Sign in | Register | My account |

1998 Saturn S-Series User Reviews

1998 Saturn S-Series Review Ratings

  • Review your car

Average Ratings from 34 reviews

  • Performance:3.4 out of 5 stars3.4 out of 5 stars3.4 out of 5 stars3.4 out of 5 stars3.4 out of 5 stars 3.4 / 5
  • Appearance:3 out of 5 stars3 out of 5 stars3 out of 5 stars3 out of 5 stars3 out of 5 stars 3 / 5
  • Build Quality:3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars 3.7 / 5
  • Overall:3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars3.7 out of 5 stars 3.7 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"fuel economy" 14 reviews
"ride" 12 reviews
"reliable car" 6 reviews
"cheap car" 5 reviews
"power" 4 reviews
CONS
"power" 7 reviews
"oil" 3 reviews
"steering" 2 reviews
"driver" 2 reviews
"expensive part" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 34 reviews 1234 Next
Evan writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 2 Dr SC2 Coupe Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Great on gas, a fair balance between performance and efficiency.  No rust because of the fiberglass body, and the engine will surely run for a very long time.  Good looks, especially the white paint that always looks clean from a distance no matter how dusty it is.  Decent acceleration for a 124 hp I4.  Average 2 weeks on a tank of gas.  CD player, power windows, power locks, and keyless entry with anti theft are great features for a '98.

Cons

It's definitely not a rocket.  This car could be much more appealing with a more powerful engine. Made of composite materials, not as sturdy as cars made of fully galvanized steel.  Limited availability of styling and performance parts, you can only do so much with the older Saturns unless it is custom work.  Also, the car was manufactured with the sunroof option, but unfortunately mine does not have one (oh well).

75

#1 Economical Sports Car In My Book — The DOHC I4 engine is a must for this car, any less probably won't cut it. Rated at 124 hp, I'm happy with its performance. Fast enough off the line where if I want a little extra, it's there. Not the best in the power category, but what can you expect? The handling and breaking are very good however. A dry flow intake, iridium spark plugs, and exhaust modifications are all I need to be happy with this car. 30 mpg definitely saves me money, and with a 12 gallon fuel tank, I beat everyone I know with the amount it costs to fill it up. In addition, depending on how much I drive, I can go about an average of 2 weeks on every fill up. It's got all the necesseties like power windows and power mirrors, even an equilizer on the stock CD/radio that I enjoy. 5-speed manual is also a must for anyone who is to enjoy this machine properly. Entire body is made of fiber glass except for the hood which is metal, so no rust. Absolutely no major repairs done to date, almost none in reality. I can drive this car without anything to worry about. A Honda may have a great reputation for reliability, but they also hold their value. Saturns are definitely overlooked for their used market sticker price (also good because I get a break on taxes). Just broke 100k miles and I'm sure this car will continue to serve me well.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
S-Series
Looking for a Used S-Series in your area?
CarGurus has 1,234 nationwide S-Series listings starting at $1,500.
ZIP:
Ben writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Acceleration and top speed, sleeper

Cons

oil burner

85

I Like It But Wish I Had A Manual Transmission — Performance: Incredible acceleration for a 1.9 4-banger but needs stiffer handling Build Quality: Engine burns oil but car doesnt rust and is a good car to put a system in. (minimal rattling in the trunk ) Appearance: sleeper car Cost: low maintenance Fun Factor: Hell yeah its a fun car to drive

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Seth writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Its a 5 speed manual?

Cons

Its a 1.9 ltr....

35

Saturn...the Car That Never Dies.... — Built to last....end of story. Mines a 5 speed manual, so thats what makes it more fun to drive. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it. It has 146 k and all original except for cat. Its a 1.9 ltr SOHC. i WISH it was the DOHC (dual overhead cam) but alas. Its a very solid car, body is solid. 32-39 mpg, and basic maintence required (oil change, spark plug change, fuel system maintence, radiator flush, clutch fluid change, brake fluid change, etc etc.)

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Daniel writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SW2 Wagon Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

fun car, roomy.

Cons

would like some better aftermarker

45

Sw2 — Awesome little car great gas mileage and definatly fun to drive, would definatly buy another one in a heart beat. The only thing i have to do is put gas and change the oil nothing more reliable starts up every time.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Bryan writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

OK cheap, reliable car.

Cons

bad piston/ engine design.

35

Saturn Sl2 — Poorly designed engine/ pistons. oil control ring clogs, and results in excessive burning of oil. Has lots of rattles and noises. Traction control is flaky. Not too bad to drive around tho. Fairly nimble, and corners well enough. Other than the burning oil, its been very reliable.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Sean3016 writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SW1 Wagon Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Cheap, Reliable, Great on Gas

Cons

Cheap, Could Look Better

35

Great Starter Car — OK, what can I say? It is a Saturn, so it is made of mostly plastic, so the fit and finish isn't all that great and everything seems to rattle. But it is still relatively light weight because of it so it gets good mileage. The car isn't the fastest accelerating either, but i have the SOHC engine so that could have something to do with it. I have driven it for over 20k miles now in the two years I have not had any mechaincal issues with the car at all. I am currently getting 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the highway. I got it for $2700 and it has been worth every penny. I put a nice stereo in it and play it loud enough most of the time so I don't hear the rattles. Great first car for anyone.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
Dawn writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SW2 Wagon Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Very inexpensive to maintain. Easy to access most parts. GREAT fuel economy - 30ish around town 35 highway.

