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2001
Saturn SC

Starts at:
$12,680
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New 2001 Saturn SC
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SC1 Manual
    Starts at
    $12,680
    28 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Manual
    Starts at
    $15,790
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC 2001 Saturn SC

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Expert 2001 Saturn SC review

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

Lots of good things to say about the compact coupe from General Motors Saturn division, such as:

The plastic, never-rust body panels mean five years from now a wash will make the car look just like new.

An access or third door along the driver’s side makes it easy to open and then slip in briefcase, duffel bag, groceries or even a kid or two. The third door solves the problem of how to get to that back seat in a two-door coupe.

A 1.9-liter, 124-horspower 4-cylinder engine that delivers 25 m.p.g. city and 35 m.p.g. highway when teamed with a 4-speed automatic that make trips to the fuel pump occasional journeys.

And a price tag within reach of youth or those on a budget, making it a great starter car for the graduate entering the job market as well as anyone needing a high-mileage commuter.

But then there are drawbacks. Saturns, whether coupe, sedan or wagon and whether compact or midsize, act like economy commuters.

The suspension delivers soft ride, but not very precise handling.

Give the brake pedal an extra push because there’s a little too much play. A few too many noises filter into the cabin. And that third door is nice, but for the couple with one kid and a child safety seat in back, the door would be more useful on the passenger side.

The price is nice, starting at $16,505, but the options have been marked up considerably. Why $70 for floor mats? Why $725 for a power sunroof? Why $695 for ABS with traction control? Why $220 for the AM/FM stereo with CD upgrade to AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette? And why $350 for 15-inch alloy wheels?

That’s $2,060 in options, and with a $440 freight charge, the test car stickered at $19,005, or in the neighborhood of Chrysler PT Cruiser–though in fairness, to the PT you have to add whatever amount the dealer gets after turning you upside-down and shaking out your pockets. Saturns don’t go over list.

The SC2 coupe gets a redesign for the ’04 model year. Keeps the plastic body panels. A new compact sport-ute, the 2002 Saturn VUE, comes out this fall and should help bring folks back into Saturn showrooms who have been noticeable by their absence.

2001 Saturn SC review: Our expert's take
By

Lots of good things to say about the compact coupe from General Motors Saturn division, such as:

The plastic, never-rust body panels mean five years from now a wash will make the car look just like new.

An access or third door along the driver’s side makes it easy to open and then slip in briefcase, duffel bag, groceries or even a kid or two. The third door solves the problem of how to get to that back seat in a two-door coupe.

A 1.9-liter, 124-horspower 4-cylinder engine that delivers 25 m.p.g. city and 35 m.p.g. highway when teamed with a 4-speed automatic that make trips to the fuel pump occasional journeys.

And a price tag within reach of youth or those on a budget, making it a great starter car for the graduate entering the job market as well as anyone needing a high-mileage commuter.

But then there are drawbacks. Saturns, whether coupe, sedan or wagon and whether compact or midsize, act like economy commuters.

The suspension delivers soft ride, but not very precise handling.

Give the brake pedal an extra push because there’s a little too much play. A few too many noises filter into the cabin. And that third door is nice, but for the couple with one kid and a child safety seat in back, the door would be more useful on the passenger side.

The price is nice, starting at $16,505, but the options have been marked up considerably. Why $70 for floor mats? Why $725 for a power sunroof? Why $695 for ABS with traction control? Why $220 for the AM/FM stereo with CD upgrade to AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette? And why $350 for 15-inch alloy wheels?

That’s $2,060 in options, and with a $440 freight charge, the test car stickered at $19,005, or in the neighborhood of Chrysler PT Cruiser–though in fairness, to the PT you have to add whatever amount the dealer gets after turning you upside-down and shaking out your pockets. Saturns don’t go over list.

The SC2 coupe gets a redesign for the ’04 model year. Keeps the plastic body panels. A new compact sport-ute, the 2002 Saturn VUE, comes out this fall and should help bring folks back into Saturn showrooms who have been noticeable by their absence.

