1998 Saturn S-Series Overview

1998 Saturn S-Series Overview

Overall User Score

3.7⁄5

Based on 34 reviews

After a focus on exterior changes in 1997, Saturn did some introspection for the 1998 S-Series that focused on emissions and safety features.  More specifically, Saturn reduced the force in air bag deployment and reduced emissions to comply with government standards.  Exterior updates included a ski rack on the wagons, mechanical trunk release, and 4 new colors.  Midyear changes involved reduced prices and a limited re-issue of the 1994 Homecoming SL2.  In addition, the odometer has gone from analog to digital.
The S-Series comes in the same 7 trims: the SC1 and SC2 coupes, SW1 and SW2 wagons, and the SL, SL1, and SL2 sedans.  Gas consumption across trims averages out to around 27 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway.  Sedans and wagons seat 5 while the coupes seat 4.  All trims offer either standard 5 speed manual transmission or optional 4 speed automatic except for the SL, which offers only 5 speed manual.  Cargo space comes out to 11.4 cubic feet in the coupes, 12.1 in the sedans, and 24.9 in the wagons.  Air conditioning comes standard in the SL2, SW2, and SC2.
The 1998 Saturn S-Series gives consumers more of what they've come to expect over the years: decent performance at a low price.  Drivers would like to see a roomier interior with better materials, a more stable body frame, better oil consumption, and less engine noise.  In the end, the S-Series has established itself as a solid compact that still needs to give consumers a little more in order to get more.