Driving Impressions

Our Saturn SL2 is substantially improved over pre-1999 models. These cars have always handled well and that holds true. Steering and handling is one of Saturn's strongest suits. The SL2 seems to provide more accurate steering response than a Dodge Neon. It comes with 185/65R15 tires that provide good roadholding in sharp corners. (This year's SL and SL1 models come with 185/65R14 tires.) Though it rides well, the softly tuned springs allow the body to lean in turns. Softer springs also require slowing a bit more for rough roads to avoid bottoming out the suspension. It feels stable at high speeds, though strong crosswinds blow it around a bit. GM worked hard to reduce noise and vibration in the 1999 Saturn engines. Pistons were made smaller and lighter, connecting rods were made longer, more counterweighting was added to the crankshaft, the block was redesigned and reinforced, the timing chain was made smaller. The cylinder head was redesigned on the twin-cam engine. The list goes on and on. All that work paid off. The new twin-cam engine is so smooth that power delivery is now nearly invisible. It's also much quieter at cruising speeds. The noises you do hear are not as annoying. The SL2 engine now hums along happily with a pleasant roar in the middle of the rev range. It no longer feels like it's going to blow up every time you hold the gas all the way down for an extended period. The muffler produces a pleasing sound. Road noise, engine noise and ride quality still do not match that of some of the more refined German and Japanese cars in this class, however. Saturn's S-series cars deliver excellent fuel economy. The SL gets 40 mpg highway, while the SL2 gets 38 mpg. The SL2 isn't as quick as a Dodge Neon or Honda Civic, but it offers good performance in city traffic. Saturn claims the SL2 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 9 seconds. To save money, Saturn last year changed the rear brakes from discs to drums on all S-series models, something we don't think rates as progress. In all fairness, however, base Hondas and Toyotas make do with drums in back as well. Saturn refined its optional anti-lock braking system for 2000. Saturn's tests indicate reduced stopping distances with ABS, and independent published test results indicate these cars provide good stopping power. It seems like the ABS comes into play often. We can barely hear it when making normal stops at intersections. We don't know whether that's because the tires lack grip or if it's because the ABS is aggressive. It also kicks in when just one side of the car is on a slippery surface, which is a good thing. The traction control system works aggressively as well. While standing on the throttle at the bottom of an ice-covered grade, the SL2 slowly and methodically motored to the top of the hill. These are easy cars to drive. A switch on the console allows the driver to turn off traction control for those times when a bit of wheelspin is needed to get unstuck or to accelerate at maximum levels.

Final Word

Value and a pleasant ownership continue to be Saturn's hallmarks. With attractive interiors and nimble handling, these are pleasant cars to drive. They still may not offer the refinement of some of the best compact sedans from Europe and Japan, but Saturn's S-series sedans have come a long way. Affordable payments and a trustworthy dealer are important considerations when choosing a car and these new Saturns deliver those benefits in spades.