View source for Saturn S-Series

{{Infobox automobile
| image = 1995 Saturn SL1 maroon, front right.jpg
| caption = First generation Saturn SL1 (1995)
| name = Saturn S-Series
| manufacturer = [[Saturn Corporation]] ([[General Motors]])
| production = 1990–2002
| model_years = 1991–2002
| class = [[Compact car]]
| successor = [[Saturn Ion]]
| assembly = United States: [[Spring Hill, Tennessee]] ([[Spring Hill Manufacturing]])
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
| platform = [[GM Z platform]]
}}
The '''Saturn S-Series''' is a family of [[compact car]]s from the [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] [[automobile]] company of General Motors. With this car, Saturn pioneered their brand-wide "no-haggle" sales technique.

Its [[automobile platform]], the [[GM Z platform|Z-body]], developed [[in-house]] at Saturn and sharing little with other [[General Motors]] platforms, used a [[spaceframe]] design.  Pioneered on the [[Pontiac Fiero]] during the 1980s, the spaceframe used non-load-carrying [[plastic]] side panels. These [[polymer]] panels were dent-resistant, something that remained Saturn's [[unique selling proposition]] until a few years before the brand was discontinued.

The S-Series was marketed in three generations from the fall of 1990 for the 1991 model year through the end of the 2002 model year. The model changes took place for the 1997 and 2000 model years.

==History==
The S-Series debuted for the 1991 model year with the Sport Coupe (SC) and Sedan Level (SL) models. The SC was only available with the DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) engine whereas the SLs had an option for the SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) engine (SL1) or the DOHC (SL2).

For the 1993 model year, the SC gained an SOHC option (SC1) in addition to the existing DOHC option (SC2, renamed from SC).<ref>A model name with a "1" marked an SOHC/base trim variant while "2" signified a DOHC/upgraded trim option</ref> The SL & SC families were joined by the SW (Station Wagon) models, in both SW1 and SW2 flavors.

The S-Series all used either the [[Saturn I4 engine#SOHC LK0.2FL24|SOHC LK0/L24]] or the [[Saturn I4 engine#DOHC LL0|DOHC LL0]] version of the completely original, designed in-house [[Saturn I4 engine|Saturn 1.9L]] engine. SL1s, SC1s, and SW1s were only offered with the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP2|MP2]] manual transmission and the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP6|MP6]] automatic, while SL2, SC2 and SW2 models came with either the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP3|MP3]] manual or [[Saturn MP transmission#MP7|MP7]] automatic. The only difference in each case is the selection of gear ratios, with the SOHC-associated transmissions being geared taller for more efficiency, and the DOHC-associated transmissions having shorter, more closely spaced ratios for performance. As a result, it's not uncommon for enthusiast-owners to swap a tall-geared MP2 manual into a car equipped with a DOHC engine for better fuel economy on the highway.

Aside from the engine and transmission, the level 2 models also included 15-inch instead of 14-inch wheels, a correspondingly larger tire size, EVO steering,<ref>Electronic Variable Orifice, a power steering pump modification that allows for proportional steering</ref> a rear [[sway bar|swaybar]], the option of rear [[disc brakes]] (standard on the 1991–1992 SC), color-matched bumpers and door handles, and more interior options such as power locks, power windows, rear defroster, & a sunroof (SC2 only). Aside from the wheel size, it was almost impossible to tell a 1 from a 2 externally, except for the SC2s which had [[retractable headlamps]] throughout the 1996 model year.

A redesign beginning with the 1999 model year gave the SC a small [[suicide door]] (more correctly a clamshell door) on the driver's side to improve rear-seat access. This type of door had previously been used in extended cab [[pickup truck]]s, but was an innovation in [[coupe]] design.<ref name="The New York Times">{{cite news|first = Michelle | last = Krebs | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/07/automobiles/behind-the-wheel-saturn-sc2-finding-a-jackpot-behind-door-no-3.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm|title= Saturn SC2; Finding a Jackpot Behind Door No. 3|date=1999-02-07 |access-date=2012-07-30|newspaper = New York Times }}</ref>

The level 1 S-Series equipped with a [[manual transmission]] were among the most [[Fuel economy in automobiles|fuel-efficient]] [[car]]s available in the United States when they were produced, reaching {{convert|40|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp}} in [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] highway tests at the time (this would likely translate to {{convert|36|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp}} under current methodologies).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/calculatorCompareSideBySidePopUp.jsp?column=1&id=13521|title=Compare Old and New EPA MPG Estimates: 1997 Saturn SL|publisher=United States Environmental Protection Agency|access-date=January 27, 2010}}</ref>

The S-Series was replaced by the [[Saturn Ion|Saturn ION]] for the 2003 model year.

