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
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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 Cortney C
Dec 21, 2011
For a 18 year old car this Saturn looks in good condition, always started up, Nov '11 took road trip to KY and to St Louis, with absolutely no problems, great for commuting, 1st car for a college student, Will grow to Love.Dec 21, 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 Cortney C
Dec 21, 2011
For a 18 year old car this Saturn looks in good condition, always started up, Nov '11 took road trip to KY and to St Louis, with absolutely no problems, great for commuting, 1st car for a college student, Will grow to Love.Dec 21, 2011
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 Daniel L
May 22, 2011
This car got me lots of looks and too much attention from the cops. Its not everyday that you see a saturn with 17 inch rims that are paint matched to the car. It had 2% tint but I took it off cayuse I couldn't see out of my windows in hte morning!May 22, 2011
by Joshua O
Apr 01, 2010
the five speed gives the car a twist and allows you to have more fun since the car is lower to the ground i have over 216000 miles on it and i think its still running pretty strong for how it drives the gas mileage is great i get between 27 to 33 only thing is that im make up for it by buying a quart of old a week about over i like the car it would be nice to get with less milesApr 01, 2010
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 James R
Dec 19, 2009
This car I bought for the reason that I needed a car, Its not a bad car its fast for what its worth I gess. I probly wouldnt buy another one just for the fact that Its had a few problems with wiring and lights and that kinda stuffDec 19, 2009
by Ethan S
Nov 18, 2009
Fun car to drive, handles like it is on rails. Acceleration is mediocre for a car of this age, but poor considering the HP rating and light weight of the car. It could just be the age and 150k miles it has been through, but I expected it to be noticeably quicker than my previous car (which was 150 lbs heavier and had 12% fewer ponies), but it is not. Torquey and holds speed on hills, but doesn't like to rev past 5500 rpm. Parts have been cheap and easy to get (so far, I hear Saturn is going under), but it has needed more work than I would have liked, especially the cooling system. Honestly, practicality would dictate ditching this car in favor of something more reliable, but it is just so fun to drive with its smooth shifting, flat handling, and aggresive looks that I refuse to give it up.Nov 18, 2009
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 Craig H
Sep 11, 2009
a faster econobox when equiped with manual trans. faster than cavileers, civics and others, it runs 10.6 in the 1/8th mile so respectable. looks way better than anything else cheap form the 90's and good gas milage with little maintance. Sep 11, 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 Maxime d
Jul 08, 2009
ben ste char lah yer indestructible serieux ger tt faite ak pis y mo po encow lacher c assez impressionnant je doit dire... y ma kan mm po trop couter cher...y sconduit super ben en plus... surtout ak mer beau tit sub ds le coffre lol....Jul 08, 2009
by Shiloh P
Apr 13, 2009
this car is a cheap beater that i drive on a daily basis to save miles on my mustang and save money on gas. it gets about 30-35 mpg on average, and sports an 85hp engine! its pretty slow, buts the name of the game to save gas. id rather sink the cash i save into my cobra.Apr 13, 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 Dan R
Nov 21, 2008
I have a 1994 saturn SC2 that was in desperate need to a fix up. i rebuilt the car from the bottom up and made it exactly the same, just newer. and i love that car to death. it is extremley fun to drive, especially because its a stick with a stage 3 racing clutch. I bouth it for 200 bucks, and i wouldnt sell it for the world.Nov 21, 2008
by Robert S
Oct 24, 2008
This was my wife's car when we got married. So I really didn't have a say in the matter. It pushes 80 HP so you have to plan at least 3 weeks ahead to pass on a 2 lane road. The interior plastic rattles like crazy. So the radio has to be way up to cover the rattles. I can't wait for my Mazdaspeed 3Oct 24, 2008
by Tyler K
Sep 30, 2008
it is blue and it has a new paint job on it and the hood is fading out already but it still looks like it is brand new because i take care of my car. this car is very fun to drive and very quick and i will race anyone because im dont care if i lose unless i wage money on the race.Sep 30, 2008
by Stefanie M
Aug 06, 2008
I got this car with almost 200,000 miles on it I got the car for $700 and it's out lived my expectations. It's a good car to poke around in, but not good for acceleration or speed. Gas mileage is a big plus with approx 26 mil/gal, though. The electrical system is shot, at least in the dash, I've gone through at least 4 radios before giving up (I drive in near silence). There is one annoyance with this vehicle that can't be excused and that would be the vibrations. I've had many passengers complain that my car rattles too much (can't do much to mask it, without a radio). Aug 06, 2008
by Erik W
Jul 23, 2008
I bought this car in 2005 with just about 88,000 miles on it. The performance on this car is not great it doesnt have the greatest acceleration but it handles and brakes great. Build quality is decent i havent had any body work i need to get done but its been worked on so much under the hood i replaced: the water pump (twice), alternator, temp. sending sensor, O2 sensor, new radiator and hoses. Oh and the coil for the a/c is going out so it has to be recharged every summer. It is a great first car i will have it for as long as it runs.Jul 23, 2008
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 Josh B
Jul 13, 2008
It's still running, it gets 37 mpg... what more is there to say. That's in my opinion what makes a car good, it works and it's cheep. I'm supposed to day more here so now I'm saying more. more more more more more more more more....Jul 13, 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 Thomas L
Jun 23, 2008
Like: reliability, handeling, gas millage. Dislike: performance, styling, built poorly,Jun 23, 2008
by Brandon R
Jun 21, 2008
dont like fwd cars and its fwd no abs . has no possey meter no govener :-]] lots of suping parts some come wit cheary bomb Jun 21, 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 Jessica L
Jun 16, 2008
Yes, I still have it... That's for all my high school friends out there who probably don't believe that I still have my first car that I spent my own $$$ on. So, yes I love it, it is amazing, pretty solid (even though the door is and has been falling apart) and finally yes, it IS gorgeous at least to me. So what if it's got some weird rumbling going on, and it rattles (catalytic converter gone bad), and it's pretty loud (original exhaust and muffler) especially since my husband ran over someone's bumper that fell off on the highway, and it's 'eyelids' are rusting, and the A/C doesn't work (who needs A/C in WI?)... the moonroof still works and it runs, so that's a big plus in my book. Not to mention, the gas mileage stays pretty low. Yes, it needs a lot of work... No, Joe doesn't want to do it... Yes, Joe wants to get rid of it... of course, No, I don't want to get rid of it... If there's anyone out there that's into charity auto repair let me know! But when it's all said and done, Yes I still love my little Saturn, we've been through a LOT together!Jun 16, 2008
by Kate B
May 08, 2008
loved the look of the pre-1996 bodies. for my first new car i loved it's ability to climb mount washington.May 08, 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 Christopher H
Apr 05, 2008
Was a good car, I'd definitely recommend one to anybody who was thinking about buying one. Good on gas, small and quick, and the frame won't dent easily, it's fiberglass/plastic.Apr 05, 2008
by Jenna B
Mar 07, 2008
Base model - no bells or whistles. Didn't float long... sank to the bottom of the Catawba River. No fault of my own, may I add.Mar 07, 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
by Anonymous
Nov 09, 2007
since I've bought it used I've already had to have the clutch replaced once and now it's acting up again, but it drives and handles goodNov 09, 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
63 views
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