1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon
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1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,300
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (SL2, SW2)
- Fuel economy
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Engine noise
- Acceleration (base)
- Rear-seat room
- Road noise
Vehicle Highlights
Built on the same platform as the Saturn SC coupes, the front-drive 4-door notchback sedans and 4-door wagons came with side body panels made from a rustproof plastic. However, hoods, trunklids, and roofs were still made of steel. Both models rode on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, three inches longer than the coupe's. The sedan appeared in 1991 in two levels: SL1 and SL2. The station wagons, SW1 and SW2, joined the lineup early in '92. The "1s" were powered by a single-overhead-cam 1.9-liter engine that provided 85 horsepower. All "2s" came with a twin-cam version that produced 124 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard and a 4-speed automatic optional. Antilock brakes were optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Saturn SL2 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Saturn S-Series:
A new base model, the SL, is added to the lineup to provide buyers a choice of three trim levels of Saturn sedans.
1993 Saturn S-Series:
Two wagon models join the Saturn lineup for '93, riding the same 102.4-inch wheelbase as the sedans. The new SW1 and SW2 wagons have similar equipment to the SL1 and SL2 sedans. Like the sedans and coupes, the new wagons arrive with a standard driver-side airbag and optional antilock brakes. The SL2 and SW2 share a new front fascia with a wider grille opening. Also, traction control is a new option for models equipped with the automatic transmission and ABS.
1994 Saturn S-Series:
Revised power door locks, a recalibrated transmission, and CFC-free air conditioning sum up the changes to Saturn's sedans and wagons for '94.
1995 Saturn S-Series:
A standard passenger-side airbag and extra power for the base engine make headlines for '95, the last year for the current design of the Saturn sedans and wagons. The base engine provides 15 more horsepower--100 instead of 85. With the addition of dual airbags, motorized shoulder belts have been discarded for new height-adjustable manual 3-point belts.
Our road test for the 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The single-cam engine in the SL1 and SW1 gives these cars adequate acceleration with the manual transmission, but with the automatic you often have to floor the throttle to keep up with traffic. The dual-cam engine provides lively acceleration and decent passing power with either transmission. Though some changes have been made over the years to decrease interior noise levels, engines still become loud and harsh at higher speeds. Both the sedans and wagons have ample head room in front for 6-footers to sit comfortably, though the front buckets don't go back far enough for tall people to stretch out. Passengers in the back have just as much head room but less leg room. The wagon's firm rear seat has an upright backrest that some may find uncomfortable. Entry/exit is easy to the front, but tight through the narrow rear doors. The import-inspired dash is easy to use, and outward visibility is unobstructed. Trunk space is good for the class and the split-rear seatbacks fold for more cargo room. Responsive handling and adept roadhandling are high points, particularly on the SL2 and SW2 models. And the addition of a softer suspension and tires for '93 on these level "2" models provide a noticeable improvement in ride quality.
Value for the Money
Saturn sedans aren't the best choice in a subcompact, but overall they rank only slightly below the class-leading Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Saturn sedans aren't the best choice in a subcompact, but overall they rank only slightly below the class-leading Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Saturn SL2 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Saturn S-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Saturn S-Series .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Air conditioning stops blowing cold air after highway driving because evaporator freezes up requiring adjustment of compresses suction set point. (1994-95)
Antenna:
A whistling wind noise may be coming from the radio antenna. (1991-95)
Automatic transmission:
If the automatic transmission shifts harshly, erratically, or sticks in gear or neutral, iron sediment in the valve body may be the problem. (1993-94)
Brake noise:
Brakes that growl or grind during low speed stops are repaired by replacing the front pads and machining, or replacing the rotors. (1991-95)
Cruise control:
If the cruise control fluctuates at speeds over 64 mph, a new control-module assembly must be installed. (1991-95)
Doors:
If the doors will not open, the door-latch assembly(s) must be replaced. (1991-93)
Engine noise:
Squealing from the front of the engine when the temperature is below 40 degrees (F) may be fixed by replacing the drive-belt idler pulley with one having a revised bearing. (1991-95)
Engine stalling:
If the DOHC engine stalls and does not restart when coming to a stop, the oil may be the wrong viscosity. (1991-95)
Tail/brake lights:
A drop in fuel economy, brake noise, vehicle vibration, and/or increased brake-pedal travel could be caused by a misadjusted brake-light switch that does not allow the pedal to return to full release. (1991-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $390 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $905 |
| Brakes | $190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $530 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $355 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $295 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $485 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $295 |
Our price chart for this generation Saturn S-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| SL, SL1, SL2 | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| SW1, SW2 wagon | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| SL, SL1, SL2 | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| SW1, SW2 wagon | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| SL, SL1, SL2 | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| SW1, SW2 wagon | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| SL, SL1, SL2 | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| SL1, SL2 | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Saturn S-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 102.4 | 102.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.3 | 176.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.6 | 67.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | 53.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2325 | 2380 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.9 | 56.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 12.8 | 12.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.6 | 32.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The basic engine for the SL1 sedan and SW1 wagon is a single-cam, 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine. It provides 85 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 110 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. A shift from single-point to multipoint fuel injection in 1995 results in new performance figures of 100 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 114 pound-feet of torque at 2400 rpm. Both the SL2 sedan and SW2 wagon move up to a twin-cam version of the same 1.9-liter 4-cylinder. It delivers 124 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 122 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. Both the single-cam and twin-cam versions of the 1.9-liter come paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 85 | 110 | 5-speed manual: 27/37 4-speed automatic: 26/35 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 100 | 114 | 5-speed manual: 29/40 4-speed automatic: 27/37 |
5-speed manual: 31.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 124 | 122 | 5-speed manual: 25/35 4-speed automatic: 24/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Saturn S-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 SW |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1995 Saturn Sedan/Wagon directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991-93:
Generator-wiring harness could suffer excessive current flow.
1992:
Automatic transaxle-valve assemblies on some cars were improperly machined.
1993 SL2/SW2:
Battery-cable terminal at starter solenoid may be formed incorrectly.
1993:
Brake-booster housing on some cars could separate.
1994-95:
Some front seatback-recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use; could cause seatback to slip partially rearward when force is applied.
1995 SL w/manual steering:
Some pinion shafts could fracture, causing total loss of steering control.
1995 w/automatic:
Improperly adjusted cable makes it possible to shift from "Park" with key removed, or to remove key while lever is in position other than "Park."
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