I got my 02 saturn sl2 maroon colored for $1500 at an auction with 113k miles . Really like it, so far. I want to install that stereo system you have with a screen, it looks really nice!. I purchased it because I didn't want a car payment lol 😅 So far I'm very happy with it. Great video
I bought a 99 sl1, no major problems with it. Just regular oils changes and gave me over 345k miles in 15 years, before I gave it to my nephew. I wish all cars had those dent resistant panels. My car looked like new, always.
I've been driving mine around anticipating the day I fix my 82 Rabbit, and It seems to kick pretty hard. My friend got an SL1 the same week as me, same color which was hilarious. First memorable words when she got in my SL2 was "Why doesn't my engine sound this good." Love this car, and I wish I had the manual version.
I had one years ago my Dad won in a poker game. Lol One day a timing chain guide shot through the top of the valve cover. I was about 70 miles from home when it happened. I spent all day at the track, then I had the gut wrenching ride home. Oil spraying out, chain rattling, making sure I could rip my seatbelt off incase of a fire…I got home, the next day my buddy picked it up, replaced anything that was damaged and I put another 175k miles on it before I sold it. As of 2 years ago I heard it was still running strong with 256k miles. I am fortunate enough to have purchased a couple of my dream cars since then but I’m on the hunt for another cherry SL2. I just loved the simplicity and reliability of that car, especially having no rust.
owned a 97,98 and now own a 99 sl1 and a 99 Sl2, both 5 speed - best cars out of 45 ive owned for reliability. great platform, quick , nimble. always starts, heats , cools, easy to maintain. I have a easy rider 01 buick regal supercharged 3.8 l go fast for the long haul, but these things are like a talisman, always truthful, solid , and ready to go.
I had a 2002 SL2, and loved that little car. I bought it new, and put 180k on it. I only got rid of it a couple years ago. Some of the best money I've ever spent. It was about $10k brand new with 0% financing. I got my money out of it.
That's awesome!! I totally agree, definitely worth every penny! They are fun, easy to work on, and great on gas! I'm very happy I ended up with this one!🪐
I purchased a brand-new Saturn SL2 in 97’ I changed the timing chain and the water pump @ 189k miles and I’m now changing it once again @ 272k miles. As you mentioned in your video, it may not be the most comfortable ride but it’s really not that bad! You’re right about the handling it’s amazing. The Saturn community, like no other, is very special and they are willing to help you if needed. I would like to reach 500k miles… we’ll see if I reach this monumental goal time will tell. I love my Saturn SL2 and I will NEVER sell it… 😁
Glad to hear someone can enjoy an everyday car and mostly keep it stock. Got tired of hearing people fanboy over Mustangs, Camaros, and Dodge Chargers and Challengers of any model and common imports as well. Very clean car man. Wish more people could appreciate cars like this. Enjoy it. : )
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! I really enjoy this car because it's different and fun! Most people may not think it's special, but to me there is nothing on the road like it! I plan to keep and enjoy it for many years to come!🪐
@@sally_the_saturn_sl2290 Glad to Hear. And glad to see the car is not Riced out either. I'm sure there are people who will appreciate a stock car that is in good condition such as that one as it is a good representation of what those cars were like new. : )
@@DJWhitetailfluff Thanks! Yeah I wanted to do some tasteful mods here and there but nothing that would make it look riced out or ruin shape of the car. I do plan on adding a few more mods here and there like an underbelly tray for better economy and a small lip spoiler. I think the car looks great already just by adding the factory spoiler, and mini wheels. Both made a big difference!😎
I am currently shopping for a second car and I've checked out several very different vehicles. I went to a dealer today because they had a really nice Mazda B2500 on the lot and, on a whim, figured I'd check out this clean 2001 Saturn SL2 5-Speed they had. I test drove the SL2 and it's now my top contender and the car that I'm probably going to buy.
