2001 Saturn S-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 2001 Saturn S-Series
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by Anonymous
Feb 12, 2023
I bought my 2001 Saturn SC2 in 2017 for $1,750. I can’t remember how many miles it had when I purchased it. But it’s been a great little car. Until recently I haven’t had any major issues. 6 years later and the engine is finished with 242,366 miles. I will miss it greatly. I’ll probably never get that lucky ever again. The only complaint I have is the sunroof leaked occasionally and rattled when idling. Other than that it got about 30mpg. Feb 12, 2023
by John D
Sep 09, 2021
I last drove one of these in 2002. I like simple low tech cars, so I had no complaints about this model. They should have continued them.Sep 09, 2021
by George P
Nov 29, 2020
Great experience, fun good to have to research cars Nov 29, 2020
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 12, 2023
I bought my 2001 Saturn SC2 in 2017 for $1,750. I can’t remember how many miles it had when I purchased it. But it’s been a great little car. Until recently I haven’t had any major issues. 6 years later and the engine is finished with 242,366 miles. I will miss it greatly. I’ll probably never get that lucky ever again. The only complaint I have is the sunroof leaked occasionally and rattled when idling. Other than that it got about 30mpg. Feb 12, 2023
by John D
Sep 09, 2021
I last drove one of these in 2002. I like simple low tech cars, so I had no complaints about this model. They should have continued them.Sep 09, 2021
by George P
Nov 29, 2020
Great experience, fun good to have to research cars Nov 29, 2020
by Paul M
Nov 03, 2014
Great car for the most part, good build quality but they used some cheaper parts to build it with. Its kinda rough on the transmission shifts sometimes but pretty smooth for an entry level car etc. Boxy handling not that great or smooth but she will go where u want just not as nice as my 2002 Pontiac Firebird can. Nov 03, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 01, 2014
goes through a lot of oil (not a leak), can kick when going from drive to reverse (have heard others with this issue with the same model, handling is not that great... overall i am very please with the car!Sep 01, 2014
by David W
Sep 15, 2013
Consistently gets around 28 MPG. Really comfortable car for the smaller driver. The back seats are especially cramped for a bigger person. The third door makes getting things out of the back quite easy. A nice sporty little car. Would make a good second or school car.Sep 15, 2013
by Betty D
Aug 01, 2013
I LOVE Saturn Coupes. Not fond of the Sedans or SUV! But to me this was the most affordable car, back when they first came out, and even now. I would take (buy) a ten year old Saturn...before getting a new car of any make given to me for free! Saturns are very safe, fuel efficient and fun to drive. I love the third door behind the driver side. It make loading groceries or "Mall buys" really easy! Looks sharp and fast! Very Sporty! I REALLY LOVE mine! I am selling my Gold one, because I just got my favorite Silver one! So if you want a great car...buy my Gold one!Aug 01, 2013
by Anonymous
Apr 18, 2013
If Saturn still made cars like this, I would continue to buy them. The handling, fuel efficiency and reliability of this car has been the best I have ever driven until now. I thoroughly enjoyed driving the SC2 and it is a car definitely worth owning.Apr 18, 2013
by Peter B
May 29, 2012
Purchased this car about 8 years ago; was a bargain at around $1k under KBB, and 17k miles on it. Now, it's at nearly 110k miles, with only about $3k in major repairs over its life, with the original clutch and trans intact.
Some issues I've had include: trunk light missing- irreplacable; backup lights have never worked (though I don't think my mechanic really looked at them); trunk release has never worked; manual transmission linkage bushing failed, necessitating $100 in shop fees (simply to have it diagnosed), though I repaired it myself for $20 (ebay is amazing); driver's seat is slowly falling apart; the interior feels cheap (well, it IS plastic, so yeah); limited options for upgrading.
Overall, it's been an amazing vehicle. I currently commute from the desert back to LA every other weekend, sometimes more, due to family needs and visiting my girlfriend, and it handles every trip like a champ. It's not the most powerful engine, but I've dropped it into a lower gear on more than one occasion to speed past a truck or avoid a collision, and it's never left me wanting.May 29, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 01, 2011
First, I must at admit this is my husband's car so personally I don't drive this one that often. He loves his stationwagon and always has the back full of stuff. This car has been very good on repairs and usually costs less to repair than our other cars.Aug 01, 2011
by Anonymous
Jan 15, 2011
Great car. It gets great gas mileage for being a manual transmission. I have had to do some work to it due to the A/C going out. But for having over 100000 miles on it it is still going strong.Jan 15, 2011
by Cory K
Jan 12, 2011
Great simple CAR, not much more than we need. The Saturn is easy and cheap to maintain, have owned several and enjoy caring for them. Nothing to sporting or fancy but it gets you where you need to be, not a performance car but its fun to drive around town and commute in.Jan 12, 2011
by Jerred W
Oct 26, 2010
Saturn was GMs attempt at building a import competitor. They learned the Japanese way to design and build cars and handle workers. They were successful, and then threw it all away. The S-series was a great car in 1991, by 2001 is was still a good car, but had passed it's prime only being slightly revised over the years it was out gunned by its competitors.
