2001 Saturn SL consumer reviews

I've had my 2001 Saturn for the last three years and my mileage is at 130K. I still get 30 mpg. It uses a minor amount of oil each month. It will increase in revs while stopped. I have found that by pressing in and holding the oxygen sensor and/or taping it in tighter will stop this for a couple of months. If the check engine light comes on, I'll re tape the sensor and all is good. For a front wheel drive vehicle, it is decent in the snow, just need to remember to keep decent rear tires on to reduce spinning out. Other than that, regular maintaince and expected repairs have occurred. It's resale value is pathetic, so I plan on driving it till it dies. From what I've been reading, that might be a few more years. Sweet!

I bought this Saturn new 10 years ago, and would gladly keep it for ten more years! 0 major repairs (knock on wood)... What more can I say? This is not a performance vehicle, but I can attest to the reliability of this machine. The only work I have had done, except for the usual, is replacing the ignition cylinder, which I guess is not that uncommon. Note that this car will burn oil, I add about a quart a month. For as much as American cars are bashed, I think this one stands out. I see so many garbage Kia's on the road, and think to myself that Saturn had superior quality, but somehow lost favor once they strayed from the basics. I drive 25 miles each way to work, and still get 33-37 mpg overall. If you find a used Saturn, it would, more than likely, be worth it. That is unless the previous owner(s) were terrible, which happens. I don't think I will ever sell my car...

I own a 2001 SL2 10th Anniversary Edition (A/C, power windows, trunk, locks, security system, everything), with stunning "teardrop" stainless wheels, luxurious quality black leather upholstery, and a still gorgeous glossy silver exterior. This is, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful small sedans ever designed (and I've been a car design fanatic since the 1950's). Admittedly, I bought it purely for its visual appeal. It is aerodynamically wedge-shaped and super-sleek, with fine artistic features in its lovely contours. Unfortunately, the mechanical aspects inside this gorgeous body are by comparison primitive and disappointing. The engine is noisy and vibrates badly when the car is stopped in drive at a stop-light (automatic tranny) - even though I've had ALL the engine mounts replaced and the engine rocked and balanced by experts. The CD and cassette players have both died for no apparent reason. The sliding sunroof/moonroof has broken (plastic) runners and can no longer be opened. All of the above I have since learned is true for almost every 3rd generation SL. This inattention to engineering refinement and quality is enough to justify Saturn's demise. It is a crime to design such a beautiful body and equip it with such primitive or defective engineering. Ironically, I had a 1995 Saturn SW2 that was superior in engineering to this 2001 SL2 in every way. Unfortunately, my '95 SW2 was destroyed by a falling tree. Otherwise, I would still be driving it! But one last thing in this '01 SL2's favor. It has almost 135,000 miles on it and it is still a great car on the highway. It cruises effortlessly at 80 mph. If I only had a CD player that worked, an operating sunroof, and no engine shuddering at a stoplight, then I would be a very proud and happy camper. I can still be proud that my SL2 LOOKS so beautiful...in spite of some of its primitive engineering.

This car has lasted me 5 years so far. I have no complaints, still going strong. I am definitely considering a Saturn for my next car.

Great car. Would completely recommend this vehicle to anyone. Drives well. Saturn did a good job with the SLs.

I bought my car new in December of 2000, and now I have 122,000 on it. I have kept all of the routine maintenance and fortunately have had no major repairs. Plus, I average about 30 mpg. It still looks and runs great and I hope to keep it going for another 100,000 miles!

I bought the car new. I had regular maintenace done too it and it still runs like a top. With other vehicles I have own in the past by 6 years old I had a major problem of some kind. This one is 9 years and I love it... I am 49 and have own many cars, drove it 43 miles each day so far. If you buy one used you never know what kind of care the first owner took of it. So, be careful with used always but it was the best car and I am still driving it. Wish they were sticking around and not going out.

We owned our SL2 for about 8 years and 124,000 miles. The only major expense, with the exception of oil changes etc., was tires, battery and brakes. The car was very reliable and inexpensive.

this saturn was the cheapest car i have ever i owned i bought it new in 2001 it was the base model and coming from a ralley sport cavalier the only reason i bought it was because it was new. the first week i had it the door handle brooke. than the second week the passenger door handle brookei ended up taking the door panel off because of a crack that would make it slip off the clutch has been replaced twice the ole cavalier was a breeze in the winter however i hit 3 gaurd rails because of road conditions with the saturn the car is already banged to pieces but i got to give it one thing it is tough and will take a beating!

As much as I claim to hate this car, I have to admit that it's been pretty good to me despite sitting outside in subzero wisconsin temperatures. I bought the car new in 2001 and did have the headgasket replaced around 90,000 - however it should be noted that I am TERRIBLE about oil changes and it is common knowledge that these cars do use oil. Other than that, three sets of tires (the originals lasted 80,000 +) regular oil changes and minor maintance has been about it. I drive 90 miles round trip per day and I never worry about if I'll make it or not.