From: basar@compaq.com (George Basar)
Subject: (LONG)Re: Saturn SL2: the REAL test drive..
Organization: Compaq Computer Corporation
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1993 15:37:09 GMT

In article <pjay.32g2@terapin.com>, pjay@terapin.com (Paul Arnold) writes:
> 
> Could ya tell us everything about the car that you've experienced?
>  
>  
> About the only major complaint I've seen is the engine noise problem.  It
> sounds as though the problem had been somewhat improved with the 92 & 93
> models, but how much?  (I guess I'll find out when I test drive one for
> myself.)
> 
> I'd appreciate any info anyone has on this new company/car.
> 
>   --Paul   (pjay@terapin.com)


I've owned many used cars in my day, and the Saturn is my first new car.

I drive a '93 Blue/Black SL2 w/ tan leather, 5-speed manual, ABS, power 
package, and gear-tooth rims.

DRIVETRAIN/MECHANICAL:
Yes, the most often heard complaint is about engine noise. Well, I can live
with it.  Every single car I've driven, from 60's Vettes to mid-60's Impalas,
to mid 70's LeMans had engine noise.  It is a distinctive part of the auto.
Along with the exhaust note, I can judge the performance of my SL2. And I like
the fact that it has a steel timing chain.

As far as drive-ability, I am not the average driver.  I tend to push any car
to its limits.  The SL2 performs well off the line(although first is geared a
tad low for my tastes), the mid-range response is excellent, giving enough
power to pull away from the pack, and my most recent long trip took me into
Oklahoma;5th gear all the way at a steady 70mph w/34mpg.

Around town I get about 22-24mpg, depending on how much I get on the
throttle.

The only reason I got ABS was to get the four-wheel disc brakes that come
along with it.(Someone mentioned hi-po parts, one easy mod would be
ventilated rotors)  The ABS functions well, although the initial calibration
is a little nerve wracking until you get used to it.

One thing that is missing in the sedan dash cluster is the oil pressure gauge
which appears in the SC's.

FIT AND FINISH:
The leather option is priced low, but its quality is not.  All the skins are
relatively imperfection free, and all the coloring is consistent.  
I would have prefered a heavier weight leather for the seat buckets.

The dash looks spartan with the leather, but is functional(See Above). And the
only real complaint is a non-existant lock for the glove box.

All doors and latches have a positive feel, although with the polymer door
skins, getting the right closing pressure is an adjustment from my '78
Caddy.

The trunk is roomy(I haven't had a chance to try the 60/40 folding rear seats)
and all trunk carpet is removable for cleaning.

The Saturn paint technology is consistent,and high quality  on the steel and 
polymer panels.

OVERALL:
Someone remarked to me "You are the only person I've seen that gets so much
pleasure out of a new car", and it is true.

It looks great, handles well, and is an all-around performer. 

General Comments on Saturn:
Yes, they wash and clean my car every time I bring it in(once for some adhesive
 that I found on the rear window, and once for an oil change)

Everyone at the dealership is very personable(although I disliked their sales
technique of banging the car doors with their fists)

I think the SL1s should have two different bumper body colors, one for dark
cars(black) and one for lighter colored cars.  A white SL1 with black bumpers
just doesn't appeal to me.

The head of GM's Oldsmobile division just made comments to the effect that he
wants to "Saturnize" his Oldsmobile plants.


P.S.- I heard their was a Saturn-owners mailing list.  Any one have any info?

gb
--
George A. Basar                         Compaq Computer Corporation
phone: (713) 378-8458                   fax:   (713) 374-7305
basar@compaq.com                        uucp: ..!uunet!compaq.com!basar
Newsgroups: rec.autos