1997 Saturn SL consumer reviews

Bought this car for my daughter over 6 years ago, with 98,000 miles...It now has over 178,000 miles. Other than minor problems like battery, water pump. belt tensioner brakes and tires it's like a Timex watch....takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

I bought this car already with 100,000 miles. Now it has 170,000 and I don?t have any major repairs, but had the clutch replaced when I got it. My son has been learning to drive stick and it still last. The only the major problem with Saturn is the cooling system. The cooling fan runs late. I had the sensor replaced, but still no luck. My mechanic told me that it is a common problem with this year cars. Over all is really reliable car. Never left me on the road and never been towed.

My dad bought me a 1997 SL2 for my first car in 2000. I absolutely loved it. I found the driver seat to be very comfortable. My car had a "boost button" that supposedly made it go faster. I truly believed that it made it go much faster, although I really am not sure if it did. I always won races, even with Mustangs, although I am not sure if I just thought they were racing me in my head. After getting into a bad accident, my dad kept the car from me for about half of a year (the insurance fixed it) and when I got it back it was leaking coolant due to the water pump. I kept filling the coolant and when I was running late to work one day I skipped filling it and it started on fire on the expressway. I stood next to my burning car bawling because I loved that car. Note: getting liability after your car is paid off really does not save you money if your car burns down! Since then, my cars have degraded. I am about to sell my old '94 Duster and purchase a used (probably 2002) Saturn SL2. I am very excited!

I've had my Saturn SL2 for 8 years, purchased with 64,000 miles and now has 190,000 miles. I have had no major problems and very minimal repairs needed. It has never broken down on the road. I've driven it on several long distance trips. It's good on gas mileage and very dependable. My only complaint would be the road noise. It is not a quiet car inside. After 190,000 miles the power locks and windows no longer work right and the ceiling upholstery is falling apart. Otherwise, a good car.

I bought a salvaged 97 Saturn over a year ago with 117k miles. I have added 20K miles to it and it still runs. I drove this car in MN in the coldest of weather. I even drove this junk from MN to Dallas, TX and it is still running. I have had a few problems with the car though. The oil seems to be leaking and I have to press the accelerator sometimes to start the car. But again I have a salvaged car and I am grateful that this car is still running. Is is a very good point A to B car especially for a college student. Great value for the money.

I have owned this for 12 years (bought new). It fits my needs perfectly. I kept the oil clean and full and it doesn't burn any. Simply reliable. Has needed no major repairs in 12 years and 125,000 miles. The polymer body panels are a plus. Too bad Saturn doesn't make these any more! I plan to keep it forever. Oh yeah, it's easy to repair too.

I bought a 97 SL1 with 87K miles about 4 years ago as my first car and it runs great. I've only needed a few repairs which where not costly. Runs better then my friends brand new Kia Optima. Only downside - the upholstry on the ceiling shredded and the covers fell off the seatbelt clicker. Otherwise Icouldn't ask for a better deal.

Owned this car since buying it new. Very reliable, easy to drive, low maintenance. Roomy for a compact car with good trunk space and handy foward folding back seats. Easy to read, basic instruments. Excellent gas mileage in the city and highway (avg mid 30's for highway driving). Smallish fuel tank with 300 mile range on average per tank of gas. Small rattles that change with the season, moderate road noise, otherwise great car. Sold my first Saturn to my sister who finally sold it with over 200k miles. Love the plastic panels that don't dent!

My family has owned this car over 6 years. It has been handed off 3 times now, each time the giver says, "Just drive it til the wheels fall off then take the tax write-off." It now has over 200,000 miles on it and apart from tires, brakes and oil it has only had an alternator, starter and battery replaced and it is still running the same as it was the day it was purchased. The oil has often gone 10,000 miles without a change (not reccomended due to common ring problems) but there is hardly an issue with this car. This car has been wrecked twice, stolen once and driven as though it were stolen daily and it still runs. It drives like a go cart with amazing handling for the class that it is in, has great acceleration and a decent ride compared to pretty much anything in it's class in 1997. All of that said, if you can pick up a date in this car it's because they like you, not your car. Don't try and look cool in it, just know that you're smart for getting it.

I got my car from my dad a year ago. it has around 250000 miles on it and still runs good. I use it for school mostly, high school, and i like it alot. The performance isnt that great but with a little time and money, they can be made to race. A little tip, change the oil when needed and just do some basic maitenance and it will last a lifetime. also keep the engine clean. that helps it maintain its life expectancy.