Great review! I like how to you touched on how easy it is to service and maintenance, a lot of car reviewers I watch miss talking about this important point
A few things to know about the SL2 from someone who had several back in the day.... The SL2 had the "sport tuned" suspension so the ride is actually not too bad, but its a small car. The original tires size for the SL2 should be listed on the door frame sticker. And all Twin Cam Saturns will burn oil eventually. Its just what they do. Glad you like the car!!! We loved our Saturns when we had them, but we just moved on to much better cars.
Thanks for the info! Yeah the factory size is listed on the door but I wanted to swap on some "sportier" tires/rims. For how small the car is it rides decent! Yeah I've heard they start to drink oil after a while. Fortunately I haven't ran into that problem yet with Sally. Thanks! I plan to drive the wheels off of it!🪐
@@sally_the_saturn_sl2290 we got 250,000 on our 99 sl2 and had 160,00 on our 98 before I found my dream car. So yah, keep oil in it and they treat you good
Great choice on the SL2 had two of them in the1997 and 2002 model years. Both went over 250K miles until I moved them to my other family members. Last month the database a 2001 SC2 in near perfect shape and only 64 K miles. This was a Florida car not a nick or ding on it. Started my maintenance changing all the fluids out. This car like yours was the last car specifically designed with the DIY community front and center. Yeah a spin on ATF filter!! Going to follow those oil and ATF changeout intervals. You will be had pressed to find any car from the 1995-2002 model years that have lots of driving miles ahead.
My first car was a 94 sl2 and i was so fun to drive. I lent it to my uncle when i got a 2001 volvo s60. I now drive a 2010 camry which is bigger and more comfortable, but im thinking about putting in some work on that sl2. I always liked it but didn't realize how much i loved it until it was gone
Interesting. I drive a 2000 SL2 with a DOHC 5 speed, my fuel door is on the drivers side, looks like yours is on the passenger. It's a nice car. Mine has only been in the shop a few times for the 7 years i've owned it. Not bad at all! Besides basic maintenance it has been a trouble free experience. The driving experience is okay. It's not a Cadillac, and on long drives you will notice discomfort. My car still has the original radio and cd player. It's nice, i like how the power switch is a push knob just past my knee. My car has about 137,000 miles on it, and so far has been extremely reliable. Starts right up every time. My mother keeps telling me to get a new car, hahaha. But to me, a car is a tool. As long as it functions and operates well, i intend to keep it on the road. Maybe one day i'll fix the AC tho. I'm a young guy so i can bear the summer heat. (Just roll the window down and drive fast haha)
Good to chanfe the oil in these often. They are absolutely renowned for burning oil. I really want one. I knew a guy who had one of the limited edition two door red coupes, i forgot the name of it. Always liked Saturns.
Had my 2002 Saturn sc2 for 19 years, I was 21 now 42 of age. Four years ago I got a 97 sc2 for $1400 b4 the pandemic only 73,000 miles. I have a 97 eclipse turbo and my wife a 98 eclipse spyder with 35,000 miles, and a 2022 ram with 3 motorcycles R6, yzf600R and shadow spirit 1100. Guess which one is my favorite "SATURN"!!! Going to look at another today and maybe buy it. Im a huge saturn Fan! I live in Illinois your in Indiana. Gm killed their best car 😢.
These little Saturn S series are awesome cars. Inexpensive and reliable. Really like the plastic body paneling.... I had one and it got stolen bought a Toyota... Then I bought another Saturn.
Glad you are enjoying the videos! That's awesome that you own one as well! They are indeed fantastic little cars! For the price and the fun to drive nature you can't go wrong! You should check out the Saturn S-series group on Facebook. They are super helpful folks and if you ever have a problem with your car there are a ton of people that can help you through it.
My 1996 twin cam came with Firestones if I remember correctly. It was a long time ago so I could be wrong. You are driving an economy car, remember that. I bought my 96 in 1998 with only 22,000 miles for $9300. You couldn’t TOUCH a Honda or Toyota for that!!!! 26 years later, I’m closing in on 300,000 and still get 42.9mpg with the 5 speed manual. Yes, I do some hypermiling. LOL! All GM batteries are side post so get used to it. My C5 Corvette also has side posts. Remember that Saturn was a part of GM. Btw, I operate my SL2 for .22/mile. That’s insurance, maintenance, gas, the whole ball of wax. Nothing touches that! The body is still in mint condition and she corners like she’s on rails. I will keep her until the motor or tranny blows up. It really is EASY to fall in ❤ with a Saturn S-series.
