Is the ac clutch or the compressor that's bad
My ac quit blowing cold when charged. Then the motor quit. I took a clutch off and the motor runs fine. Is it my clutch or the compressor that is bad?
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1994 Saturn S-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1994 Saturn S-Series
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Melinda T
Feb 28, 2015
I 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. Feb 28, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2012
Great 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. =)Jan 03, 2012
by Andrew C
Nov 13, 2011
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.Nov 13, 2011
User rating:
by Melinda T
Feb 28, 2015
I 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. Feb 28, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 03, 2012
Great 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. =)Jan 03, 2012
by Andrew C
Nov 13, 2011
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.Nov 13, 2011
by Anonymous
Jul 27, 2011
Excellent condition for a '94, moonroof and leather scream luxury but at the price it's a steal. It's loaded with power everything, handles and runs great. In this economy gas is a precious commodity and this is definitely a gas saver. Jul 27, 2011
by Christian M
Mar 25, 2010
This 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. Mar 25, 2010
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2010
I love my car it is very reliable and i needed something good on gas and she is very good on gas. i stay on the go it has about 200,000 miles on it and runs better than any car i have ever owned.Feb 18, 2010
by Andrew M
Nov 15, 2009
not very powerful and needs a new exhaust system.
i want to put in a new intake on it and put a new valve cover gasket on it. it has a sunroof and spoiler, so the insurence company considers it a sports car.Nov 15, 2009
by Ryan D
Nov 10, 2009
Bought for $400. Ran good, still runs actually my friend drives it! This one actually went over 125mph if you can believe it. Took me to california, but not the most comfortable. I wouldn't want to drive that far in it again.Nov 10, 2009
by William M
Oct 26, 2009
Old slow GM, eats oil (poor piston rings are a saturn trait), but it starts every time and if something should break (rare) its so easy to fix. Mileage is pretty good, and its still relatively fun to drive with a 5 speed manual.Oct 26, 2009
by Harlan W
Oct 03, 2009
I 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.Oct 03, 2009
by Isaac K
Aug 28, 2009
The 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.Aug 28, 2009
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2009
Fantastic little beater, 370,000kms and still going... never had problems starting it on even on the coldest of days. Bought it for $1000 5 years ago, put 100,000kms on it and put less than $300 into the car in that time in maintainence. Gets excellent mileage, feels responsive when turning and braking.
Car rattles pretty heavy sometimes. Although it lacks horsepower, it was peppier than expected.
Fun to drive, since you can drive it hard and it never complains. It looks pretty nice for an older car too!Feb 22, 2009
by Wayne B
Jul 21, 2008
It 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.Jul 21, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 26, 2008
I 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.Jun 26, 2008
by Robert M
Jun 25, 2008
I pumped a lot of boost into that little thing and it put up with it till the clutch gave and the half shaft broke.
Great little commuter.Jun 25, 2008
by John H
Jun 20, 2008
I'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.Jun 20, 2008
by John H
Jun 20, 2008
Pros: It's 14 years old and it still gets better highway mileage than most 08 models.
Cons: It's 14 years old. Jun 20, 2008
by Reed E
Apr 19, 2008
My dad bought this car new from Saturn of Ft. Collins 14 years ago. This was the first manual car I drove, and it can always sense a n00b.Apr 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 14, 2007
a great car as long as u keep it up. the only problem im having is with it getting hot. i bought it with a 18psi radiator cap and now put on a 15psi which helped a lot. i just would like to know which one is recomended to use. ive driven from new york to maimi and then from north carolina to california so its a great car with not a lot of horse power but great on mpg and for everyday driving. Dec 14, 2007
What users have asked
driver side power window won't go down or up
Only my drivers side power window wont move either way. My other windows work fine
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Radio installation
Ok, here's my problem..... I hae a 1994 SL2 Sedan that it's radio keeps cutting off (something internal), it keeps shutting off and will not turn back on. My questions is, can I install the stock radio from a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban into my 94 Saturn, what type of wiring harness would I need and will I need to modify the dash? Thanks in advance.
2051 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1994 Saturn S-Series?Compare this car
1994 Saturn S-Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$10,325 to $13,225Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Driver side front 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
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front 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
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front 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
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front 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
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front 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
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front 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
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side 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
