| Manufacturer | Saturn Corporation |
|---|---|
| Production | 1990–2002 |
| Model years | 1991–2002 |
| Successor | Saturn Ion |
| Class | Compact |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM Z platform |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
The S-Series was part of a family of compact cars from the Saturn automobile company. This was the first series of Saturn vehicles. The automobile platform, the Z-body, was developed entirely in-house at Saturn and shared very little with the rest of the General Motors model line. It implemented a spaceframe design, also seen on some Pontiacs, which meant that the side panels did not carry load and could use plastic pieces instead of metal. These polymer panels were dent-resistant—something that has remained a major selling point for Saturn. The S-series was sold from the fall of 1990 through the end of the 2002 model year, with redesigns in 1996/1997 and in 2000/2001.
The S-series debuted with SC (“sports coupe”) and SL (“sedan level”) models in 1990 as 1991 models. The SW (“sedan wagon”) debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Taiwan and Japan were the only two Asian countries to import Saturns. From 1992 to 1996, the first- and second-generation sedans plus the first-generation coupes were sold in Taiwan. From 1996 to 2003, the second-generation versions were sold in right-hand drive in Japan, and some Toyota Netz dealerships, and former Isuzu dealerships did offer Saturn products until 2001. All Saturn products were in compliance with Japanese Government regulations concerning exterior dimensions and maximum engine displacement requirements.
Canada imported all available Saturn models from 1992 onwards.
A change partway through the 1999 model year gave the SC a small suicide door on the driver's side. This type of door had previously been used in extended cab pickup trucks, but was an innovation in coupe design.[1]
The S-series was replaced by the larger Saturn Ion in 2003, which was unable to match the S-series' sales numbers before the end of its own production at the end of 2007.
Coupes and sedans equipped with the base single overhead cam engine and a manual transmission were among the most fuel-efficient cars available in the United States when they were produced, reaching 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp) in EPA highway tests at the time (this would likely translate to 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp) under current methodologies).[2]
Contents |
| Also called | Saturn SL Saturn SW Saturn SC |
|---|---|
| Production | 1991–1995 SL 1993–1995 SW 1991–1996 SC |
| Assembly | Spring Hill Manufacturing, Spring Hill, Tennessee |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.9 L LK0 I4 1.9 L L24 I4 1.9 L LL0 I4 |
| Wheelbase | SL & SW: 102.4 in (2,601 mm) SC: 99.2 in (2,520 mm) |
| Length | SL & SW: 176.3 in (4,478 mm) 1991–93 SC: 175.8 in (4,465 mm) 1994–96 SC1: 173.2 in (4,399 mm) 1994–96 SC2: 174.6 in (4,435 mm) |
| Width | 67.6 in (1,717 mm) |
| Height | SC: 50.6 in (1,285 mm) SL: 52.5 in (1,334 mm) SW: 53.7 in (1,364 mm) |
| Curb weight | SC: 2230-2480 lb |
The first generation SL and SW were made from model year 1991 to 1995. The first Saturn to leave the assembly line in the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory was on July 30, 1990, the same day that then-CEO of GM, Roger Bonham Smith, retired. It was maroon with a tan interior.
Originally there were two available trim levels. The SL1 trim level featured a SOHC 1.9 L I4 LK0 engine that was rated at 85 hp (63 kW), which was rated at 27 mpg-US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg-imp) city, 37 mpg-US (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg-imp) Highway. The SL2 trim level featured a DOHC 1.9 L I4 LL0 engine that was rated at 124 hp (92 kW), 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) city, 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) Highway.
1991-1992 model year Saturns featured the base "SL" available with a manual transmission only, an "SL1", "SL2", and "SC".
For model year 1993, the line expanded to include the SW1 and SW2 wagons, which were mechanically identical to their SL1 and SL2 counterparts. All models received an interior redesign for 1995. All S-Series cars were offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic featured a performance setting which gave crisper shifts at a higher RPM, and a setting for traction in which the transmission would stay in 2nd gear from a stop for more controlled take-offs. The Saturn transmissions in the DOHC-equipped vehicles were geared to enhance acceleration, while the SOHC-equipped model transmissions were geared toward economy.
The base SL1 engine was upgraded to the 100 hp (70 kW) L24 engine for the 1995 model year. The two base engines were mechanically identical, save for the upgrade from TBI to sequential MPFI. The 100HP engine also featured improved fuel economy of 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) city, 40 mpg-US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg-imp) Highway
The S-Series had a 12.8 US gallons (48 L; 11 imp gal) fuel tank, which means that both cars got around 384 miles (618 km) on a single tank based on average of 32 mpg-US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg-imp). Owners of the base model typical report real-world fuel mileage of about 38–41 mpg-US (6.2–5.7 L/100 km; 46–49 mpg-imp) on the highway with the manual trans.