===Export markets===
[[Taiwan]] and Japan were the only two Asian countries to import Saturns. From June 1992 to 1996, the first- and second-generation sedans plus the first-generation coupes were sold in Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/12/business/company-news-a-22800-economy-car-gm-begins-selling-the-saturn-in-taiwan.html | title=COMPANY NEWS: A $22,800 Economy Car; G.M. Begins Selling the Saturn in Taiwan | work=The New York Times | date=12 June 1992 | last1=Levin | first1=Doron P. }}</ref> Taiwan was selected as a way to test the car's competitiveness in what was a small, level market, with most international players present and with no significant domestic brands.<ref>{{Cite book | last = Chen | first = Chia-wen | title = An Economic Analysis of Taiwan's Automobile Industry | publisher = MIT | year = 1995 | page = 35 | location = Cambridge, MA | url = http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/37548/33817380.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120314013952/http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/37548/33817380.pdf | archive-date = 2012-03-14 }}</ref> From 1997 to 2001, the second-generation versions were sold in [[right-hand drive]] in Japan. Some ''[[Toyota Netz]]'' dealerships and former [[Isuzu]] dealerships also offered Saturn products until 2001.

Canada imported all available Saturn models from 1992 onward.

==First generation (1991)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| aka = Saturn SL<br />Saturn SW<br />Saturn SC<br/>Sauber Messager<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/abandoned-history/abandoned-history-the-brief-and-mysterious-sauber-brand-where-ford-gm-and-45130471 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20250908172601/https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/abandoned-history/abandoned-history-the-brief-and-mysterious-sauber-brand-where-ford-gm-and-45130471 | archivedate = September 8, 2025 | title = Abandoned History: The Brief and Mysterious Sauber Brand, Where Ford, GM, and Chrysler Visited Austria | first = Corey | last = Lewis | date = August 21, 2025 | work = The Truth About Cars | publisher = VerticalScope Inc. }}</ref>
| image = 1st-Saturn-SL1.jpg
| production = 1990–1995 (SL)<br />1993–1995 (SW)<br />1990–1996 (SC)
| model_years = 1991–1995
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]<br />4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />5-door [[station wagon]]
| wheelbase = SL & SW: {{cvt|2600|mm|in|1|disp=flip}}<br />SC: {{convert|99.2|in|0|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---May/1991-Saturn-Full-Line-Brochure/1991-Saturn-Full-Line-24-25 |title=1991 Saturn Full Line-24-25 |access-date=2018-05-26 |archive-date=2018-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527023516/http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---May/1991-Saturn-Full-Line-Brochure/1991-Saturn-Full-Line-24-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| length = SL & SW: {{convert|176.3|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />1990–93 SC: {{convert|175.8|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />1994–96 SC1: {{convert|173.2|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />1994–96 SC2: {{convert|174.6|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|67.6|in|0|abbr=on}}
| height = SC: {{convert|50.6|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />SL: {{convert|52.5|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />SW: {{convert|53.7|in|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = SC: {{convert|2293.9|–|2416.7|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}<br />SL: {{convert|2320.5|–|2456.5|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}<br />SW: {{convert|2397.3|–|2499.4|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| engine = {{ubl
  | 1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine#SOHC LK0/L24|LK0/L24]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine#DOHC LL0|LL0]]'' [[DOHC]] I4
  }}
| transmission = {{ubl
  | 5-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP2|MP2/MP3]]'' manual
  | 4-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP6|MP6/MP7]]'' automatic
  }}
}}

===First generation SL===
[[File:1993 Saturn SL1 1.9L rear 6.13.18.jpg|thumb|left|Saturn SL]]
The first generation SL was constructed for the 1991 to 1995 model years, with the first Saturn rolling off the assembly line in the [[Spring Hill, Tennessee]] factory on July 30, 1990, the same day that then-CEO of GM, [[Roger Bonham Smith]], retired. It was maroon with a tan interior.

From 1991 to 1992, the Saturn SL-series Sedan trim levels consisted of the '''SL''', the '''SL1''', and the '''SL2'''.

The base '''SL''' model featured the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP2|MP2]] 5-speed manual transmission only, and it had manual steering. On the exterior, the car featured unique hubcaps different from the SL1 and came equipped with only a driver's side exterior mirror (a passenger mirror was a popular dealer-installed option). On the inside, the SL featured a standard AM/FM radio with no cassette player and lower-grade cloth material on the seats. Some factory options such as power windows, power locks, or cruise control were not available on the '''SL''' but air conditioning and an AM/FM/cassette radio were available on the option sheet. The '''SL1''' trim level added power steering, a passenger mirror, different hubcaps for the 14-inch wheels, an AM/FM cassette player, and softer cloth material on the seats. It featured as standard equipment the same MP2 manual or the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP6|MP6]] 4-speed automatic transmission could be had as an option. The SL1 could be optioned with power windows, power locks, power mirror (passenger side only - driver's side retained manual control), cruise control, and air conditioning. Both were offered only with the [[Saturn I4 engine#SOHC LK0.2FL24|SOHC 1.9L I4 "LK0"]] engine that produced {{Convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, which was rated at 27 mpg (8.7L/100&nbsp;km/32 mpg) City, 34 mpg (6.9L/100&nbsp;km; 41 mpg) Highway. The '''SL2''' trim level featured the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP3|MP3]] 5-speed manual transmission, or the [[Saturn MP transmission#MP7|MP7]] 4-speed automatic transmission, both exclusively with the [[Saturn I4 engine#DOHC LL0|DOHC 1.9L I4 LL0]] engine that was rated at {{Convert|123|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, 24 mpg (9.8L/100&nbsp;km; 29 mpg) City, 34 mpg (6.9L/100&nbsp;km; 41 mpg) Highway. The SL2 also brought body-color bumpers, 15-inch steel wheels (alloys were optional), and higher spec cloth on the seats (including the seatbacks - on SL and SL1 the seatbacks were vinyl). SL2's could be optioned with power windows, locks, mirror (again, pass. side only), cruise control, air conditioning, sunroof, and leather seats. Anti-lock brakes were available as an option as well, which brought along rear disc brakes.