Saturn cars were the last GM products I was considering buying but couldn't afford at the time. I can afford them now but Saturn is gone. I'm enjoying my MT Hyundai Accent now.
It looks like you're taking great care of the car and if you keep it up, those will easily make it to 300k which will save you from those horrible car payments. The ride quality is due to the Sl2's having a improved sporty suspension compared to earlier models. I had a 5 speed and actually installed even sportier suspension and wheels. Since you cant get more power out of the engine without major work done, I went with better suspension to make the driving experience even more fun and man was that car like a go cart on rails. since the original suspension was already stiiffish, it really didn't make the ride anymore harsh and the lowered springs and 17" low profile wheels were simply a MAJOR overall upgrade. I say this because I see you already like how fun these cars are to drive... do a set of 1.5" lowering springs and thank me later. I live in Vermont and even with the snow we get and being lowered, it was fine. Not to mention, it also made the car look 100% better with it no longer being on stilts. Plus 17" wheels helped with that which you can also get from a mini for pretty cheap and they are so much better looking than 16's. You have a very clean example.. consider my suggestions
No it’s not. Saturn s series is the only line of cars that GM made that any good and not have any common parts with other GM vehicles ! Saturn was fully owned subsidiary of GM Motors ! But they were completely separate from Parent General Motors Corporation. The best tires for that vehicle is Firestone Ecopia in standard size 185/65R15 For a time Toyota Prius used Ecopia tires the low rolling resistance tires. Had own Saturn SW2 since 1996, then still own 1998 and 1997 Saturn SW2 and 2002 Saturn SL2 sedan.
Thanks for this video. Considering buying the same exact model and year with 51k miles. They want $4000, would you pay that much with what you know about this car?
Your welcome! Yes I think $4000 is definitely fair for the mileage and the current car market we have. I paid 4k for mine with 47k miles in 2021. If you do decide to go look at it here are some things to look out for. Rust on the front subframe and rear trailing arm mounts. This is a big killer on these cars. As long as there isn't any rust or it's very minimal you should be ok. Coil packs are known to fail but with only 51k miles I doubt they are bad. Just check for misfiring and you should be good to go. The other thing to ask about is oil consumption. As these cars age they like to burn oil. But again with only 51k miles I don't think that will be a concern. If you are on facebook be sure to check out the Saturn S series group. There is a lot of helpful people on there that can help you diagnose about anything. Hopefully that helps you out!! Be sure to let us know if you purchase it!!
Right now she is sitting at 102k miles and it isn't burning any oil as of now. What causes the oil consumption issue is the piston rings get stuck, so changing your oil supe frequently and piston soaks help prevent that.
I got my 02 saturn sl2 maroon colored for $1500 at an auction with 113k miles . Really like it, so far. I want to install that stereo system you have with a screen, it looks really nice!. I purchased it because I didn't want a car payment lol 😅 So far I'm very happy with it. Great video
I had a 2000 Saturn SL2. Bought new. Drove it for 15 years. Not a bad car. No major problems. 😊
I bought a 99 sl1, no major problems with it. Just regular oils changes and gave me over 345k miles in 15 years, before I gave it to my nephew. I wish all cars had those dent resistant panels. My car looked like new, always.
I've been driving mine around anticipating the day I fix my 82 Rabbit, and It seems to kick pretty hard. My friend got an SL1 the same week as me, same color which was hilarious. First memorable words when she got in my SL2 was "Why doesn't my engine sound this good." Love this car, and I wish I had the manual version.
Finally another full review video for a S series! Great video!
Thank you so much!! I really enjoyed making it!
