The Saturn SL1 sedan for 1997 is virtually unchanged from ’96, except for a few new exterior color choices (light green and copper), a dash-mounted compact-disc player, a low-fuel warning light and a panic button on the key fob.
Decent car, decent price ($11,595 with 5-speed manual, add $840 for automatic), and you can’t beat the plastic body for longevity, or the dual bags/anti-lock brakes/traction control ($695 for ABS with traction control) for safety.
But we spotted an irritant that has Saturn officials concerned as well. The carpeted floor mats wear out faster than a cheap suit. Mats take lots of abuse in a four-season climate, but when they seem to show signs of wear over one week, you have cause for concern. The mats, sad to say, are cheap. Hmm. A plastic body that lasts forever but carpeted floor mats that need changing as often as the oil. Saturn is looking into the situation.