Still, what you got for you money was a good car, filled with that what made those early 90's Saturns so unique. You still got plastic body panels on a space frame. You still nimble steering and decent power. You got a great looking car that shrugs of the years and manages to still look relatively modern. And compared to the competition you got to keep a bit more money in you pocket.
The S-series got heavier as the engines improved little. Towards the end of the model Saturn was being pulled into the GM family. I still view the car as superiors to any other GM small car at the time in every way except possibly the engine. The 1.9L LL0 design was ground breaking in terms of manufacturing. But the it's cousin the Ecotech, which was found in other small GM cars was a far better engine.
S-series have never responded particularly well to modification. Again this is largely based on the LLO which is long stroked and basically a US only engine. With few markets to sell aftermarket performance parts in, The engine was not particularly attractive to performance companies.
Still the S-series is a fun, well engineered car that costs little to get into. I was offered in high efficiency SOHC models and performance oriented DOHC optioned cars. You could also get it in Sedan, coupe and wagon configurations. With over 2 million made it is easy to find the one for you. Oct 26, 2010
by Jared T
Aug 20, 2010
meh, it has 100 hp, not much to make outta it, but i love its appearance. Just needs a bigger engine with moar powa! Doesnt cost much to drive, takes 20 bucks to go to cb. Awesomely fun to driveAug 20, 2010
by Joel D
Jun 17, 2010
Body is mostly plastic (supposedly dent resistant) and performance isn't that good (only about 102 hp) but it gets good mpg's.The styling isn't very noteworthy but i do like the hood. Has great sound, the speakers are awesome, good bass.Jun 17, 2010
by Mark G
Apr 28, 2010
i hate this car it is too small for anybody to drive. its a plastic pile of crap, it has no acceleration, it handles like a little puddle jumper, it a little fun to drive because its a manual transmission. Apr 28, 2010
by Jay V
Mar 30, 2010
generally a decent cheap car. automatic version was sluggis, but the twin-cam mated to the close-ratio 5 speed has proved to be a good combo in a car this light. Granted a backpack full of performance upgrades has made this car one of my favorites to drive. 330,000kms, and still going strong
Mar 30, 2010
by Ron C
Feb 19, 2010
The car is a good idea poorly executed. 70,000 miles and it uses a quart of oil every 700 miles and has from the get go, the dash rattles, dome light doesn't work properly. On the plus side the plastic body has held up well and it gets 38 mpg hwy. with an automatic trans.
We have had 3 Saturns in the family and none of them have made it past 75,000 without needing serious repair.
Oldest daughters 2002 SL1 need head replaced at about 50,000 miles. Youngest daughters 2004 Ion level2 just had a new engine put in at 75,000 miles and our 2001 Sl1 could use an overhaul.Feb 19, 2010
by D.j. P
Jan 27, 2010
Twin Cam LLO engine creates a great power to weight ratio, wish it was a manual tranny. Runs amazing with great style and awesome gas mileage. With a MagnaFlow cat-back with an XL Turbo muffler (no ricer stuff here) and a AMR engineering tower bar on my list of mods to do (as well as swap trannys) it'll be an even more fun car to drive than it is now!Jan 27, 2010
by James B
Dec 08, 2009
Its a nice gas saver, but i want power. It only has 100 hp and i want to go fast. I want a toyota Supra. 2jz is amazing. Youtube it. It beats bikes and lambos. And its not a rice burner.Dec 08, 2009
by Jordan C
Nov 06, 2009
What can i say? this car is one of the best cars that I have ever had. Only has 93,000 miles and the power and build are great. The best thing about my Saturn is the color. It is a bright yellow and I must say I can never lose my car in a parking lot ever again.Nov 06, 2009
by Austin A
Oct 18, 2009
has to be 5 speed with a tweaked engine, has a system and will weave through cars no problem, quick handling, brakes, only problem i have is the bearing, and the hood flew open and shattered windshield (hood pins), enough saidOct 18, 2009
by Christopher B
Sep 13, 2009
this is a very fun car, the outside is made of plastic, performance is good...fast light car 124hp. about 200 carpayments 300 on insurance. love drifting in it..but only in the snow. front wheel drive, comfortable interior...suicide back seat driver door.Sep 13, 2009
by Alex G
Jul 19, 2009
Acceleration is not the best but it's relatively quick, and it has nice handling
The interior is a standard GM interior for cars of its age. Fairly cheep, however durable. After you hit the 100K mark alot of repairs and maintenence issues become apparent
The exterior styling is unique, you can't ever really decide if it looks great or horrible. It seems almost to be a domestic version of a sports car. Interior styling is horrible, Standard GM.
