1997 Saturn S-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1997 Saturn S-Series
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by Anonymous
Mar 12, 2023
Very good car reliable cheap on gas great mileage, this is just an all around great 4 cylinder engine very reliable like a Toyota but is a GM product.Mar 12, 2023
by Anonymous
Feb 25, 2015
Sporty but proving expensive. Corners like a boat, parallel parking is a nightmare. Multiple blind spots due to window placements, heavy doors, low-to-ground seating. Bought this in the summer and it performs well when the weather cooperates; when winter sets in it's white knuckle driving. Owned other Saturns before so, while flaws are many it remains manageable.Feb 25, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2013
it's a basic car to get around in. It has a tight turning circle which makes its manuerving ability very nice. Good on gas. Has a nice look to it even for its age. Manual is hard on the knees.Dec 18, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Mar 12, 2023
Very good car reliable cheap on gas great mileage, this is just an all around great 4 cylinder engine very reliable like a Toyota but is a GM product.Mar 12, 2023
by Anonymous
Feb 25, 2015
Sporty but proving expensive. Corners like a boat, parallel parking is a nightmare. Multiple blind spots due to window placements, heavy doors, low-to-ground seating. Bought this in the summer and it performs well when the weather cooperates; when winter sets in it's white knuckle driving. Owned other Saturns before so, while flaws are many it remains manageable.Feb 25, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 18, 2013
it's a basic car to get around in. It has a tight turning circle which makes its manuerving ability very nice. Good on gas. Has a nice look to it even for its age. Manual is hard on the knees.Dec 18, 2013
by Aaron S
Aug 23, 2013
I have enjoyed driving this car. It has been reliable. Once around 200,000 miles started to top off oil when refueling. only issues is sometimes hard to start, 1 power window periodically fails, 1 electrical short, and now tends to run hot. Other expected maintenance, replace alternator, starter, battery, tires...Aug 23, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 21, 2013
I never really looked at these cars before but after buying this one to flip, I'm pretty impressed with the style. It doesn't have much for power but it is still fun to drive. Nice and low to the ground. If it doesn't sell I won't be upset and will likely end up driving it. Better gas mileage than my truck.Jul 21, 2013
by Thadeus B
Jun 19, 2013
I have just over 283,000 miles on this car and it is still on the factory engine and transmission with no noticeable issues. I've only had to replace a few mostly minor things here and there as they wear out. It has pretty good mileage averaging about 33MPG on the highway. City is probably around 28 but I'm not very sure on that. The car has held up well cosmetically and is only now starting to show a little wear on the seat fabric and the head liner. The exterior is in good condition despite siting in the elements for 16 years. It has pretty good cargo capacity and the flip down back seats are very useful. The main down side is that it has crappy acceleration especially if the AC is on. Putting it into "performance mode" helps a bit. Braking could be better but it works.Jun 19, 2013
by Michael H
Apr 21, 2013
It's a great little commuter car devoid of emotional attachment. The perfect little buzz bomb for getting all the running around & errands done. (I named her "can do") She starts all the time, every time, runs on the cheapest gas available, and asks little in return. (please don't push me too hard, I'm not a "Lotus" you know!) LOL....Apr 21, 2013
by Karen S
Apr 05, 2013
It was a gift from my uncle when I was 19 but it's almost my 25th birthday and I think it's time for a new car. I'm looking forward to power windows and an Air Conditioner. This year will be my year! =]Apr 05, 2013
by Luke W
Jan 28, 2013
I bought this car to replace my girlfriend's 89 mercury topaz. I liked my s series so much that I thought I would get another one almost identical to it. This one has over 100,000 more miles than mine, but appears to have nearly all original parts(starter, alternator, p/s pump, exhaust system) it is not a fast car, but it does get excellent fuel mileage. typically see around 40 mpg hwy and 35 city. automatic transmission works well, although it saps out what little power the 100hp 1.9L sohc engine can make and makes acceleration lazy at best, similar to any 4 cylinder economy sedan. cruise control and power door locks with key-less entry are worth it if you can find one that is equipped.Jan 28, 2013
by Kimberley C
Jan 09, 2013
This car has so far been reliable, although I did have to replace the radiator. But when I bought this car, the owner said it worked fine (should have taken a closer look). Other than fixing a few problems, this car is reliable.Jan 09, 2013
by Anonymous
Sep 13, 2012
when I was first getting a car I was looking for a mustang or something fast and fun but i couldn’t afford anything but this so I bought it and I see it as a fantastic family car but not for me I’m not in any relationships and a good job that is allowing me to have a little more freedom to purchase something else. Yet again this is a great first car for someone that wants to save quite a bit of money and not worry about maintenance other than the inevitable oil and filter changes.Sep 13, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 30, 2010
