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2002
Saturn SC

Starts at:
$13,080
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New 2002 Saturn SC
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SC1 Manual
    Starts at
    $13,080
    28 City / 40 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC1 Auto
    Starts at
    $13,940
    26 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Manual
    Starts at
    $16,260
    27 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SC2 Auto
    Starts at
    $17,120
    25 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC 2002 Saturn SC

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Expert 2002 Saturn SC review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Changes are few in 2002 for the subcompact Saturn coupes, again offered in SC1 and SC2 form, which depends on the engine. Floormats are now standard in the SC2 coupe, which can be equipped with newly optional 15-inch aluminum wheels. Two-tone black/gray leather replaces tan leather upholstery as an SC2 option. Coupes are built from the same front-drive design as the SL sedan and the SW2 wagon.

Saturn gained attention early in 2001 by installing a standard third door on the driver’s side — an industry first. Optional curtain-type airbags store in the ceiling above the side windows and inflate along the length of the passenger compartment. Curtain airbags activate during a side-impact collision. Like all Saturns, the coupes use polymer lower body panels, but the hood, trunk and roof are made of steel.

From the beginning, Saturn has been best known for the customer-friendly shopping and buying experiences at its dealerships, more than for the products themselves. Sales of the subcompact S-Series fell by 14.7 percent — to 177,355 units — during 2000.

Exterior
Styling changes for 2001 included new lower-body panels and fresh front and rear fascias. All coupes have two conventional doors and a standard third door on the driver’s side. Called a “rear access door,” it swings open to the rear after the driver’s door is opened. An integrated design makes it nearly unnoticeable when the door is closed. The coupe rides on a 102.4-inch wheelbase and measures 180.5 inches long and 53 inches high.

Interior
Room in the four-passenger coupe’s backseat is significantly smaller than that of the SL sedans, which are capable of carrying five occupants. Even so, Saturn coupes have more rear space than some other sporty two-door models. The rear access door permits easier loading of both passengers and cargo — a feature that has not been adopted by competitors. In addition, with an 11.4-cubic-foot capacity, the Saturn coupe’s trunk is large enough to hold two golf bags.

Under the Hood
Coupes carry the same two engines as other S-Series models. The SC1 coupe uses a 100-horsepower, 1.9-liter single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder. A dual-overhead-camshaft version rated at 124 hp goes into the SC2. Both engines team with either a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed-automatic transmission.

Safety
All Saturns can be equipped with curtain-type airbags that protect the heads of front and rear occupants. Antilock brakes are also optional.

Driving Impressions
From the time they debuted in 1990, Saturns have been noisy and rather unrefined. Although the coupes have improved over the years, they continue to fall short of various rivals. Acceleration is brisk in the SC2 with its dual-cam engine, but the SC1 isn’t so swift. In either form, the ride is a bit on the stiff side.

Saturns can be enjoyable to drive. They maneuver easily, and the rear access door is an undeniably clever innovation. Plenty of owners love their Saturns. But the company scores higher for the easygoing buying experience it provides than for the on-the-road performance of its products.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

2002 Saturn SC review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Changes are few in 2002 for the subcompact Saturn coupes, again offered in SC1 and SC2 form, which depends on the engine. Floormats are now standard in the SC2 coupe, which can be equipped with newly optional 15-inch aluminum wheels. Two-tone black/gray leather replaces tan leather upholstery as an SC2 option. Coupes are built from the same front-drive design as the SL sedan and the SW2 wagon.

Saturn gained attention early in 2001 by installing a standard third door on the driver’s side — an industry first. Optional curtain-type airbags store in the ceiling above the side windows and inflate along the length of the passenger compartment. Curtain airbags activate during a side-impact collision. Like all Saturns, the coupes use polymer lower body panels, but the hood, trunk and roof are made of steel.

From the beginning, Saturn has been best known for the customer-friendly shopping and buying experiences at its dealerships, more than for the products themselves. Sales of the subcompact S-Series fell by 14.7 percent — to 177,355 units — during 2000.

Exterior
Styling changes for 2001 included new lower-body panels and fresh front and rear fascias. All coupes have two conventional doors and a standard third door on the driver’s side. Called a “rear access door,” it swings open to the rear after the driver’s door is opened. An integrated design makes it nearly unnoticeable when the door is closed. The coupe rides on a 102.4-inch wheelbase and measures 180.5 inches long and 53 inches high.

Interior
Room in the four-passenger coupe’s backseat is significantly smaller than that of the SL sedans, which are capable of carrying five occupants. Even so, Saturn coupes have more rear space than some other sporty two-door models. The rear access door permits easier loading of both passengers and cargo — a feature that has not been adopted by competitors. In addition, with an 11.4-cubic-foot capacity, the Saturn coupe’s trunk is large enough to hold two golf bags.

Under the Hood
Coupes carry the same two engines as other S-Series models. The SC1 coupe uses a 100-horsepower, 1.9-liter single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder. A dual-overhead-camshaft version rated at 124 hp goes into the SC2. Both engines team with either a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed-automatic transmission.

Safety
All Saturns can be equipped with curtain-type airbags that protect the heads of front and rear occupants. Antilock brakes are also optional.

