Introduction
My wife and I were still driving around a totally beat up Datsun 79 280ZX which had well over 100000 miles on it. If I remember correctly it finally croaked out at about 180000. We decided (more like our old car decided) that we needed a new car and quick. I had just acquired a new job since getting out of the military and I thought this would make the hunt that much more difficult. My wife and I had applied at a Saturn dealership in the Oceanside, CA area before, and ended up being told that we were only good on credit to Lease a vehicle which we didn't want to do.

So here we are no vehicle to get us anywhere and needing some decent transportation with out much hassle. Lucky for us the Plano Saturn dealership helped us out (that and the fact that it was 3 years later with much more credit development). We went in to the place at around 8:30 on a Thursday night and times being so rough we thought everyone had left, but the staff was still there.

Sales Experience
One of the many things that sets Saturn apart from the rest is their way they handle customers. Especially from what I saw the way they handled new (first time) buyers and didn't try in any way to pressure them. This was the first place I went to that actually assisted me in reaching what I wanted and didn't try to suggest anything extra. As a matter of fact one of their own salesmen told me that they didn't know why they sold their floormats for almost $100 and that I should just hit the local Wal-Mart and get a decent set for around $20 (which I did).

I have to say as far as the Salesmanship of this dealership I would rate it a 5 if that option were available on these car ratings.

The Car
I am the type of person who wants to get the stripped down bare necessities type vehicle. This may be because of the fact that I had to be so darn frugle in the Marine Corps that now I don't want to hardly waste a penny I earn. So my car is the Saturn SL (not SL-1 or SL-2 just SL) which is the extremely economical version of the other two models. It has a slightly smaller engine, and only comes in Standard. I only got AC on this particular car and that was enough for me. (It comes with AM/FM 2-spkr Stereo system). This model gets me roughly 33 mpg traveling mostly city streets with a lot of stop and go, and when I use the AC more it is usually about 30-31 mpg. A couple of minor problems I have found is when driving at night the lights are on the turn signal switch and it is almost too easy to turn on parking lights and turn off your headlights. One other complaint I do have about this vehicle is that in no way does it come close to being able to turn like I could in my old Datsun. I know it isn't a sports car but you should be able to get out of a small parking lot without having to back up three or four times to get around to get out.

The price I quoted below is after a 5 yr loan at only 4.9% APR which I think you can actually find even better at this time. The actual buying price is around $14.5k after the AC has been added and a transport fee along with the 60k miles or 5 yr warranty I purchased.

Only real problem I have faced so far is that my mom used a wheelchair for a little while and we couldn't fit it into the trunk without folding the backseats down (something I think all sedans should be able to do), and this is only bad when you have more than two people going with you to one place.

Tech Specs
I am not the average guy with your average thirst for speed horsepower, and torque so this vehicle does fit me, now for those of you who are big fans of these things you can find most of what you want to know at www.saturn.com where you will find the following:

Engine
1,901-cc, SOHC, 8-valve, inline-4, alloy block and head

Horsepower
100 @ 5,000 rpm

Torque (ft. lbs.)
114 @ 2,400 rpm

Valvetrain
2 valves per cylinder, steel timing chain

Fuel
Unleaded 87-octane

Transmission (standard)
5-speed manual

Transmission (optional)
—

Chassis

Drivetrain
Front engine/front-wheel drive with equal-length driveshafts

Body construction
Galvanized-steel spaceframe

Exterior panels
Polymer front fenders, door panels, rear-quarter panels and bumper fascias; galvanized-steel hood and roof; steel trunklid

Bumpers
Color-keyed five-mph front and rear

Front suspension
Independent MacPherson strut, lateral-link and stabilizer bar

Rear suspension
Independent tri-link with strut/spring module

Steering, rack-and-pinion
Constant-flow, power-assisted

Brakes
Power-assisted, ventilated front disc/rear drum

Anti-lock Braking System with Traction Control (optional)
Electrohydraulic control unit and four-wheel speed sensors with front disc/rear drum

Exhaust
Full stainless steel

Tires

Size
P185/65R14 84S*

Type (all-season steel-belted radial)
—

Spare
T115/70R14

Wheels
14" forged steel

Exterior Dimensions (inches)

Wheelbase
102.4

Overall length
178.1

Overall width
66.4

Overall height, unloaded
55.0

Track (front/rear)
56.8/56.0

Interior Dimensions Front/Rear (inches)

Headroom
39.3/38.0

Shoulder room
53.9/53.1

Hip room
49.2/50.2

Legroom
42.5/32.8

Weights, Capacities and Technical Data

Curb weight, manual (lbs.)**
2,351

EPA passenger volume (cu. ft.)
91.0

EPA cargo-area volume, seatback up (cu. ft.)
12.1

Fuel capacity (gallons)
12.1

Coefficient of drag (Cd)
0.315

EPA Mileage Estimates*** (City/Highway mpg)

Manual transmission
29/40

Automatic transmission
—

Towing Capacity†

All Saturn vehicles can tow up to 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) with either the automatic or manual transmission. Saturn cars can also be towed (behind such vehicles as RV campers) on the ground at normal vehicle speeds of less than 65 mph (105 km/h). Saturn, however, does not endorse any specific brand of equipment for use in towing the vehicle or towing with the vehicle.

They also have a more detailed explanation of the different models the above specs being for the SL only and not the SL-1, or SL-2.

Conclusion
This car makes a great commuter or family sedan. It is a great first time buy and doesn't depreciate as fast as other vehicles in its class seem to do. I would really like to suggest to anyone who hasn't been to their local Saturn dealer to get out there and take a quick tour around and test drive one of these babies.
Amount Paid (US$): 17019
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: SL, Manual, AC, AM/FM 2-Spkr Stereo