2002 Saturn S-Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

GOLD 2002 SL2 with 175K Theyre plastic, cheap, and not much of a head turner, but I cant complain after over 20 years of reliability. replaced radiator headliner fabric separating front sway bar end broke off at 170K coldest AC of any car Ive been in and no coolant added in 20 years + burns about 2 quarts a month RUN FOREVER ROLLING TURD! Sep 12, 2022

Why you chose your car? I purchased my car because at the time my son was 10 years old. This made it a great car for me because the third door to the rear bench seat does not open unless the driver’s door is open. How you use your car? I drive around locally. I go to appointments, the beach, fishing, and pleasure cruising. How long you've had and how far you've driven your car? I purchased my car in May 2002. I paid about $12,000 for it. The car had about 4,000 miles on it. It was repossessed for nonpayment. Most of my driving was in Massachusetts. In the winter I put 4 snow tires on it. I changed them at the end of April and beginning of November. In February 2013 I moved to Alabama. The trip was approximately 1,400 miles. The car has 74,500 + miles on it right now. Also, it has never been in an accident. What you enjoy about your car? I enjoy driving the car. I fit nicely into the driver’s seat and in the drivers’ area. I think it is very comfortable. I like the third door. It does not open unless the driver’s door is open. The car has a 1.25” receiver hitch. I was able to tow my motorcycle to Alabama from Massachusetts. I have a 1.25" Hitch Cargo Basket 48" x 20" to move things that will not fit into the car. However, I only used it once because it is smaller than I need. I purchased a 60” x 24” cargo basket that is perfect for my needs. What you would change or improve about your car? This sounds weird but I would love to add a lift kit to the car. The only reason I’m selling the car is because of medical issues. I have a difficult time sliding down into the car seat and pulling myself up out of the car. I’d keep the car forever if this issue could be resolved inexpensively. Appearance, Build Quality and Performance: I love how it looks, it’s black with black interior and looks a tad sporty with the factory rear spoiler. Saturn is a quality GM car. There are no factory defects that I know of. The gas mileage is good, I get approximately 26-28 MPG city driving. I do not know what the highway mileage is but I did get really good MPG’s on the trip from Massachusetts. Its performance is okay. It’s not a speed demon, it gets you from point A to point B to point C then back to point A reliably. I really do love my car. It has treated me good over the years.Dec 03, 2014

Car is sleek on the outside and comfortable inside, even if it is a bit cramped. Great for cruising in town and on highway, but lacks a fast take off. I was hoping for more room in the trunk as we tend to haul around a lot of stuff for family trips, but I guess that's Tetris' way of finally paying off. Haven't had any major issues come up, which is great because after the last car I had, I don't need another money pit!Oct 09, 2014

This was my first financed car. I was always happy with it, and it never left me stranded anywhere. I like the look of it, as it's an economical car, yet has a sporty look. It doesn't accelerate as quickly as some higher powered cars, so I do have to make sure I've got room before pulling out onto the road. The pro to this is that it has forced me to be a more careful driver, which should be happening anyway. Sep 26, 2013

I like that the rear seats fold down and my dog can ride in the back. Great on gas mileage and maintenance. Most maintenance is routine like brakes. Most things you can fix your self or grab parts from junk yard. This is my second. The first one was my Moms, then mine then my sisters. This is my second and I haven't had any maintenance issues. It's a 5spd so even more gas savings!May 23, 2012

This car has surprisingly been the best used car I've ever owned. I bought it in the spring of 2008 when gas was starting to hit $4. It promised great gas mileage and it has never disappointed me in that area. I've maxed it at 38mpg on a state highway averaging 60mph. Just over 400 miles on the 12 gallon tank and there was still a little in there. Servicing(brakes, tires, etc.) has always been more than reasonable. You do want to be sure to rotate the tires front to back and never corner to corner. The rear wheels wear differently and can "chuck" over time if not swapped with front tires at least once a year. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of(and it will save your suspension). This car has great curves and a fantastic stance too. Be sure to roll with the headlights and fog lamps for maximum effect. This was the last year(2002) of the original company and the Tennessee built Saturns and you can tell a lot of pride went into it's construction. Awesome little coupe!Aug 17, 2011

it has a Megan Racing aluminun spoiler, Spectre cool air intake, and a 3A Racing exhaust. it handles like a sports car with the 5-speed manual trany and optional traction control with just the push of a button. i love my car and the gas milage is pretty good around 28-30 mpg. i tinted the tail lights and all of the marker and signal lights and installed white strobes in the rear, front and underneath the car. i eventually would like to put a turbo kit with about a 10 pound booston it, tint the windows and get a real set of wheels and get rid of the stock ones with hub caps. but over all this car has came a long way and is pretty sharp so far.Aug 02, 2010

I love my car. I am 17 and its my first car that i have had my name on the title and i love it. It has 96k miles on it but it runs great. I was driving a 2008 hyundai elantra and now that i have my saturn i wouldnt change a thing. I am installing a new stereo system in it today and the only thing i have to fix is the center console and the sun roof latch because it was broken into before i ever got it. This car is cute inside and out. Perfect for me. Apr 23, 2010

The Saturn cars have been God sent to people that have safety in mind and it is made for the people that love American made cars. It is a shame that GM thinks that taking the Saturn cars away and deleting jobs will increase their sales rates. I have had the opportunity to have 2 Saturns and they are the best car for safety and money there is. I can vouch for the safety in a accident being hit broadsided and came away walking with very minor injuries...I have yet to see this in any other car GM or any other Maker puts out.Oct 11, 2009

I got the car used for $5000, mainly I was looking for any vehicle that was red and had a manual. Even though I have owned it for less than a year the car and I have been through a lot. Currently I have it in the shop getting a new engine. The bearing between the rod and crankshaft shattered. Overall, not bad, I'm a thick guy and 6 foot barefoot and with my boots its a little more, which inches matters in this car, the roof is low, but I have been on a few road trips that were around 5 hours in the car and I didn't notice any more fatigue than when I have been in other vehicles. Good Car, good deal for what I paid.Mar 26, 2008

Breaking is amazing, it could easily send someone through the windshield, lol the handling is really tight, it's got a sport tuned suspension, acceleration isn't bad at all, you really don't wanna mod it too much performance wise because it is front wheel drive but it could gain a lot from a power/torque boost. I also have installed a sunroof, all leather interior and i'm starting work on the exterior. Dec 26, 2007