I had one years ago my Dad won in a poker game. Lol One day a timing chain guide shot through the top of the valve cover. I was about 70 miles from home when it happened. I spent all day at the track, then I had the gut wrenching ride home. Oil spraying out, chain rattling, making sure I could rip my seatbelt off incase of a fire…I got home, the next day my buddy picked it up, replaced anything that was damaged and I put another 175k miles on it before I sold it. As of 2 years ago I heard it was still running strong with 256k miles. I am fortunate enough to have purchased a couple of my dream cars since then but I’m on the hunt for another cherry SL2. I just loved the simplicity and reliability of that car, especially having no rust.
owned a 97,98 and now own a 99 sl1 and a 99 Sl2, both 5 speed - best cars out of 45 ive owned for reliability. great platform, quick , nimble. always starts, heats , cools, easy to maintain. I have a easy rider 01 buick regal supercharged 3.8 l go fast for the long haul, but these things are like a talisman, always truthful, solid , and ready to go.
I had a 2002 SL2, and loved that little car. I bought it new, and put 180k on it. I only got rid of it a couple years ago. Some of the best money I've ever spent. It was about $10k brand new with 0% financing. I got my money out of it.
That's awesome!! I totally agree, definitely worth every penny! They are fun, easy to work on, and great on gas! I'm very happy I ended up with this one!🪐
I purchased a brand-new Saturn SL2 in 97’ I changed the timing chain and the water pump @ 189k miles and I’m now changing it once again @ 272k miles. As you mentioned in your video, it may not be the most comfortable ride but it’s really not that bad! You’re right about the handling it’s amazing. The Saturn community, like no other, is very special and they are willing to help you if needed. I would like to reach 500k miles… we’ll see if I reach this monumental goal time will tell. I love my Saturn SL2 and I will NEVER sell it… 😁
Glad to hear someone can enjoy an everyday car and mostly keep it stock. Got tired of hearing people fanboy over Mustangs, Camaros, and Dodge Chargers and Challengers of any model and common imports as well. Very clean car man. Wish more people could appreciate cars like this. Enjoy it. : )
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! I really enjoy this car because it's different and fun! Most people may not think it's special, but to me there is nothing on the road like it! I plan to keep and enjoy it for many years to come!🪐
@@sally_the_saturn_sl2290 Glad to Hear. And glad to see the car is not Riced out either. I'm sure there are people who will appreciate a stock car that is in good condition such as that one as it is a good representation of what those cars were like new. : )
@@DJWhitetailfluff Thanks! Yeah I wanted to do some tasteful mods here and there but nothing that would make it look riced out or ruin shape of the car. I do plan on adding a few more mods here and there like an underbelly tray for better economy and a small lip spoiler. I think the car looks great already just by adding the factory spoiler, and mini wheels. Both made a big difference!😎
Nice wordss broo
I am currently shopping for a second car and I've checked out several very different vehicles. I went to a dealer today because they had a really nice Mazda B2500 on the lot and, on a whim, figured I'd check out this clean 2001 Saturn SL2 5-Speed they had. I test drove the SL2 and it's now my top contender and the car that I'm probably going to buy.
Great review! I like how to you touched on how easy it is to service and maintenance, a lot of car reviewers I watch miss talking about this important point
I owned one when I was 20yrs old and it was the best car I ever owned
A few things to know about the SL2 from someone who had several back in the day.... The SL2 had the "sport tuned" suspension so the ride is actually not too bad, but its a small car.
The original tires size for the SL2 should be listed on the door frame sticker.
And all Twin Cam Saturns will burn oil eventually. Its just what they do.
Glad you like the car!!! We loved our Saturns when we had them, but we just moved on to much better cars.
Thanks for the info! Yeah the factory size is listed on the door but I wanted to swap on some "sportier" tires/rims. For how small the car is it rides decent! Yeah I've heard they start to drink oil after a while. Fortunately I haven't ran into that problem yet with Sally. Thanks! I plan to drive the wheels off of it!🪐
@@sally_the_saturn_sl2290 we got 250,000 on our 99 sl2 and had 160,00 on our 98 before I found my dream car. So yah, keep oil in it and they treat you good
@@Dis-Emboweled That's awesome! They last forever as long as they are taken care of! I've seen them do 300k+ miles! Also congrats on your dream car!!