Despite it's short comings it's still a zippy little car and is quite enjoyable to drive.
Jul 19, 2009
by Kara D
Jul 13, 2009
It's held up for eight years, but you have to strong-arm the wheel to get anywhere. The turning radius would barely clear Saturn ITSELF. Once you get to know its quirks and shortcomings, it's an all right car and will last you several years. Well, until the exhaust goes south and gaskets start coming loose.Jul 13, 2009
by Jean-Luc A
Jul 07, 2009
Trop vieux pour comparer. Mais le moteur à bientôt 300K pis le secret est... changement d'huile fréquent et huile synthétique. Un ti vieux de bientôt 9 ans faut lui faire attention. 124hp 122lbs torque, pas de koi foueter un chat.Jul 07, 2009
by Jason H
Jun 12, 2009
This was a pretty nice car. It was light, all of the panels were plastic so no dents and the car would look good for years to come. For what it was the car handled pretty nicely, minus the torque steer. Gas mileage was excellent, it was cheap to maintain, and it was easy to work onJun 12, 2009
by Jacob G
Jun 08, 2009
3 doors is awesome but shouold be on both sides
performs great with 45 mpg, could be a little shorter gear ratios with possibly 6
speed would be nice
looks sharp
havent done anything to it in a month , that when i bought it
totally fun to drive but a little bit low for that fun to drive feel that you get from
mazda and hondasJun 08, 2009
by Simon C
May 11, 2009
performance are honest for 120hp
the dash assembly quality is a bit poor
enverything else is quite good
not to tough on gas
not tough on the cost of repair
good all around car fun to drive
I like itMay 11, 2009
by Antoine L
Feb 25, 2009
* Performance – acceleration 0-100kmh = ~ 9 secs
- Max Speed = Electronic Lock 165 kmh
*Gas Mileage - full tank = 650 - 700 km on highway
in city = 28mpg
* you can throw a sink in the door
* Civics can go to hell
* car made for fuel economy, NOT perfomance! Feb 25, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 26, 2008
Cheap on insurance. Cheap on gas; not many people know Saturns are cheap on gas. 91'-02' are pretty much the same so easy to find parts at the junkyard. Must get the 5-speed or you will have no acceleration. It's really light and take off quick. I will always choose it over a civic.Aug 26, 2008
by Matt M
Jul 14, 2008
It's only a 4-cylinder so it's only capable of only so much power and such. Aside from that though it is very compact but everything has an extremely easy access to parts and fuses. It didn't come with rims so I have the holy crap rims and it has high wall tires so i can't take corners as fast as I want to some times. Other than that the car is amzingly sturdy for being 90% fiber glass and for a sedan. It only weighs 2,430 lb. with 124 hp (stock of course) as 5,200 RPM and 122 ft. lb. of torque at 5,200 RPM. However I do NOT recomend this style of car to my friends, unless they want an economical car.Jul 14, 2008
by Steve S
Jul 06, 2008
This is our third Saturn. (We are responsible for the purchase of seven!). They are a great car. Great mileage. Great service if you need it. Looks and performs like a more expensive car. I would recommend this make to anyone....Jul 06, 2008
by Michelle S
Jul 01, 2008
It needs a better sound system and have to tint the window and must have a little more horse power. But other than those few minor adjustments , I LOVE IT. Yes it's a fun little car to drive.Jul 01, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2008
I honestly think the car could use a turbo and a bigger louder exhaust. I also think that the car should be lowered and have a full body kit added to it. Other than that the car is amazing. It is fast handles well and don't cost a whole lot to fill up when it runs out of gas.Jun 25, 2008
by Wayne B
Jun 20, 2008
Been driving mine for about two years, can't really complain, nor can I bragJun 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 19, 2008
This car is a joke when it comes to performance. The 1.8L inline 4 engine has very limited horsepower and even less torque. The front wheel drive steals much of the power as well. The appearance is not bad, it seems like saturn was going in a good direction with the styling. The suicide door behind the drivers is a good idea but should have been carried over to the passenger side.Jun 19, 2008
by Anonymous
May 01, 2008
I am own the SL1 -2001 car on 2004, I sold it 6 months later,
Now I bought another SL1 -2001- 100k miles =$ 2550 good condition to replace my Mercedes 300e-89 w/ I can not afford the premium gas now.
I am happy w/ this car even not as comfortable compare to my 300E.
Thanks,
Andy,
Lakeland Fl.May 01, 2008
by Jack F
Apr 09, 2008
2001 Saturn 3 Dr SC2 Coupe, Twin Cam with a 5-speed, leather and a moon roof. With the cars unique styling you get the biggest bang for the least amount of dough..Apr 09, 2008
by Larry A
Jan 06, 2008
Buy a Cavalier or Sunfire instead.Jan 06, 2008
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2001 Saturn S-Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,035 to $16,255Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head 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
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head 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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head 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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head 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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head 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
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent