pleasant, but slow down when approaching big bends in the road.

The big plus, of course, are those plastic body panels that won’t dent, ding or rust, and will look showroom new five years from now if you give them a bath. Another big plus is the availability of ABS with traction control, though to keep the base price down, it runs $695.

One glaring flaw, and we emphasize glaring: Saturn needs to add a black dot matrix on the windshield around the rearview mirror like it has on the coming midsize 2000 Saturn LS to eliminate glare.

The SC2 starts at $15,865 with automatic. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, dual manual sideview mirrors, rear spoiler and fog lamps.

Our test vehicle added option package 2 with cruise control; power windows, locks, and right outside mirror and alloy wheels at $1,320; ABS with traction control at $695; AM/FM cassette with front and rear speakers at $260; and carpeted floor mats at $60. Add $440 for freight.

For the optimum sport image, add the power sunroof at $695.

A significantly redesigned SC coupe arrives in January as a 2001 model.

Safety review

Based on the 1999 Saturn SC base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.8
Interior 3.7
Performance 3.9
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • My 1999 Saturn SC2 is great and reliable

    Okay so it's 2018 and i just bought a sporty 1999 Saturn SC 2 with the twin cam engine. It has 87,000 miles on it and this car was VERY well taken care of, so much that it looks as new as any 2018 car driving around. So some people told me i shouldn't buy a car that old but I said "hey relax it's a saturn". The reason I tell them that is this is my third 90's Saturn I've owned and they are nothing but dead reliable. This one however is my first SC model and it's basically a sporty car with a bit more power to it than the SL's. I like these cars because they are predictable- you'll at some point replace the crankshaft sensor, belt tensioner, radiator, starter, alternator ect but nothing serious. Change the oil regularly and always keep a check on it and you'll be fine. My 1996 Saturn is still being drove by a friend i sold it to with 255,000 on the odometer. They are good cars take my word for it and don't be afraid of the age of one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very respectable car. Runs great at 200k!

    So obviously this is a car you would encounter if your on a budget and in the used car market. I've owned two Saturns from the late 1990s and neither of them ever let me down. My current SC2 3 door coupe has over 200k miles and shows no signs of quitting. This is the dohc or twin cam engine which has decent pep and is highly reliable. The thing I love is how simple it is to fix and how cheap the parts are. Even though GM dropped Saturn from their line-up, you won't have trouble finding quality replacement parts for cheap. Ride quality is decent and spirited. The style is ahead of its time. I would only recommend Saturn vehicles until the early 2000s when GM just started rebadging Chevys.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable and economical

    This car has met and exceeded my needs, dent proof panels, plenty of leg room and with the rear seats down can carry as much groceries as my SUV.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable and Efficient

    This car was perfect for my long drives to school. Avgeraged around 30 mpgs. However the lack of power left much to be desired. Was a cool looking, reliable and efficient car. Never gave me problems and would definitely buy again.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Perfect Starter Car

    This was my very first car, bought it in 2012 and had it for about 3 years. ALWAYS got me from A to B. Took a few out of state trips in it and had no problems. Amazing gas mileage for a somewhat older car. Very smooth ride as well. Started having a few minor issues toward the end of owning it: Radiator fan went out, passenger side window would not roll back up (electric windows), ignition would sometimes not want to start, and the Cadillac converter went out. But for a 99 model with 176,000 miles on it, I considered these to be very minor issues. I would highly recommend this as a starter car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Perfect First Car

    My SC2 was my first car...and after having it, I wouldn't have wanted anything else. As a teenager, I wanted something that didn't look like Granny's old Buick. It's a nice looking car and it sounds and feels like a car. I hate these new cars that sound like little electric golf carts and you don't feel that you're moving (which is a great way to get a ticket). I never had a problem finding parts, and it was really easy to work on (especially for a 17 yr old girl). It was so much fun to drive and I could depend on it to get me to school, work, and on vacations across the state. Love the fold down seats, and for a coupe, there is SO much room for storage...more than my mom's 05 Accord sedan. I love this car so much and I really wish Saturn was still in business.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Sad to see it go.

    I just totaled my Saturn and was very sad to see it go... I got it as a gift from my then girlfriend and now wife. I only had to fix the brakes and the muffler in 3+ years of having this vechile. I will miss the great gas mileage and the way I knew everytime I went out there it would start no matter how cold it is. Air conditioner and heater were outstanding... I would totally recommend anyone who wants to get one to get it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Saturs SC1 three doors 1999

    Extraordinary car, the better car I ever had. Manintenance inexpensive, most of the work I do myself, easy to fix. Small engine, economic, reliable. Can't believe this car is not longer available. Great !! Saturn ... my car uis 265K miles and run like a charm.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Possibly the most reliable American car ever built

    I've owned my SC1 coupe for 12 years and I couldn't have asked for a better value or more reliable car in all of that time. With some slight modifications, it's one of the sharpest looking cars I've seen and the styling of Saturn's late 90's SC series may be one of the best when you add a few touches here and there like alloy wheels and low profile tires. Before GM absorbed Saturn into their parts umbrella in 2003, these cars were reliable and built to compete with Honda and Toyota - hence the outstanding quality and reliability. Look no further than the fact that they were designed with a timing chain instead of a belt. The cars are also fun to drive too. When Saturn Performance Systems in Dayton, OH was still in business, they offered great performance upgrades for these cars, and when adding them, the car turned into a little beast like mine. In 12 years, the only thing that had to be fixed or replaced were: Radiator, PCV valve, crankshaft position sensor, EGR valve, serpentine belt, pulley tensioner, and a few hoses... All minor and cheap fixes. I couldn't recommend a better value if I tried.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car ever

    Second time I have owned a Saturn and love them. They are reliable and drive very well. Starts all the time and get great mileage, GM had it right with the Saturn, this turned out to be a great car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • just bought this exact car

    I just purchased this car, i'm very excited and i hope things work out really well with it. =) SO far, so good.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Outstanding experience with this car.

    Bought the car used 6 years ago and now have about 111,000 miles of our own on it so far. Car has never let us down and we could not be happier with it. Just a touch of the key and it fires every time never fail. The 3rd door is very cool not to mention handy. People usually give it a double take as they didn't even know it was there until we open it. Great little car!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1999 Saturn SC?

The 1999 Saturn SC is available in 1 trim level:

  • (9 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1999 Saturn SC?

The 1999 Saturn SC offers up to 29 MPG in city driving and 40 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1999 Saturn SC reliable?

The 1999 Saturn SC has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1999 Saturn SC owners.

Is the 1999 Saturn SC a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1999 Saturn SC. 93.3% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 15 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.8
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.7
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