They seem like a good tuner project. Cheap to buy, you can build them however you want and there goes a respectable budget Fast and Furious car.
Yes I think so as well! Unfortunately there isn't much aftermarket, but if you can do fab work, anything is possible!
Just bought a 2001 Saturn just like yours. 67k original miles!
Great choice on the SL2 had two of them in the1997 and 2002 model years. Both went over 250K miles until I moved them to my other family members. Last month the database a 2001 SC2 in near perfect shape and only 64 K miles. This was a Florida car not a nick or ding on it. Started my maintenance changing all the fluids out. This car like yours was the last car specifically designed with the DIY community front and center. Yeah a spin on ATF filter!! Going to follow those oil and ATF changeout intervals. You will be had pressed to find any car from the 1995-2002 model years that have lots of driving miles ahead.
My first car was a 94 sl2 and i was so fun to drive. I lent it to my uncle when i got a 2001 volvo s60. I now drive a 2010 camry which is bigger and more comfortable, but im thinking about putting in some work on that sl2. I always liked it but didn't realize how much i loved it until it was gone
Interesting. I drive a 2000 SL2 with a DOHC 5 speed, my fuel door is on the drivers side, looks like yours is on the passenger.
It's a nice car. Mine has only been in the shop a few times for the 7 years i've owned it. Not bad at all! Besides basic maintenance it has been a trouble free experience.
The driving experience is okay. It's not a Cadillac, and on long drives you will notice discomfort. My car still has the original radio and cd player. It's nice, i like how the power switch is a push knob just past my knee. My car has about 137,000 miles on it, and so far has been extremely reliable. Starts right up every time.
My mother keeps telling me to get a new car, hahaha. But to me, a car is a tool. As long as it functions and operates well, i intend to keep it on the road.
Maybe one day i'll fix the AC tho. I'm a young guy so i can bear the summer heat. (Just roll the window down and drive fast haha)
Good to chanfe the oil in these often. They are absolutely renowned for burning oil. I really want one. I knew a guy who had one of the limited edition two door red coupes, i forgot the name of it. Always liked Saturns.
That interior has held up better than my friends 98 Corolla.
I love your car. Subbed.
Thank you! Appreciate the sub!
Easy to work on, somehow fun to drive, cheap to buy & maintain, good MPGs and design that stands out - what real Saturns were.
Loved this video bro. Keep Sally humming.
Had my 2002 Saturn sc2 for 19 years, I was 21 now 42 of age. Four years ago I got a 97 sc2 for $1400 b4 the pandemic only 73,000 miles. I have a 97 eclipse turbo and my wife a 98 eclipse spyder with 35,000 miles, and a 2022 ram with 3 motorcycles R6, yzf600R and shadow spirit 1100. Guess which one is my favorite "SATURN"!!! Going to look at another today and maybe buy it. Im a huge saturn
Fan! I live in Illinois your in Indiana. Gm killed their best car 😢.
Going to look at one in a couple of days. 2002 SL2, 56,000 miles. Hope it's good. Good vid, thanks. I like 'em for all the same reasons.
That's awesome!! Hope it worked out!!! Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!!!
These little Saturn S series are awesome cars. Inexpensive and reliable. Really like the plastic body paneling.... I had one and it got stolen bought a Toyota... Then I bought another Saturn.
Does your mother know you're gay?
Love your video’s I am a Saturn owner and I actually have the same model as you and I agree that it is a great car and i love it so much
Glad you are enjoying the videos! That's awesome that you own one as well! They are indeed fantastic little cars! For the price and the fun to drive nature you can't go wrong! You should check out the Saturn S-series group on Facebook. They are super helpful folks and if you ever have a problem with your car there are a ton of people that can help you through it.
Love my 96s got an SL2 5spd and SW2 auto I just started daily driving my SL2 300mi a day and it just eats up the miles and makes it so much fun 🙂
My 1996 twin cam came with Firestones if I remember correctly. It was a long time ago so I could be wrong.