Slow acceleration with AC on, must have snow tires in the winter, quality of construction excellent, paint and interior is still in very good condition after 12 years. The Saturn is easy to maintain with excellent service and routine maintenance instructions in the owner’s manual. The only maintenance expense other than normal wear items such as brakes, oil, etc, was a clutch and shift cable at 135,000 miles and a rebuilt alternator at 125,000 miles. Excellent gas mileage with up to 50 mpg on the highway at 2000 rpm or less – 55 to 58 mph – worst gas mileage was 30 mpg with the AC on in town. No problem with manual transmission as very little shifting is required on the highway. This vehicle has excellent utility with good sized cargo area with rear seats folded down. Also can tow a small (lightweight) trailer if necessary but mileage will suffer. Dec 30, 2010
by Gary B
Sep 01, 2010
Not much there for a plastic car. seems to handle pretty good but not any power compared to a turbo 2.2. Once I find another motor for it I'll probably drive it for a while till I get the Rampage swapped over and then sell it and use the money to pay bills or invest in the AWD Rampage project.Sep 01, 2010
by Skylar M
Aug 30, 2010
I liked this car a lot while I had it; while I was the only occupant, the engine seemed peppy and willing, but adding more than 1 passenger suddenly made it seem gutless...stupid underpowered compacts...anyway, it was very low maintenance; I had to replace a blown clutch and replace some fuses, as well as replace a bearing that went out, but that wasn't too bad for a car that had been pretty well-used by the time I got it. The car was by no means quick, but it kind of felt like it, and it was fun to rev the engine. Boring exterior/interior styling, but this was an economy car, not a sports sedan. Aug 30, 2010
by Colby B
Aug 07, 2010
1997 Saturn SL1 is a great basic car for a 1st time driver. other then that.
nothing
else. Great MPG's. But very basic and generic.
Performance-4 cylinder,not a whole lot to expect.
Build Quality- All plastic, which is cheap to replace if needed.
Appearance- interior is basic, nothing fancy, same goes for exterior
Cost of ownership- cheap on gas, less then 30 to fill up.
Fun Factor- not really
Aug 07, 2010
by Anonymous
May 28, 2010
I love my SC2 it handles great and for wat we bought it at. I have no complants besides may longer seat tracks for taller people in the car. The cars fun fast great at getting me from point a to b. This car im going to try and keep as long as possible. Maybe even put collectors on it.May 28, 2010
by Ronald K
May 02, 2010
i would keep buying these cars as long as i can find them and nobody thinks it is as fast as it is and nobody thinks you can have as much fun as you can driving it i have tv screens in it iam putting a cold air intake on it and all it is a sleeperMay 02, 2010
by Scrott K
Nov 23, 2009
a great car very go kart like and great milage very fun in the snow and rain takes e brake turns like a dream. This car was a great car to own and play around with all around fun time.Nov 23, 2009
by Trish B
Nov 12, 2009
I didn't like that the muffler harnesses melted too easily. Went thru a few. In four years put alot of money into her. To maintain and also make her mine for a long time. She had guts. Many more Kms in her other than my insurance wrote her off. 283000 would have gone way beyond that. Nov 12, 2009
by Da V
Sep 15, 2009
the saturn Sl2, as a driver of one it's reliable thats about it, but its no honda as in performance at at!! needs a few things to be worked on but i cant complain about the gas mileage. all in all its ok car.Sep 15, 2009
by Lindsay W
Jun 26, 2009
My SC2 gets great gas mileage, and I like the fun, sporty feel. With the sunroof open and windows down it is reminiscent of a convertible! It has been extremely reliable for years. Requires very little maintenance. I love it! Jun 26, 2009
by Joe D
Mar 05, 2009
Great Gas Mileage, about 34 mpg. Fun to drive, but governor kicks in at about 107 and kicks the car around. Very small, easy to maneuver. Build Quality is alright, for being over a decade old, things are just starting to break and need replacing.Mar 05, 2009
by James S
Dec 25, 2008
Best car I've owned thus far. Quick, handled well, looked sexy, got 32mpg. If you can find one with under 100k miles, pick it up. Mine was one of the "factory freaks", which means something went terribly right with the engine. I was able to keep pace with Mustang GTs even before I modded her.Dec 25, 2008
by Jason L
Dec 12, 2008
Smooth running car for being an economy car. Have had problems with exhaust system recently, find hangers get loose and exhaust rattles pretty bad. Car is great on fuel, with fuel prices where they were I found it was a great car to own.Dec 12, 2008
by James B
Dec 03, 2008
i have had my saturn sl2 for about 3 years and it has 17500mi on it and hasint had a singile mager problim only a few small ones that wher cheep and eazy to fix . it gets great mpg. It also is prity fun to drive. it has a lot of room im 6'3 and fit fineDec 03, 2008
by Garrett R
Aug 07, 2008
Loved the car, my favorite that I've owned in fact. Only qualm was that the axle broke for some strange reason, other than that, great gas mileage, and a sporty look and ride. No complaints, would own another in a heartbeat. I wish I had never sold it. I miss that car.Aug 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 04, 2008
This is the second '97 Saturn I own. My first was an SL1 that my son drives to college now. I missed that car and bought an SL2 as my commuter. I get above average acceleration and good fuel economy (26-city; 35-highway)for the engine and transmission combination (DOHC with 4-speed automatic). It has 90,000 miles and has used up about half a quart of oil to date.
