1997-2002 Saturn Coupe Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Saturn S-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Saturn S-Series.

1997-2002 Saturn Coupe Review

Redesigned for 1997, the front-drive sports coupe featured new styling on a longer wheelbase. Basic construction continued as before, following Saturn's practice of installing dent- and rust-resistant polymer vertical body panels, mounted on a spaceframe. Two models again went on sale, but the SC1 and SC2 now displayed the same styling. Among the modest differences in this generation, the SC1 got black outside mirrors and door handles, whereas those items on the SC2 were body colored. Fog lamps were standard on the SC2 coupe. Both coupes had standard Daytime Running Lights. Wheelbase was now 102.4 inches, identical to the Saturn sedan and station wagon, which had been redesigned a year earlier. Prior coupes rode a 99.2-inch span. Rear leg room grew by a whopping 4.5 inches. Front and rear head room gained about an inch. Dashboard designs remained essentially as before. Powertrains also continued from the 1991-96 generation. The SC1 held a 100-horsepower, 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine. A dual-overhead-cam version, rated 124 horsepower, went into the SC2 coupe. Both models had a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with 4-speed automatic optional. Antilock braking was optional, and included traction control.

Year to Year Changes

1998 Saturn S-Series: Changes for 1998 were minor. Suspension settings were revised. Rear seats added child-seatbelt guides.

1999 Saturn S-Series: For the first few months of the 1999 model year, Saturns changed little. When equipped with antilock braking, the SC2 now got rear drum brakes instead of the prior discs. A Black Top option for the SC2 included a black roof panel and white-background gauges. At midseason, Saturn introduced an innovative third door (actually a half-door) on the driver's side. Rather than being intended to help passengers get into the back seat, it was primarily meant to make loading of parcels easier.

2000 Saturn S-Series: Saturn coupes continued without exterior change until midseason, when a redesigned 2001 coupe debuted. Interiors were updated for 2000, including a new instrument cluster and a console with redesigned cupholders. The horn now worked via the steering-wheel hub, and cruise control moved from the side of the hub to the spokes. Front seats gained more travel.

2001 Saturn S-Series: Redesigned in spring 2000, coupes now sported optional side-curtain airbags, body-color bumpers, and new styling. Powertrains and the 3-door design carried over.

2002 Saturn S-Series: A tilt steering wheel became standard on all models for 2002. The S-Series would be replaced for 2003 by a redesigned model line called Ion.

1997-2002 Saturn Coupe Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Noise

Acceleration (SC2)	Acceleration (SC1 w/auto)

	Rear-seat room

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration with an SC1 is adequate with manual shift, but a little less satisfying with the 4-speed automatic transmission. When you need a quick burst of power, it might not be there. With either transmission, an SC2 coupe accelerates in a more lively manner. An SC2 with automatic takes off with some zest, though turning on the air conditioning takes a toll on performance. Highway passing power also is good with the SC2. Fuel economy is appealing with any coupe, but the frugality champ is an SC1 with the 5-speed gearbox. We've averaged a miserly 31.9 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, versus 26 mpg with an SC2 that was equipped with the 5-speed. Although noise levels are lower than before, both engines remain loud and rather coarse during hard acceleration. All Saturns corner with pleasing swiftness and control. Handling is surefooted and competent in both models, but the SC1's steering is lighter and less precise. Ride quality is good with either coupe, but the SC1's softer suspension makes it more livable on urban roads. You pay a penalty for the SC2's sportier handling, which promises less body lean in turns. Visibility is good to all directions, unlike most sports coupes, helped by thin roof pillars and large windows. Large, clear gauges inform the driver. Radio and climate controls are in a pod that protrudes from the dashboard, mounted too low for best access while driving. Power window and mirror controls are on the center console, unlit and difficult to find at night. Front seats offer plenty of room, but are rather low, surrounded by a high beltline and a vast dashboard top. Firm seats offer good lateral support. Leg room might have grown markedly in back, as measured with a ruler, but the rear-seat cushion is so low that most adults have to sit with their knees nearly pointing at the ceiling. Cargo space is adequate in a deep trunk.

Value for the Money
All told, Saturns lack the refinement of most Japanese sports coupes. They're also noisier, but boast an impressive reliability record. The side-curtain airbags added for 2001 are unique in this class.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Saturn SC2	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	5

Total:	37

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.