A special Homecoming edition of the SL2 was released for 1994. It had special Pearl White paint (a "silver-tint" pearl, shared with Cadillac models of this year), black Saturn emblems, spoiler, 15-inch (380 mm) "teardrop" wheels, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, grey leather/cloth interior, rear headrests, foglamps, and power locks and windows. Options included a sunroof, CD player, and the 4-speed automatic with traction control. Approximately 3,500 Homecoming cars were produced.
In 1998 and 1999, prospective buyers of a red or white SC2 had the option of purchasing the "Black Top Coupe Package" for $225.00 (US). The models were referred to as the "Red Hot Coupe" or "White Hot Coupe", based on the exterior color. The package came with a black roof panel, black outside rear view mirrors, black emblems, white face gauges and black accented teardrop wheels. These are extremely rare.
Production Numbers on these limited editions:
Model year 1998: White - 213 Red - 657
Model year 1999: White - 285 Red - 284
In 1999, a second Homecoming Edition was produced in a special "Mint Color" with tan leather interior, special off-white gauge faceplates, and black Saturn badges to commemorate the second "Homecoming" visit to the Spring Hill, Tennessee manufacturing facility. The 1999 Homecoming Edition also had the same features offered as the 1994 Homecoming Edition. There were 4,000 of the 1999 Homecoming Edition produced.
In 2001, a special yellow SC2 coupé model was also built. The model was dubbed the "Bumblebee Edition", of which 99 were produced with a certificate of authenticity. The "Bumblebee Edition" included embroidered headrests, black leather interior with yellow leather inserts on the seats and door panels, black roof and mirrors, number designation inside fuel filler door and certificate of authenticity. These are not to be confused with the regular issue Yellow Sport Coupe.
2001 also saw a "10th Anniversary Edition" SL sedan model. 1,000 of these vehicles were made, all in SL2 trim, with "SILVER" finish (http://www.carpictures.com/Saturn/SL2-10th-Anniversary-Limited-Edition-silver-2001-03ANK351165841). The car commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Saturn SL's production. Included features were black leather interior with grey accents, black Saturn badges, white gauge faces, and restyled 15" premium alloy "Teardrop II" wheels. Options included ABS, side curtain airbags, fog lights, and embroidered "Saturn 10th Anniversary" floor mats. Another Limited SL for 2001 was the "Bright Red" sedan. Approximately 664 were built. See link (http://www.carpictures.com/Saturn/SL2-bright-red-2001-02A79480640803)
In addition to the above mentioned "Special Edition" Saturns; there was also the 1999 (and possibly 2000) Saturn SWP "Postal" Station Wagon that were produced (450 in 1999), intended to be marketed to rural route mail carriers. These station wagons were right hand drive vehicles. There were also a limited number of Saturns that were exported to Japan as right hand drive vehicles circa between 1997 and 2000. Aside from having the steering wheel on the other side, Japanese market Saturns were also fitted with slightly different light units. The rear lamps had amber turn signals and the front indicators were mounted closer to the corners rather than inboard. The Saturn faced a hard time in Japan, where it played directly into the strengths of the Japanese manufactures, comparing unfavorably with better-priced and more competent Japanese compact cars.[3] Especially the interior received criticism.[4] A mere 602 units were sold in Saturn's first year in Japan (April to December 1997).[5] Another problem was that Japanese car dealers have always excelled at customer service; this meant that Saturn's main sales argument in the United States was meaningless in the Japanese market.[6]
The first generation SC was made from model year 1991 to 1996. Originally only one trim level, SC, was available, with a DOHC 1.9 L I4 LL0 engine that was rated at 124 hp (92 kW). For 1993, the original SC trim level was renamed SC2, and an SC1 trim level was introduced. The first generation SC2 received a minor refresh for 1995. The lower front bumper, trunk lid reflector, and interior were redesigned.
Introduced for model year 1993, the SC1 was created as a base-level coupe. The SC1 featured an SOHC 1.9 L I4 LK0 engine that rated at 85 hp (63 kW). The SC1 engine was later upgraded to the 100 hp (70 kW) L24 engine for the 1995 model year. The first generation SC1 was notably different from the up-level SC2, with a completely different front fascia lacking the pop-up headlights (but identical to the 1991-95 SL/SL1/SL2 fascia), and a slightly different rear end lacking a trunk lid reflector. The SC1 also lacked the rear stabilizer bar.
| Also called | Saturn SL1 Saturn SL2 saturn SW1 Saturn SW2 Saturn SC1 Saturn SC2 |
|---|---|
| Production | 1996–2002 SL 1996–2001 SW 1997–2002 SC |
| Assembly | Spring Hill Manufacturing, Spring Hill, Tennessee |
| Body style | 2-door coupe (1997–1998) 3-door coupe (1999–2002) 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.9 L L24 I4 1.9 L LL0 I4 |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in (2,601 mm) |
| Length | 1996–99 SW & 1996–97 SL: 176.8 in (4,491 mm) 2000–02 SL & SW: 178.1 in (4,524 mm) 2001–02 SC: 180.5 in (4,585 mm) 1997–2000 SC: 180 in (4,572 mm) 1998–99 SL: 176.9 in (4,493 mm) |
| Width | 1996–99 SW: 66.7 in (1,694 mm) 2000–01 SW: 66.4 in (1,687 mm) 2001–02 SC: 68.2 in (1,732 mm) 1997–2000 SC: 67.3 in (1,709 mm) 2000–02 SL: 66.4 in (1,687 mm) 1996–99 SL: 66.7 in (1,694 mm) |
| Height | 1996–99 SW & SL: 54.5 in (1,384 mm) 2000–01 SW: 55.6 in (1,412 mm) 2000–02 SL: 55 in (1,397 mm) SC: 53 in (1,346 mm) |
The second generation SL and SW were made from model year 1996 to 2002, with a refresh for the 2000 model year. The redesign resulted in a more curvaceous look for the SL/SW, which gave a slight increase in interior room and doorway size as well as an updated appearance. Mechanically, very little was changed from the previous model, though 1996 was the first year for the OBDII PCM.
1999 models received improvements to both SOHC and DOHC engines that did not affect power output, but did smooth out some of the harshness associated with them. These changes included revised pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft counterweights, etc. Fuel economy of these refined models also saw a measurable improvement.
The face-lifted 2000-2002 model features a redesigned interior and exterior polymer panels, resulting in an addition of 1.2 inches (30 mm) to overall length, though it was virtually unchanged mechanically.
The second generation SC was made from model year 1997 to 2002, with a refresh for the 2001 model year. The second generation SC also moved to the longer wheelbase of the SL/SW models, resulting in an equal wheelbase across all models. The redesign resulted in a more curved look for the SC, which gave a slight increase in interior room and doorway size as well as an updated appearance. Mechanically, very little was changed from the previous model. For the 1999 model year, a small rear-hinged third door was added to the driver's side. Although the third door allows passengers to enter and exit the rear seat without sliding the driver's seat forward, it was intended to provide easier access to the rear seat for parcels as the door's latch is on its front edge, and is thus inaccessible unless the front door is open. This prohibits a user from opening (or closing) the rear door if the front door is not open.[1]
The 2000 model kept the same exterior but featured the redesigned interior of the SL and SW. The facelifted 2001-02 model adopted minor exterior styling revisions.
The 1995 Saturn SL was the most stolen vehicle in 2003, while the 1994 SL took third place in CCC Information Services's 2003 most stolen vehicle report.[7] According to the Lynnwood, Washington police department, when use of the key wears on the door and ignition mechanisms, a filed blank key can be used to open the door and start the engine.
Production of the S-Series ended after model year 2002. The car was replaced by one based on the GM Delta platform, the Saturn Ion. This also marked the end of Saturn's use of mostly in-house designs, as unlike the S-Series, the Ion shared its platform and engine with other GM models such as the Chevrolet Cobalt, Chevrolet HHR, Pontiac G5 and its eventual successor, the Saturn Astra.
Listed below is a rough estimate on the numbers of S-Series produced from 1991-2002. This information is referenced from "The Encyclopedia of American Cars" written by Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, Copyright 2002.
| 1991- 48,629 built | 1992- 169,959 built | 1993- 244,621 built
Introduction of Wagon Model/SC Designation for Sport Coupe changes to SC1/SC2 |
|---|---|---|
| approx. 10,000 SC | SC | SC1/SC2 |
| approx. 38,629 SL/SL1/SL2 | SL/SL1/SL2 | SL/SL1/SL2 SW1/SW2 |
| 1994- 267,518 built | 1995- 302,988 built | 1996- 294,198 built |
| SC1/SC2 | SC1/SC2- 62,434 | SC1/SC2 |
| SL/SL1/SL2
SW1/SW2 |
SL/SL1/SL2- 221,102
SW1/SW2- 19,452 |
SL/SL1/SL2
SW1/SW2 |
| 1997- 314,992 built | 1998- 219,765 built | 1999- 275,633 built |
| SC1/SC2- 70,711 | SC1/SC2- 38,591 | SC1/SC2- 52,965 |
| SL/SL1/SL2- 213,182
SW1/SW2- 31,099 |
SL/SL1/SL2- 160,759
SW1/SW2- 20,415 |
SL/SL1/SL2- 203,578
SW1/SW2- 19,090 |
| 2000- 169,866 built | 2001- 117,842 built | 2002- Figures not available from referenced material at time of publication |
| SC1- 8,517
SC2- 8,724 |
SC1- 23,584
SC2- 17,414 |
|
| SL/SL1- 74,085
SL2- 68,907 SW2- 9,633 |
SL/SL1/SL2- 73,428
SW2- 3,416 |
Figures not available from referenced material at time of publication |
| Type | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | |
| Sport Compact | Ion Red Line | |||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | S-Series | S-Series | Ion | Astra | ||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | L-Series | Aura | ||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | Vue | Vue | ||||||||||||||||||
| Outlook | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Minivan | Relay | |||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Sky | |||||||||||||||||||