Introduction

Saturn's S-Series sedans, the SL, SL1 and SL2, are redesigned for 2000. Changes include a restyled exterior, an all-new interior, extensive updates to the electronics and a new anti-lock braking system. But before making all these changes, Saturn says it listened closely to what its customers were saying they wanted. Since Saturn's launch just one decade ago, GM's newest division has focused on maintaining a close relationship with its customers. So when it came time to redesign its core product, the S-Series sedans, Saturn listened. Every time a change was considered, the company asked itself whether it would add value for the customer. These cars do indeed offer value. Saturn has been winning accolades for high resale values and its cars are regarded for low maintenance and repair costs. Prices for the S-Series sedans range from $11,000 to $16,000. Buying one brings the owner into the Saturn family. You are treated well during the buying process; Saturn has been named best overall nameplate in sales satisfaction by the J.D. Power research firm for four consecutive years. But that's only the beginning. When it's time for service, you are welcomed back warmly. There are even picnics and other family gatherings. The only thing diluting all this good value is that, in the past, the cars have been perceived to be unrefined. To address this, Saturn completely redesigned its S-Series engines for 1999 to make them smoother and quieter. Coupled with this year's refinements, the 2000 S-Series sedans have much to offer people who are seeking value and a pleasant ownership experience.

Walkaround

Its upswept, mildly wedge-shaped body and clean, smooth surfaces continue to form Saturn's distinctive design. But all body panels below the beltline are new for 2000, giving the cars a fresh exterior appearance. 2000 S-series sedans retain the dent-resistant polymer body panels. These plastic body panels, bonded to a steel subframe, are flexible so that minor dings don't form lasting impressions. And they won't rust. New reflector headlamps are designed to offer improved lighting. Taillamps are redesigned with a contemporary wraparound look. New wheel designs further freshen the appearance.

Interior Features

Gone is the functional but funky interior and we don't miss it. The interior has been dramatically restyled for 2000. The new one is attractive and its styling reflects that of the exterior design. The top of the dash looks better and is designed to reduce squeaks and rattles. A new instrument cluster provides more information with a revised telltale display. A new center console features storage for audio tapes, provisions for a six-disc CD changer and improved cupholders. SL2 models include an armrest with fore-aft adjustment. New door panels offer additional storage space with a place for a 12-ounce soda can. A new steering wheel locates the horn button in the center with cruise-control buttons on the spokes. Saturn S-Series sedans seat five, four comfortably. SL1 and SL2 come fully trimmed in cloth, while the SL uses cloth and vinyl. Saturn upgraded all the fabrics for 2000. Leather trim is available for the SL2 for $700, which includes a comfortable leather-wrapped steering wheel with contoured humps at the proper 2 and 10 o'clock hand positions. The grey leather in our SL2 was attractive and comfortable. Front seats offer improved built-in lumbar support for 2000. Fore and aft seat travel has been increased to provide additional legroom for taller drivers, addressing a complaint we had last year. Stereo performance has been improved, but the small buttons make it a challenge to operate. Reduced-force airbags are standard, of course. Seatbelts were revised last year with buckles and shoulder belt height adjusters that are easier to use. New for 2000 are top tether anchors for child safety seats. Power door locks have been improved: For starters, the system won't let you lock the car with the key in the ignition. The horn complains if you try to lock the car with a door or the trunk lid open. The range of the keyless remote has been increased to 30 feet. Vandals and thieves are thwarted by an alarm that goes off if the doors or trunk are tampered with and an engine that won't start if the ignition is tampered. SL sedan trunk is big, but shallow. SC coupe offers almost as much cargo capacity with 11.4 cubic feet compared with the sedan's 12.1 cubic feet. SW2 wagon offers nearly 25 cubic feet with the seats up, more than 58 cubic feet with them folded down.