Classified as a compact car, it's just what I need. I'm a teacher and an amateur violinist. The trunk is big enough to fit four music stands and there's more room when you lower the rear seat backs, enough for a cello, a viola, and two violins, plus the four music stands.
What do I love about this car? Cold air conditioner (needed in South Texas), easy to park, easy to service (I do my own), inexpensive up keep, inexpensive parts (when needed), and best of all: it was made in the good ol' USA. The SL2 has better seats and better handling with bigger, wider tires compared to the SL1. I don't have any complaints about the '97 S-Series Saturn and they make great in-city runabouts. I do take exception to their audio systems. The CD player is not the best out there.Jul 04, 2008
by Robert M
Jun 25, 2008
Runs great, great gas mileage, has just enough room for crapJun 25, 2008
by Nick F
Jun 05, 2008
My mom bought this car new and gave it to us with 60,000 miles on it. It now has nearly 190,000 on it and burns only about 1/2 qt of oil every 3000miles and still gets 34mpg. The car has been pretty much trouble free and is easy to work on when necessary. Jun 05, 2008
by Keith S
May 20, 2008
It's a Saturn, No one understands my attachment to this car... But I enjoy driving it!!May 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 04, 2008
This car I bought used almost 4 years ago now. It had 54,000 miles on it and now has 120,000 mile on it. (Yeah, I live in a rural area and drive a lot!) I purchased it because I have a disabled child and needed a "trunk" that was big enough to hold his stroller(s). We also have a 2001 Saturn sedan.
My particular car (the wagon) has needed a lot of repairs. I think some of this is do to the fact that it was owned by an older lady who took it to the grocery store and back and didn't really drive it much. The engine has run great but I've had to replace the feul pump, water pump, catalitic converter, front and rear breaks, part of the exhaust system, thermousstat and a few other odds and ends. What ever happens to the thing though it never stops running. Apr 04, 2008
by Jason B
Mar 15, 2008
Dent-resistant fiberglass is lightweight, meaning that a small compact with an average
engine can suddenly have a good power-weight ratio. It features a performance mode
that lowers fuel efficiency for a mild improvement in performance. While I was less atuned
to cars back when I drove my SL1, I can tell you it helped. This particular car is very
reliable and can run at over 200,000 miles without significant or expensive problems. This
was a definite step down from my previous Altima, but it is a car I don't regret owning. Mar 15, 2008
by Kristen S
Mar 15, 2008
My Get Round Car. Does the job. Gas Mileage is terrific through especially with the price of gas right now. A little road noise. No upgrades but regular maintenance keeps it up and running and the paint looking nice as well.
Leather interior is comfy but a little cold in the winter and can do a great job of burning you in the summer.
I LOVE MY CAR!Mar 15, 2008
by Matthew F
Jan 30, 2008
Wow, what a touch-and-go car. This car may be good for saving gas, but that's pretty much it. A grand total of 110 horsepower will just about get you home.Jan 30, 2008
by Éric B
Jan 08, 2008
Mine had a 2000 engine in a 1997 body, which the mechanic had to make fit. It wasn't meant to be done. I ended up with a car that drank a lot more gas than a regular 1997 with a 97 engine. There is nothing to rave about on this car besides the fact that it will take you from A to B without really needing anything fancy or any expensive repairs. You feel like sitting a couple inches from the road, though. Not so comfortable.Jan 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 05, 2008
Great little car for a daily driver. I never had a GM before, but this 1997 Saturn turned my MPG blues (old car was a Grand Cherokee) upside down. Jan 05, 2008
by Jason D
Dec 30, 2007
Only good thing about this car was it was light weight so the acceleration was great and the MPG was awesome. But it was a cheap little car and we only had it for 9 monthsDec 30, 2007
by Steve B
Dec 23, 2007
Car was really light, easy to modify, fun to drive, and overall a good starting car.Dec 23, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 15, 2007
I guess the great thing about Saturns is that even though they have issues and cause a plethera of headaches, they stay running indefinitely. My valve cover gasket was worn out and the plugs were flooded with oil; it stayed running. The water pump went out; it stayed running. I had absolutely no oil and no coolant (female chromosomes allow that to happen to cars); it still stayed running. My SL2 is 10 years old and no matter what its woes I'll drive it for another 10 so long as it stays running. Jul 15, 2007
by Anonymous
May 18, 2007
ca performs great,has a lot of power for a four cylinder automatic,steering is tightMay 18, 2007
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1997 Saturn S-Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$10,995 to $14,095Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent