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1998 Saturn S-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Saturn S-Series
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Jack M
Aug 19, 2021
I’m not neutral as I used to work for Saturn They are very good cars and last a long time if maintained Of course the body doesn’t rust but the space frame
That supports it will. So a word of caution to put up on a lift. Like any car they will have certain problem areas but none that are major fla wsAug 19, 2021
by Teresa M
Apr 13, 2015
This is a great car for communing. It handles well and cruses like a jewel. Trunk space is ample and it is very reliable. This car is such an under-appreciated and over looked car. It has been very inexpensive to maintain and keep and the gas mileage is amazing especially on the highway. The car is not an eye catcher but at least it isn't a pocket picker. I just wish they had not stopped making them.Apr 13, 2015
by Anonymous
Apr 30, 2013
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.Apr 30, 2013
User rating:
by Jack M
Aug 19, 2021
I’m not neutral as I used to work for Saturn They are very good cars and last a long time if maintained Of course the body doesn’t rust but the space frame
That supports it will. So a word of caution to put up on a lift. Like any car they will have certain problem areas but none that are major fla wsAug 19, 2021
by Teresa M
Apr 13, 2015
This is a great car for communing. It handles well and cruses like a jewel. Trunk space is ample and it is very reliable. This car is such an under-appreciated and over looked car. It has been very inexpensive to maintain and keep and the gas mileage is amazing especially on the highway. The car is not an eye catcher but at least it isn't a pocket picker. I just wish they had not stopped making them.Apr 13, 2015
by Anonymous
Apr 30, 2013
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.Apr 30, 2013
by Matthew J
Apr 10, 2013
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.Apr 10, 2013
by Matthew J
Mar 02, 2013
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.Mar 02, 2013
by Dillon K
Oct 29, 2012
performance- horible no acceleration
build quality- all plastic
apperence- busted up
cost of ownership- gas milage was great and maintenance was very low
fun factor- the car is not very fun to drive at all but it is very effective in being a mode of transportationOct 29, 2012
by Thomas L
May 10, 2012
For the price of a used SL1 its a decent buy... definitely not the fastest but its
decent and very reliable... fuel efficiency is really good... appearance of the car is
kinda lame in my mind but overall not a bad car... fun to driveMay 10, 2012
by Aaron P
Feb 13, 2012
Excellent braking, good handling, very few repairs needed, maintenance very
easy and cheap, car is light making it very fuel efficient. The overall performance
of the car is pretty decent for having a 1.9 ltr 4 cyl with dual ovhd cams.Feb 13, 2012
by Cruz D
Sep 02, 2010
its not bad shifting was nice buthandling needed to be a litttle better and its over all good dont need much to get you to the finish of what job you need done and give it a little $ and your set to dust the opponet Sep 02, 2010
by Teresa Z
Apr 13, 2010
Build Quality: needs transmission repair - worn valve body and clutches. but got 224,000 mi on it. Also time to replace timing chain
Car Comparisons: cheap to run but seats are uncomfortableApr 13, 2010
by Ben L
Apr 06, 2010
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 Apr 06, 2010
by Eric Z
Apr 04, 2010
Got 230K miles and not much repairs but they are starting with the transmission and timing chain. Other than that oil changes, tires and brakes. Does not have much getup and go. Don't like the green color. very reliable and runs goodApr 04, 2010
by Mark L
Jan 15, 2010
Yea, this care really sucks, i wouldnt ever ask anyone to buy it. its okay at first, but then it falls apart and just fails on you. Its actually fun to drift in in the snow, thats about all its good for.Jan 15, 2010
by Anonymous
Dec 02, 2009
I think i love everything about my car, everything is a 10 when it comes 2 my car, performance is a 10. I also luv the way the car drives, its very fun 2 drive. Its a really fun carDec 02, 2009
by Mike H
Nov 01, 2009
For an economy car, its is really reliable and has surprised a few people. The twin cam motor is pretty quick, but not fast. It is ridiculously fun to drive and handles great. The paint is mint and the interior is clean and has power everything. I have done a few things: short ram intake, 16x7.5 5 spoke wheels and summer tires, full stereo and MTX sub, with a catback exhaust on the way. I know its not fast by any means, but it whips most civics and accords, and is a lot of fun.Nov 01, 2009
by Brittany F
Aug 21, 2009
I like my lil saturn its good on gas and its cheap to
fix,its good on gas and good in the snow i cant speed
up very fast but thats ok with me i can drive my dads
escalade if i just want to go crusin around Aug 21, 2009
by David R
Aug 05, 2009
Like that it's reliable, has good gas mileage, gets me from point A to point B, and actually accelerates unlike my previous car. Don't like the fact that the tape player doesn't work. (it's all radio for me) It's no 1986 Bonneville.=/Aug 05, 2009
by Seth L
Jul 29, 2009
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.)Jul 29, 2009
by Anonymous
Jun 27, 2009
its black. im planing puting purple under glow and purple paint on some parts in side. i never had much to fix it till my brohter touch it then something gose wrong. i have it for almost 5 years all i had to do is get new battery, and keep up oil change but nuthing seariuse its a 5 speed and low on gass when travling.Jun 27, 2009
by Anonymous
Jun 15, 2009
its a 5 speed, has great get up and go, breaks work perfectly. the left backdoor needs fixed because it doesnt lock and the window doesnt roll down. it looks just fine, has 150k and is fun to drive. woo!Jun 15, 2009
by Amanda B
Jun 08, 2009
I like my saturn beause it is not fast..lol so i wont get many speeding tickets if any at all lol! It was very cheap for me to own even though i got it from my parents!!! I love it cause it has lots of memories in it like crazy driving with Liisa and Jen and all my other friends! The parts are cheap and the labour isnt that bad. And i worked for Saturn so i pretty much know these cars like the back of my hand !!! :) Remember this car is 13 years old!!!!Jun 08, 2009
by Seth A
Apr 05, 2009
its a wagon. seems to be good car is all plastic will never rot out on you. car is a very cheap i bought it for fourhundred dollars i put a glas pack on it so i love driving it just to make noiseApr 05, 2009
by Kim B
Apr 02, 2009
Certainly didn't live up to the ads. Burned a quart of oil every 600 miles. Saturn said the didn't understand. But if you google it - this problem is inherent with Saturns. Had a ring and valve job done at 30k but the problem came backApr 02, 2009
by Grant C
Feb 17, 2009
my car is too small I need a bigger one. I really want to get a chevy camaro someday. I can't wait til I graduate from College I am gonna have so much fun. It is gonna be the best.Feb 17, 2009
by Daniel D
Dec 22, 2008
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.Dec 22, 2008
by Bryan B
Dec 07, 2008
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.Dec 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 18, 2008
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.Oct 18, 2008
by Calvin L
Oct 07, 2008
decent acceleration, braking, handling
it needs lots of repairs but still runs
appearance: typical economy car
cost of ownership isn't bad at all
the car is fun to drive with a standard
i would recommend this car to someone with not a whole lot of money. three more words. please enter a longer review...Oct 07, 2008
by Crystal R
Sep 04, 2008
its mine and i love to drive it had a lot of good times chillin with friends drivin in my car... so i wouldnt trade it for the world... plus its mine and they cant be me so they shouldnt try... my car will look alot better once i do some things to it but until then i love it anywaySep 04, 2008
by James R
Jul 27, 2008
hxc racing stripe on the hood
SIK 12" subs in the trunk and some beasty ear-splitting tweeters in the front seat
nascar bald tires
negative rims
and a slightly DESTOYED tassel dangling from my rear veiw window.....and its not just beacause my bass is UBER
BASSically (no pun intended) its te mot PEYAMP satur in grand rapidsJul 27, 2008
by Dylan D
Jun 27, 2008
I like the fuel efficiency, and the basic look of my car. I hate how cheaply its make. Its a Saturn, so its made mostly out of plastic. The front seats have these stupid seatbelt presenters, and they break easily, and don't let the belt retract properly. Its a really fun car to drive, and its got a lot of pep for only having a 1.9L engine. The power windows are really noisy, but I love the placement of everything on the dash. It sits really low to the ground, and you feel like you're going to die when a big truck passes you. Its a very light car, so when its windy, or a gravel truck drive on the other side of the road and pass you, you're blown all over the road. Jun 27, 2008
by Andrew F
Jun 19, 2008
great on gass and fastJun 19, 2008
by Mason A
Jun 19, 2008
i beat the crap out of this car. burnout are hard on the cluch an my budy cant beleave that its only a 1.9 L!!!Jun 19, 2008
by Dawn P
May 26, 2008
Very inexpensive to maintain. Easy to access most parts. GREAT fuel economy - 30ish around town 35 highway.May 26, 2008
by Evan B
May 22, 2008
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.May 22, 2008
by Brandon C
Mar 28, 2008
It's neither the slowest nor the fastest car I've driven, neither the smallest nor the largest, neither the prettiest nor the ugliest, neither the most reliable nor the least... You get the idea. It has some nice and unique features, such as the plastic body panels which seem to have been dropped from newer Saturn models for no good reason. It doesn't have the acceleration of the Nissan Maxima I used to have, but it does feel like it has a lower center of gravity. It's not without its problems, but it's as good or better than any other American car of its size and era.Mar 28, 2008
by Ryan C
Feb 04, 2008
1.9 liter sohc fuel injected engine. 4 speed auto transmission. stock quarter mile time is in the 17's. Well built vehicle holds together well. Small compact design, makes it easy to maneuver into small spaces. Feb 04, 2008
by Amy H
Dec 29, 2007
Its an awesome car...I love it and i've had it for more then 2 months and has no trouble with it so far. Everything in there works perfect!!!Dec 29, 2007
What users have asked
Changed radios in 98 saturn sl2 4 d SD now won't start
98 saturn sl2 won't start after changing radios .its like my starter won't go enough to turn engine over.i wired everything right except I'm not sure about 4 wires 2 are speakers yellow and brown 1 brown is dimmer park lights illumination ECT.and one yellow no idea all I know is they are identical to the freaking speaker wires .please help
49 views
98 saturn sl1 wont start
My wife tried cranking my Saturn one morning and it would not crank I change starter I change ignition and I charged battery what could be the reason none of those was it
19 views
Why wont my 98 Saturn sl2 start
I have a 98 Saturn sl2 and earlier it was running just fine never had this problem before but now it wont start or even make a noise when I bought the car I had to by a blinker assembly it was working just fine until today it wont do anything the battery is good and the alternator is good please help
22 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1998 Saturn S-Series?Compare this car
1998 Saturn S-Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,035 to $15,295Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual 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
Dual 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
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual 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
Dual 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: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual 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: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual 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: keyless entry · 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