1994 Saturn S-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 1994 Saturn S-Series confirmed Saturn's conservative approach to updating its models. Changes from 1993 included ozone-friendly air...
The 1994 Saturn S-Series confirmed Saturn's conservative approach to updating its models. Changes from 1993 included ozone-friendly air conditioning, improved acceleration, and reduced engine noise. In addition, Saturn produced 3500 models of the SL2 Homecoming Sedan, a limited edition trim with a pearl finish, leather/cloth seats, and wheels taken from the SC2 coupe. Otherwise, the signature compact in the Saturn lineup maintained the same formula that established its solid reputation.
The 1994 S-Series sticks with its 7 trim lineup from '93: the SC1 and SC2 coupes, the SW1 and SW2 wagons, and the SL, SL1, and SL2 sedans. The coupes seat 4 while the wagons and sedans seat 5. The SL, SC1, and SW1 get by with a 1.9 L, 85 hp I4 engine while the SL2, SC2, and SW2 get an upgrade to 124 hp. Wagons give you 28.8 cubic feet with the back seat up and 56 with the back seat down. The coupes still give you 10.9 cubic feet while the sedans give you 11.9 cubic feet. Air conditioning comes as an option in all trims.
Overall, the 1994 Saturn S-Series continued a growing tradition of value and decent performance for a domestic compact. Owners like the cargo space and durability. However, they also mention issues with oil consumption and low quality materials used in certain parts of the car. If you don't get your hopes up too high, the 1994 Saturn S-Series will not let you down.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers appreciated the 1994 Saturn S-Series for its reliability and excellent gas mileage. Many noted it as a solid choice for everyday driving with great handling. However, some were disappointed with its performance and build quality, pointing out the car's lack of acceleration and outdated styling."
First car I owned, though I'd driven several extensively before. She didn't have much pickup (2-cylinder engine, IIRC) but she handled like an angel even under terrible circumstances. I could drive circles around SUVs and pickups in the snow -- outstanding ability to handle ice, and I have no idea why. Turns were super-smooth. I bought manual transmission and really enjoyed the improved control and the feeling of feedback. Not much in the way of options, just A/C. I didn't even have power windows. The only modification I made was a sound system upgrade. Maintenance and repairs: I took her in to Saturn dealerships for regular checkups more or less when I was supposed to, and maintenance was cheap. She did need some preventative repairs now and then, but nothing I couldn't handle on my just-over-minimum-wage income. I went to three different dealerships (I moved a lot back then), and all three were competent and friendly. Only thing I couldn't get fixed was a ticking sound that they said was due to a piston not quiiiiiite fitting, and that never hurt performance anyway. Got amazing gas mileage. In mixed use, it was only about 32 mpg, but on the highway I could get 55 or 60. Modern hybrids often advertise less than that.
November 13, 2011I bought this car from my cousin two years ago and have only done a oil change and tuneup and a new set of tires. It goes forever on a tank of gas. I recently did a 3800 mile trip and used 96 Gallons of gas. 39 to 40 MPG on the highway rocks. I get over 30 MPG in the city. The tiny engine doesnt really seem underpowered, it is respoonsive when passing and this car is fun to drive.
June 26, 2008I'll soon be pushing 170,000 miles on this car and it's still running great. I average about 29 mpg and I've seen it up to 33 mpg on pure highway driving.
June 20, 2008What owners say
First car I owned, though I'd driven several extensively before. She didn't have much pickup (2-cylinder engine, IIRC) but she handled like an angel even under terrible circumstances. I could drive circles around SUVs and pickups in the snow -- outstanding ability to handle ice, and I have no idea why. Turns were super-smooth. I bought manual transmission and really enjoyed the improved control and the feeling of feedback. Not much in the way of options, just A/C. I didn't even have power windows. The only modification I made was a sound system upgrade. Maintenance and repairs: I took her in to Saturn dealerships for regular checkups more or less when I was supposed to, and maintenance was cheap. She did need some preventative repairs now and then, but nothing I couldn't handle on my just-over-minimum-wage income. I went to three different dealerships (I moved a lot back then), and all three were competent and friendly. Only thing I couldn't get fixed was a ticking sound that they said was due to a piston not quiiiiiite fitting, and that never hurt performance anyway. Got amazing gas mileage. In mixed use, it was only about 32 mpg, but on the highway I could get 55 or 60. Modern hybrids often advertise less than that.
November 13, 2011I bought this car from my cousin two years ago and have only done a oil change and tuneup and a new set of tires. It goes forever on a tank of gas. I recently did a 3800 mile trip and used 96 Gallons of gas. 39 to 40 MPG on the highway rocks. I get over 30 MPG in the city. The tiny engine doesnt really seem underpowered, it is respoonsive when passing and this car is fun to drive.
June 26, 2008I'll soon be pushing 170,000 miles on this car and it's still running great. I average about 29 mpg and I've seen it up to 33 mpg on pure highway driving.
June 20, 2008I put only about 3 grand into thi car and it out performed more than expeced. I am glad I had this car. Too bad I made it fly in the air by about 4-5 feet...Still miss it. It only topped at about 158 though.
October 3, 2009The car has good pick up, and it'll likely put you in the back of your seat if you underestimate it. It corners well. It didn't need to many repairs for the most part, the engine seized at 230k due to the drain plug falling out, and though the engine was replaced free of charge by Penzoil (they botched the oil change), the rebuild engine just didn't match up in performance and reliability. The car looks good in my opinion. It gets good gas mileage and is good on repairs, and it's fun to drive.
August 28, 2009This was a fine little commuter car. Suprisingly spritely with the twin cam, but lacked refinement. Road holding was completely acceptable, and it cornered well enough, for a basic sedan. Not a sporty car, but it was involving enough (with a 5 speed) to keep the drive entertaining. Quality? I can't say it was great, but it wasn't awful. The car lacked refinement, was pretty loud and lacked many creature comforts even at that time. Looks? All things considered, not an unattractive car. Not beautiful, either though. Cost of ownership was completely acceptable, though I had one suspension repair (from a very low speed impact with a curb due to ice) that was ungodly expensive.
March 25, 2010It was a good little car. It wasn't the prettiest or the fastest, but it was a great A to B type of vehicle. I got it shy of 100,000 miles, and had if for five years and 50,000 miles more until I gave it to my brother, who still drives it pushing 200,000. It's not going to make your hair stand up in any category, but I'd drive it again.
July 21, 2008Pros: It's 14 years old and it still gets better highway mileage than most 08 models. Cons: It's 14 years old.
June 20, 2008Great acceleration for a 1.9L, and braking work great especially since the car is so light. Lastly, safety... I met another fellow Saturn owner, same model as mine, who had rolled his a few years ago. The car rolled three times and stopped on the roof, upside-down. He still drives it today. All he did was put duct tape on the front and rear quarter-panel, I'd say its a very safe car. Before owning my 1994 Saturn SL, I always looked at them as cheap cars. The truth is they are great quality, cheap cars. I have over 300,000 miles on mine, and I still get 40mpg city and 45+ MPG highway. My weekly 200 mile drive only costs me less then 20$'s at 4$'s/gallon. 5speed manual transmission makes it fast as well. My sisters 2000 Pontiac Grand Am, 4cyl. 2.0L can't keep up with it... <3 My 1994 Saturn SL. =)
January 3, 2012I bought this car used with only 117K, it lasted 13 years!!!!!!!!!!! With very little repairs. It was nice to drive, especially in the beginning. It outlasted some of the newer cars on the road. I always felt that Saturn was very well made. I loved it and I will miss it. This car provided many years of valuable service for very little money. I got more than I asked for.
February 28, 2015