You are driving an economy car, remember that. I bought my 96 in 1998 with only 22,000 miles for $9300. You couldn’t TOUCH a Honda or Toyota for that!!!! 26 years later, I’m closing in on 300,000 and still get 42.9mpg with the 5 speed manual. Yes, I do some hypermiling. LOL!
All GM batteries are side post so get used to it. My C5 Corvette also has side posts. Remember that Saturn was a part of GM.
Btw, I operate my SL2 for .22/mile. That’s insurance, maintenance, gas, the whole ball of wax. Nothing touches that! The body is still in mint condition and she corners like she’s on rails. I will keep her until the motor or tranny blows up. It really is EASY to fall in ❤ with a Saturn S-series.
that is awesome.. had my 99 for 9 yrs , it still kicks az , gets thru messy bulk traffic and can parallel park in about 6 seconds.
Just bought one today with 80k on the dash for a grand im looking forward to seeing how long I can make it last
Saturn cars were the last GM products I was considering buying but couldn't afford at the time. I can afford them now but Saturn is gone. I'm enjoying my MT Hyundai Accent now.
do the rear seats fold down
Nice saturn man. I was in the saturn groups on Facebook
Thanks!! I think I remember you being on the groups as well!!
@@sally_the_saturn_sl2290 You're welcome
It looks like you're taking great care of the car and if you keep it up, those will easily make it to 300k which will save you from those horrible car payments. The ride quality is due to the Sl2's having a improved sporty suspension compared to earlier models. I had a 5 speed and actually installed even sportier suspension and wheels. Since you cant get more power out of the engine without major work done, I went with better suspension to make the driving experience even more fun and man was that car like a go cart on rails. since the original suspension was already stiiffish, it really didn't make the ride anymore harsh and the lowered springs and 17" low profile wheels were simply a MAJOR overall upgrade. I say this because I see you already like how fun these cars are to drive... do a set of 1.5" lowering springs and thank me later. I live in Vermont and even with the snow we get and being lowered, it was fine. Not to mention, it also made the car look 100% better with it no longer being on stilts. Plus 17" wheels helped with that which you can also get from a mini for pretty cheap and they are so much better looking than 16's. You have a very clean example.. consider my suggestions
Good video. Is the Oldsmobile Alero built on a Saturn platform?
No it’s not. Saturn s series is the only line of cars that GM made that any good and not have any common parts with other GM vehicles ! Saturn was fully owned subsidiary of GM Motors ! But they were completely separate from Parent General Motors Corporation. The best tires for that vehicle is Firestone Ecopia in standard size 185/65R15
For a time Toyota Prius used Ecopia tires the low rolling resistance tires.
Had own Saturn SW2 since 1996, then still own 1998 and 1997 Saturn SW2 and 2002 Saturn SL2 sedan.
Anybody Know if the rear seats fold down
Do you know why my Saturn sl 2 why my coolant light is on.
I wish I had the space to work on mine :(. She's been dead for a month now and I miss it sm
Omg I have that same interior panel gap in my '02 sl1
Thanks for this video. Considering buying the same exact model and year with 51k miles. They want $4000, would you pay that much with what you know about this car?
Your welcome! Yes I think $4000 is definitely fair for the mileage and the current car market we have. I paid 4k for mine with 47k miles in 2021.
If you do decide to go look at it here are some things to look out for. Rust on the front subframe and rear trailing arm mounts. This is a big killer on these cars. As long as there isn't any rust or it's very minimal you should be ok. Coil packs are known to fail but with only 51k miles I doubt they are bad. Just check for misfiring and you should be good to go. The other thing to ask about is oil consumption. As these cars age they like to burn oil. But again with only 51k miles I don't think that will be a concern. If you are on facebook be sure to check out the Saturn S series group. There is a lot of helpful people on there that can help you diagnose about anything. Hopefully that helps you out!! Be sure to let us know if you purchase it!!
@@sally_the_saturn_sl2290 thank you!
@@elliewilliams1137 of course! Happy to help!
How's the oil consumption?
Right now she is sitting at 102k miles and it isn't burning any oil as of now. What causes the oil consumption issue is the piston rings get stuck, so changing your oil supe frequently and piston soaks help prevent that.
Yes