1997-2002 Saturn Coupe Reliability

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: The air conditioning may stop working when the car is driven for extended times on the highway because the evaporator freezes up. (1997-98)

Air conditioner: A simple adjustment to compressor may prevent air conditioner evaporator freeze-up. (1997-2002)

Automatic transmission: Cars with automatic transmissions may leak fluid from the upper, left-hand corner where the case was not manufactured properly. (1997-98)

Coolant leak: Coolant leaks into engine require new intake manifold gasket. (2000-01)

Electrical problem: Electrical accessories may quit working. The lock will have to be repaired. On some models, the key won't turn back to the lock position. (1997)

Electrical problem: If rear wiper, speakers, fuel gauge stop working, wiring harness near left kick panel may be chafing on bracket. (1997-99)

Engine misfire: The engine may stall or quit running as if it has run out of gas even though the gauge shows 1/8-1/4 tank; caused by a plugged evaporative-emissions canister vent. (1997)

Engine temperature: Overheating and possible engine failure on 1.9-liter engine may be caused by coolant leaks past intake manifold gasket near cylinder #4. (2000-01)

Exhaust system: Exhaust manifold bolts work loose causing noise that may be misdiagnosed as lifter tap. (2002)

Hard starting: If a car with a manual transmission won't start, the wiring harness is probably damaged from rubbing on the clutch-pedal pivot causing a short circuit. (1997-98)

Windows: The side windows may not go up or down, or they may rattle because the glass comes loose from the regulator. (1997-98)

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	$400

Alternator	$350

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$915

Brakes	$190

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$530

Constant Velocity Joints	$390

Exhaust System	$310

Radiator	$350

Shocks and/or Struts	$490

Timing Chain or Belt	$300

NHTSA Recall History

1997: Belted occupant in front passenger seat could experience seat movement during a moderate frontal impact.

1997: Horn could become inoperable or activate without pressing button; leading to an underhood fire.

1997: Ignition key can be removed while in "run" position.

1997: Lock-up feature of seatbelt may not work properly.

1999-2000: Some seatbelt shoulder-guide anchor bolts were inadequately tightened at center pillar and could fall out.

2000: Armrest latch may open during a crash.

2000: Some brake-pipe-attachment nuts may not have been tightened properly, and leakage could occur.

2000: Some rear-bumper fasteners could be loose or missing; rear bumper may not absorb energy properly in a rear-end collision.

2000: Some welds in instrument-panel carrier assembly were not strong enough; occupant, especially if unbelted, may have increased risk of injury in frontal crash.

2000: The fuel-tank Over Pressure Relief valve can become stuck open in a frontal collision, creating a fire hazard.

2001: An improperly adjusted automatic-transaxle park-lock assembly could allow the vehicle to be shifted out of "Park" with the ignition key removed.

2001: An inadequate weld at the top of the fuel tank could allow fuel leakage in a rollover.

1997-2002 Saturn Coupe Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1997
SC1	$2,400-2,900	$1,700-2,100	$500-600
SC2	$2,700-3,200	$2,000-2,400	$600-700

1998
SC1	$2,700-3,200	$2,000-2,400	$600-700
SC2	$3,000-3,500	$2,300-2,700	$700-800

1999
SC1	$3,100-3,600	$2,400-2,800	$700-900
SC2	$3,500-4,000	$2,800-3,200	$900-1,100

2000
SC1 3-door	$3,600-4,200	$2,900-3,400	$1,000-1,200
SC2 3-door	$4,000-4,600	$3,300-3,800	$1,300-1,500

2001
SC1 3-door	$4,300-4,900	$3,600-4,100	$1,500-1,700
SC2 3-door	$5,000-5,600	$4,300-4,800	$2,000-2,200

2002
SC1 3-door	$5,200-5,900	$4,400-5,000	$2,100-2,400
SC2 3-door	$6,000-6,700	$5,200-5,800	$2,500-2,800

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.

1997-2002 Saturn Coupe Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	102.4

Overall Length, in.	180.0

Overall Width, in.	67.3

Overall Height, in.	52.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	2308

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	12.1

Seating Capacity	4

Front Head Room, in.	38.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.6

Rear Head Room, in.	35.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Different engines helped give the two Saturn coupe models different personalities. The economy-oriented SC1 got a single-overhead-cam 1.9-liter 4-cylinder, rated 100 horsepower. Sporty-minded buyers can search for an SC2, with its 124-horsepower dual-overhead-cam engine. In either case, the coupes could have a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	1.9 / 116	100	114	5-speed manual: 28/39 4-speed automatic: 27/37	5-speed manual: 31.9 4-speed automatic: --

dohc I4	1.9 / 116	124	122	5-speed manual: 26/36 4-speed automatic: 24/34	5-speed manual: 26 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

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