Factory warranties

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

Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.9
Interior 4.0
Performance 3.9
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Very Reliable

    I love my Saturn sc1. Got her for $800 2 yrs ago and only problem I've had was battery replacement and when it wAs stolen had to replace ignition lock and housing. It's such a great reliable car so thankful it was found and returned with minimal damage. If u are thinking of purchasing one don't hesitate. This is a car u can def rely on
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • A sporty car that is great on gas and good in snow

    This car was the exact color and make I wanted and it fit my needs perfectly. It has been very reliable, and affordable, plus it looks great. The third door is very convenient whether to load groceries, suitcases or your dogs or kids in the backseat. Unfortunately they don't make them anymore.
    • 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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This was a barn find.. a good one

    This car was sitting for almost a year after the radiator went bad. There was a different size tire on every rim and i got it cheap. Jumped the battery filled the radiator and got it home. It ran pretty well. Replaced the radiator, new battery, plugs and wires and new tires. I've put a few thousand miles on it now in daily driving and its been just great. 143000 miles on it and its as good as anything else ive ever driven of this age. Holds the road great and very comfortable. Ive owned alot of cars and this is starting to look like one of my best buys.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great gas mileage. Does not rust.

    Purchased thurs car as a work vehicle to keep miles off my new truck. Love it! Not a lot of leg room in back seat. Definitely not a racecar, takes a while to get up to speed but very reliable. After sitting a while in -30* temps fires right up. Not good in snow. Overall great car. 5 speed manual. Love it!! Replacement parts are very cheap, cost me $38 total for brakes & rotors.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good, loyal car

    Got mine at 86,000 and I've had my girl for about 2 years now. She's been very loyal to me. Low maintenance costs between oil changes and tires, nothing major. Plastic body is a nice look, but unfortunately a week after getting my car, a freak, historic hail storm hit my town and left big holes in my car. Despite that, she has gotten me everywhere I need to go!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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  • Fun to drive

    I love it. Very good looking car. Fun to drive. Repairs have been minimal for the cars age. Great for commuting. Love the MPG it get.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    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, good on gas

    For an older coupe, the Saturn Sc is comfortable, stylish, and reliable. It is extremely good on gas and even after 100k miles still runs very well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2001 Saturn sc2

    We have had this car for the past 10 years, and it has 163,000 miles on it. I can honestly say the car has always been very reliable and even with all that mileage on it, is still reliable. The engine has plenty of get up and go and can hold it's own against other cars in its class. I have 5 speed manual transmission. The car is also a lot of fun to drive. I have had other cars from porches right on down the line. Although it is not in the same class a porsche, It is till fun to drive. Aside from some minor cosmetic issues which can be easily corrected, mechanically it is solid. It is quick, comfortable and reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    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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  • The absolute best car I have ever owned!

    I bought my 2001 brand new. I did not want the sun roof style so I had to wait a week while they had to order a 'brand new' car that had to be built for me. It arrived with 5 miles on the odometer. I have driven it in Massachusetts and down in Florida, it now has 87,000 miles on her. For me, she has been great, loyal, low cost, I still have not had any major expenses, just maintanence and new tires. I love the sporty look, it has plenty of room in it when the seats are folded down. Its peppy and easily manuverable in traffic. Cons: it can be loud inside the car vs more top of the line model cars, and for the size engine, it could be better actually on the gas milege. She still works and looks great. I just wish they still made them with the 2 minor adjustments to the car product I just mentioned.
    • Purchased a New 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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  • SC-2

    Pretty good vehicle for what it was. I drove it a few years. It probably had 60-70K mi on it when purchased from a friend and 121K mi when I was done. 1.9L w/ 5spd Man. What I liked: ~ 38 mpg. Very functional 1/2 door access to the back seat from the driver's side. Loved that. Back seats folded down so I could carry a lot of stuff. Fairly sporty looking and the cockpit was not bad. Sunroof. What I didn't like: Not at all peppy (that's the trade-off for great mpg) Visibility not great, poor at night. Had to replace starter & ignition lock. Sunroof developed leak. Would not pass inspection due to something weird with the computer and temp not getting high enough. Previous vehicle was a Saab so there was really no comparison regarding performance. Now driving a BMW X3 - again, quite a change for me.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Keeps on ticking

    I've owned my SC1 for almost 7 years. I bought it used in '04 for $4900 with 67,000 miles on it. The only major work I had was a gasket ($1400) at around 140,000. That was the only major work I have ever had done on it. It gets decent mileage and runs just fine.
    • 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 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • love my Saturn

    Have not had my car long,but am really enjoying it o far. It has enough power to pull out and get moving when you need to but real easy on gas. Would not want to be stck in the back seat for a long trip,but the front seating area is surprisingly roomy. Like the idea of a plastic body too. Keeps the car nicer looking longer.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Saturn SC?

The 2001 Saturn SC is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Saturn SC?

The 2001 Saturn SC offers up to 28 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 2001 Saturn SC reliable?

The 2001 Saturn SC has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Saturn SC owners.

Is the 2001 Saturn SC a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Saturn SC. 94.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.9
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.8
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