Saturn SC2 has been my vehicle of choice twice now. First of all, let me explain that I am not tech oriented, so if you want a perfunctory, tekkie type review, this will not be the one for you. Secondly, I had a 1999 Saturn SC2 prior to this one, and overall was pleased with it. It was cute, fun to drive, customer service with Saturn is superior to any other car (unless Lexus has bypassed it), but exceptional none-the-less. I did have problems with little things on my 1999 SC2, motor in one of the windows; motor in one of the seatbelts; problem with ignition. In spite of all this, the car was a joy to own. However, my warranty was running out, and I didn't want to have to worry about little things going wrong. I am looking for a new job, and while I may end up five minutes from the house, I could end up 20 miles away or more, and don't want to be stuck somewhere with a possible problematic car, and no warranty in effect.

I went into the Saturn dealership toward the end of the month, and toward the end of the year, as I felt they would be more amenable to negotiating. Yes, yes, they are Saturn and they don't negotiate, but they do with your trade-in, interest rate etc. Going to a dealership as a woman alone, is not something I recommend to anyone, but at Saturn I had no worries. I told them if I could get reduced interest, the trade in on my 1999 was what I thought it should be, and my payment was equal to my payment for the 1999, I would bite the bullet, otherwise, no big deal, thanks but no thanks. Bottom line, I got my interest rate (originally high based on a credit problem from several years ago) reduced from the teens, to 0%. Yes, 0%. My car payment went up $5.00; yes $5.00. My insurance went up $11 a year. I now have a new car with a full warranty, and no concerns about mechanical problems. Or if I have problems they are covered by warranty. And by the way, even if you had credit glitches in the past, it will take time and effort to get in good standing again, but patience paid off for me, as you can see. It can happen to you too!

Outside appearance:

The 2002 SC2 is much sleeker, curvier and sportier than my previous car. It also has the little third door. It is perfect if my elderly parents need to get in the backseat (my previous car just had two doors and was awkward for them), for a briefcase or groceries, or for my dogs (I call it the "doggie door").

The car comes in red, a medium blue, silver, black, bronze (they call it orange), or cranberry (mine). The car comes with day running lights,Dent/corrosion-resistant polymer bodyside panels, dual color-coordinated exterior mirrors, foglamps, halogen headlights, rear spoiler and solar glass, and as mentioned previously, the third door for easy rear entry.

Interior Features

My car comes equipped with 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, adjustable lumbar support and cushion height on driver's seat (wonderful for my back/neck problems). The Saturn SC1 offers lumbar support on the driver's side, but it is not adjustable. It also has air conditioning with CFC-free refrigerant, automatic dimming three-way dome light, cruise control. The front center console has beacoup cupholders (four). I opted for cloth seat upholstery this time in lieu of the leather I had in the old car. I found my dogs were too rough on it.

Also included on the car is a height adjustable steering column, power door locks with an anti lockout feature remote keyless entry system, and Saturn Security System. The windows are power also and have driver express-down feature. Even the rear console has two cupholders, and there is ample storage. I particularly appreciate the storage pockets that are located in the front door panels and also the passenger side. There is an audio system of course with AM/FM stereo with CDE player and four speakers. My previous car had a really cool looking equalizer. This one has it built in, and it is less impressive to look at but sounds wonderful.

I find all the gauges to be convenient and easy to reach. The only things I don't care for inside the car are the cheap looking (in my opinion) dashboard, and frankly it almost deterred me from purchasing the car, and the fact that it is hard to look through the driver's side back window, so that is not as safe as it could be.

The seats are very comfortable; I particularly appreciate the adjustable lumbar support on the driver's side. It perfectly adheres to my spine, so even though I have difficulties with my back/neck, I drive it with comfort, though not for extensive drives. If I didn't have back problems, I could drive without limitations, and be comfortable. I am average weight though I could lose some weight (couldn't most of us), and those who are up to six feet should be fine, but those who are broader or taller might not find it comfortable. Of course the back seat is most comfortable for children or pets, or smaller adults for a short period of time.

The instrumentation includes the following-all tech info from Saturn website or brochure:

* 130-mph analog speedometer
* 8,000-rpm analog tachometer
* digital trip odometer
* coolant-temperature
* fuel-level gauges
* Oil-life monitor
* Warning lights for low fuel
* low brake fluid
* low washer fluid
* driver-side air bag

Technical Features:

1.9-liter, DOHC,16-valve, 4-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, or automatic (mine is automatic), four-wheel independent sport-tuned suspension, engine 1,901-cc, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-4, alloy block and head, Horsepower
124 @ 5,600 rpm, torque (ft. lbs.) 122 @ 4,800 rpm

Valvetrain
4 valves per cylinder, steel timing chain

Wheels
15" forged steel

Exterior Dimensions (inches)

Wheelbase
102.4

Overall length
180.5

Overall width
68.2

Overall height, unloaded
53.0

Fuel capacity (gallons)
12.1

City/Highway mpg)

Mileage
25/36

For safety-some of the features from Saturn information:

Adjustable front and rear shoulder-belt guides
Breakaway inside rearview mirror
Child-safety seat top tether anchors
Driver and front passenger air bags*
Dual-mode belt retractor (front passenger and rear outboard seats)
Emergency Trunk Release handle
Front and rear crumple zones
Safety tempered side and rear window glass
Secure trunk feature (locking rear seatbacks and trunklid-release disable switch)
Security door locks and door-retention components
Side-impact protection includes: front door, rear door and B-pillar energy-absorbing padding; high-strength steel door beams; reinforced side pillars and underbody
Steel spaceframe construction
Three-ply laminated windshield with urethane bonding

There are also several safety Features that assist in avoiding collisions

Driving my car:

My car is small enough to fit in compact spaces (unless a SUV has beat me to it), drives smoothly and pretty quietly. It takes curves well, and excelerates without any difficulty at all. My mother has a Honda Civic EX, and my vehicle seems to have more guts than hers (she admits it). I get a lot of stares when driving my car. I think it is because of the third door. Many people tell me they have never seen anything like it before, and many wonder what kind of car it is.

Final thoughts and recommendations:

I very much enjoy driving my 2002 Saturn SC2, and glad that I made the decision to trade in my 1999. This car is faster, more responsive, has a snazzier appearance, and I am really hoping it doesn't have the little problems that I experienced with my previous Saturn. So far, so good. I highly recommend this car for those who like a sporty look, for those who want some access to the back seat, but prefer the look of a coupe rather than a four door. I recommend it for those of pretty much average or smaller stature and width, and with reservations for those who deviate from that. I opted to forego the moonroof/sunroof on this car, and I understand that that does allow more headroom. My sons are both six feet tall and seem fine in my car. At this point I am giving the car four stars. If over time it does not experience the difficulties I had with my other SC2 I shall reconsider my rating.

Many thanks to SCMRAK (Rex), for adding this car to the database for me. Sorry it took so long. Tech reviews intimidate me

Thanks for reading!

Suzi
Amount Paid (US$): 18,500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: SC2-a/c, cruise control, auto, cassette