Driving Impressions
From the time they debuted in 1990, Saturns have been noisy and rather unrefined. Although the coupes have improved over the years, they continue to fall short of various rivals. Acceleration is brisk in the SC2 with its dual-cam engine, but the SC1 isn’t so swift. In either form, the ride is a bit on the stiff side.

Saturns can be enjoyable to drive. They maneuver easily, and the rear access door is an undeniably clever innovation. Plenty of owners love their Saturns. But the company scores higher for the easygoing buying experience it provides than for the on-the-road performance of its products.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

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

4.5 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 3.9
Performance 4.2
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • This is my Second Saturn, 1st as a Manuel, Love it

    Bought this car for $2000. Burnt Orange color with the 3rd door that comes in really handy! Nimble, quick and easy to park! I get easily 43 mpg hwy. A lot of newer cars in this class don't get that kind of mpg, and this car is going on 18 Yr old! Ice cold A/C too! I don't know why Manuals are going away. They're are SO much fun to drive! Long Live Saturn!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good, Economical car

    This car is simple, inexpensive vehicle, that wasn't too much trouble to maintain. It has it's quirks, like the typical ignition cylinder issue, but overall, a decent vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The Most Fun & Sporty looking car I ever owned!

    I bought this 2002 SC1 manual with only 113k miles for only $2900. It's been Love at first sight! I used Amsoil for all fluids in the car along with a K&N air filter! I also use Platinum plugs & Bosch wires. Runs like a champ! Runs Awesomely for a 17 yr old car! Makes me smile every time I use it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • back in black

    this car is just what i wanted. it might not be new but it has style and is quite comfortable. the gas milage is good, and fun to go on vacation with.
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best Value One Owner Car

    This car meets all my needs it was something I could afford to buy outright was very well maintained and has low miles. I am very happy with my choice
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Loved it

    The 3rd door made it easier to get backseat passengers in but the faux window on the other side i didnt like. Great on gas only 20 to fill it up.great accelaration and handling
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great combination of fun, practicality and economy

    I've owned my 2002 SC2 almost 2 years now, and it's been a great experience! Bought it with 70k miles, and just hit 90k recently. No major problems. Great on gas (I average 24-30 with around the town driving, and up to 40 on the highway), but the motor still has plenty of pep for highway driving and passing slow pokes. It's no Porsche but I have fun driving it around curvy roads, she handles really well!! It's a great looking car too, very sporty looking and also practical with the 3rd suicide door so you have the coupe look, but you can easily access the back seat if you need to. Interior comfort is adequate for front passengers. I'm 6 foot and have no problem with space. The rear seat is a bit small, but it's expected for a small coupe. I get a kick out of the number of cupholders: 6 in total, so you'll always have a place for you and your friends' beverages. Definitely a great combination of fun, practicality and good fuel economy! These cars run forever as long as you take care of them.
    • 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
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love my Little Blue

    I bought mine over 2 years ago with only 32,000 miles on it. It gets good mileage and more than enough get up and go without worrying about getting tickets all the time. Not rusting is also a good point seeing as I am in the northeast. It has been a nice little car for me but I am thankful I do not have to carry passengers in back seat often as they are very small. I still love the looks of the car and have been satisfied. Main drawback is finding some parts that have to be Saturn parts as some cannot be just generic parts.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    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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  • Ford Lover Loves her Saturn

    I have a Saturn SC2, purchased for my daughter 3 years ago (With 143,000 miles on it!). I have been driving it, as she is in college and not allowed to have a car her freshman year. I absolutely love it!! It is comfortable to drive, gets incredible gas mileage, and it is really cute. I get 40 mpg on the highway! I am currently looking for another one for me, as she'll be needing hers soon. I have four Mustangs, but this little Saturn is my daily driver! (Currently 175K on the SC2 - and still runing strong.
    • 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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  • Vehicle purchased for Grand Daughter

    The vehicle works great for her and what works for her works for me.. Thanks.. The vehicle was a one owner car, maintained by vehicle owner father and had never been in an accident. Paint and tires were excellent. Had no floor mats and seller knocked off one hundred for floor mats and an oil change. Engine sounds great with little valve noise. Was driven by a non-smoker to school each day.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It's like being part of a club

    I bought my SC2 new back in '02 while I was in college, granted it's not a flashy car, BUT in the seven years I've owned it it hasn't broken down a single time. It's a small car, I'm 5'9 and it's ok for me in the front seat but I hate sitting in the back. This car was victim to a pretty major highway traffic accident a few years back and the HP officer told me that had I not been in a Saturn (with it's plastic body), the force of impact would have broken all the windows and been much worse for me than it was. Knowing that my little blue car will always start when I need it to is a big relief for a single gal living alone on the west coast... I'm VERY sad to be seeing the Saturn brand closed down.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    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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  • Waste of Money

    This car has been so much trouble. Everything has gone out. It's made cheaply and it shows! I would not reccommend Saturn to anyone.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Saturn SC?

The 2002 Saturn SC is available in 1 trim level:

  • (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Saturn SC?

The 2002 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 2002 Saturn SC reliable?

The 2002 Saturn SC has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Saturn SC owners.

Is the 2002 Saturn SC a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Saturn SC. 89.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 3.9
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.5
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