Cons

As the car gets older, things need to be replaced, and I've discovered that Saturn parts aren't cheap! $130 for a fuel filter - that's pretty ridiculous.

45

Runs Great, Very Reliable, But Not Aftermarket Parts - $aturn Only. — Very inexpensive to maintain. Easy to access most parts. GREAT fuel economy - 30ish around town 35 highway.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Is this helpful? Yes | No
microWaves writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 2 Dr SC2 Coupe Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

Get great has mileage, great car if you like fixing things yourself.

Cons

Power.

microWaves
25

Great Car! — I like everything about the car in general, nothing wrong with it um just a few little things need to be replaced. honestly I would recommend this car for a first timer, great for college and people who have low budgets.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Is this review helpful? Yes | No
MSJ writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL Sedan Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

Great gas mileage, especially on the highway.  Perfect for road trips or everyday use - it handles just fine, and has plenty of storage.  Car-seats fit in well, great family vehicle.

Cons

No power steering, eats oil

MSJ
25

Good Family Car, Great Gas Mileage — This is a great day-to-day car, for any sort of commuting or errand-running. Great for road trips, as it has good storage and fantastic mpg on the highway. The lack of power-steering is a bit cumbersome, but overall, it's a solid car.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Is this review helpful? Yes | No
MSJ writes:
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL Sedan Review
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Price:
Power:
Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

Fuel economy, surprisingly spacious, and great for a family vehicle

Cons

No power steering, not hugely powerful

MSJ
25

Great Car, Fuel Efficient, Perfect For Daily Use — This is a great car for everyday needs. It's fuel efficient, handles well, and is a great family car. There's no power steering, which is a pain for parallel parking but is fine the rest of the time. Not a very powerful car, but if you're not looking to drag race it, it should get the job done.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Is this review helpful? Yes | No
Displaying 1 - 10 of 34 reviews 1234 Next
Review your car

Similar Cars Compared to a 1998 Saturn S-Series

1998 Saturn S-Series 1998 Honda Accord 1998 Ford Taurus
1998 Saturn S-Series 4 Dr SL2 Sedan picture, exterior
1998 Honda Accord LX Coupe, 1998 Honda Accord 2 Dr LX Coupe picture, exterior
1998 Ford Taurus SHO, 1998 Ford Taurus 4 Dr SHO Sedan picture, exterior
Cost $3,147 Average Instant Market Value $4,533 Average Instant Market Value $3,234 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 36 28 26
Horsepower 100 135 145
Crash Test Rating 5 4 4
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 12.1 14.1 15.8
Front Leg Room (inches) 42.5 42.1 42.2

Reviews From Other Years

2002 Saturn S-Series Reviews

Just Adored This If You Have Kids Buy This Car For Theyre First Car By Jade

I loved this car it was my baby but i had to get rid of it because i needed a truck it was a 5 speed i loved shifting it had a custom exhaust system and made it sound beast people could hear my car ... Read More

My First Car. By cdg010

Very underrated car. With the right modifications the car can look great. The interior is ok also. Has stitched floor mats. Soft touch materials. The car is fun to modify and add to. Doing an engine s... Read More

Read all 32 2002 Saturn S-Series reviews

2001 Saturn S-Series Reviews

Love My Saturn By skizzo316

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 driv... Read More

Mini-tank With Power By Peter

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 ... Read More

Read all 30 2001 Saturn S-Series reviews

2000 Saturn S-Series Reviews

Very Good Car Everyone Should Have One On The Track By patbrown

good on the track. needs a littel more speed. only running 5500 rpm's on the straight a way. great quailty car, doors are hard to destroy. lots of saturns on the track. good moters and easy to get par... Read More

I Love My Car. By Muriel

Good, reliable car, no mechanical expenses except maintenance for 9 years. A few age related problems in the past year. It is still cheaper than car payments. I would buy this car again and am sadd... Read More

Read all 26 2000 Saturn S-Series reviews

1999 Saturn S-Series Reviews

Incredible Little Car By Josh

My Saturn owes me nothing. I bought it used in 2004 for $1900 with 60,000 miles on it and currently have 170,000 miles on it. The car still gets good gas mileage (37 avg. with a 5 speed) and I have ... Read More

Its Alright By Curtis1985

it runs and runs and runs. it gets good gas mileage. its easy to work on. it goes down the road smooth. its got alot of road noise. over all, i think i like the car. my girlfriend drives it everyday a... Read More

Read all 52 1999 Saturn S-Series reviews

1997 Saturn S-Series Reviews

The "little Train" That Could. By hoopdee54

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 t... Read More

My Lil Saturn By Karen

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! ... Read More

Read all 51 1997 Saturn S-Series reviews
Ask CarGurus about the 1998 Saturn S-Series
OR
Average response time: 8.5 hours, # of Saturn S-Series owners:3,120
S-Series
Looking for a Used S-Series in your area?
CarGurus has 1,234 nationwide S-Series listings starting at $1,500.
ZIP: