1995 Saturn SL1              

I had a friend buy this car for me at a dealer auction in March 2004 for $1500.   When I bought it, it had 138,000 miles on it;  right now it has 185,000.  I'm not really sure how I feel about this car, or how long I plan on keeping it.  Basically, it is cheap transportation and has room enough for carrying construction materials for various projects I do around the house.  I have to admit, though - it was a major self-esteem hit for me buying a sedan.  Although, I'm not neurotic about where I park it and I don't really care how it looks when I am out - I wash it every year (whether it needs it or not!).  The photo above memorializes the annual event.

Here's a summary of my thoughts on this car:

Pros

Cons
Fuel economy (28/40) rivals many cars this size; nice plus given the oil market and the global climate these days. SOHC engine is anemic, so be content not to pass unless you have a quarter-mile of open road ahead of you.
Gear ratio in 5th is taller than a sequoia  (84mph @ 3000 RPM).  Great engine speed for highway cruising on long trips. Uses about 2.5 quarts between oil changes.  I have done a lot of research and nearly EVERY OWNER is having problems like this after 100,000 miles.  The quality control on engine tolerances was where they cut to save the consumer money, apparently.
Production run - parts are cheap and plentiful. Production run - everyone has one of these, it seems.  I feel like a lemming driving it.
Plastic panels - bring on the rust, shopping carts, etc. Interior is very chintzy all-around.  Sound system, plastic on the dash and console, etc.  Not a good "first impression" car.
Very roomy - I've transported lots of things inside this car with minimal strife. Don't transport things on the ROOF, however.  The sheet metal is not very strong and the convex roof dents easily under load.  Ask me how I know this.

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