For the 1995 model year, the seatbelts were changed from the power passive restraint type to the conventional 3-point type. The interior of the vehicle was redesigned with a new dashboard and the addition of a front passenger's airbag. The center console was updated as well, adding previously absent cup holders. Also for 1995, the SOHC (LK0) engine was given [[Manifold injection#Multi-point injection|MPFI]] to create the {{Convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} L24 engine.

The S-Series had a {{Convert|12.8|usgal|L impgal|0}} fuel tank, which means that both cars got around {{convert|384|mi|km|0}} on a single tank based on average of {{convert|32|mpgus|L/100 km mpgimp|abbr=on}}. Owners of the base model typically report real-world fuel mileage of about 38–41 &nbsp;mpg<sub>-US</sub> (6.2–5.7&nbsp;L/100&nbsp;km; 46–49&nbsp;mpg<sub>-imp</sub>) on the highway with the manual transmission.

===First generation SW===
[[File:1st-Saturn-SW-rear.jpg|left|thumb|Saturn SW2]]
For the 1993 model year, a station wagon variant of the SL was added to the model lineup. This was offered in SW1 and SW2 trim levels. The station wagon used the same doors as the sedan, but the bodywork behind the C-pillar and the roof differed.

===First generation SC===

The first generation Saturn SC coupes were made from 1990 until 1996. The first generation Saturn SC coupes were originally only available in one trim level which was the SC.

The 1990–1992 Saturn SC featured a DOHC 1.9-liter ''LL0'' [[inline-four engine]] that was rated at {{Convert|123|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. For the 1993 model year, the original regular SC coupe model was renamed as the SC2 and a new SC1 trim level was introduced. For the 1994 model year, the SC1 and the SC2 had both gotten revised power door locks and a recalibrated automatic transmission. The first generation SC2 had received a minor refresh in 1995 in which the lower front bumper and the vehicle's taillights were both updated. For the 1995 model year, both the SC1 and the SC2 had gotten a redesigned interior with a new redesigned dashboard with a front passenger's airbag.

The first generation SC1 coupe featured a SOHC 1.9-liter ''LK0'' inline-four engine that was rated at {{Convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The SC1's engine was later upgraded to the {{Convert|100|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} L24 engine for the 1995 model year.

The first generation Saturn SC1 coupes shared the same fixed headlight front fascia as the SL sedans and the SW station wagons, rather than the [[Hidden headlamp|pop-up headlight]] design used on the SC2 and the original SC. The SC1 also lacked a rear trunk lid reflector and a rear stabilizer bar.

=== SL3 ===
For the 1994 model year, a highest-trim "SL3" model was reportedly being considered.<ref>{{Cite news |title=GM's Soaring Saturn Prepares to Enter the Third Dimension |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-06-9203210561-story.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221021000930/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-06-9203210561-story.html | archive-date=2022-10-21 | date = 1992-06-09 | first = Jim | last = Mateja | newspaper=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Saturn owner's manuals from this period made mention of the SL3 - it would have featured an SC front end on an SL2 body, with all options as standard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-19 |title=Flashback Friday: The Legend of the Saturn SL3 |website=SaturnFans.com |url=http://www.saturnfans.com/cars/s-series/flashback-friday-legend-saturn-sl3 |access-date=2024-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719090240/http://www.saturnfans.com/cars/s-series/flashback-friday-legend-saturn-sl3 |archive-date=2014-07-19 }}</ref>

<gallery widths="210" heights="130">
File:1992 Saturn SC2, front right side (Hershey 2019).jpg|1992 Saturn SC (pre-facelift)
File:1st-Saturn-SC.jpg|1995–1996 Saturn SC2
File:1993-96 Saturn SC1, front left.jpg|1995–1996 Saturn SC1
</gallery>

{{clear}}

==Second generation (1996)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| aka = {{ubl
  | Saturn SL1/SL2
  | Saturn SW1/SW2
  | Saturn SC1/SC2
  }}
| image = Saturn-SL.jpg
| production = 1996–1999 (SL/SW)<br />1997–1999 (SC)
| model_years = 1996–1999
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]] (1997–1998) <br />3-door [[coupe]] (1999–2002)<br />4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />5-door [[station wagon]]
| engine = {{ubl | 1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine#SOHC LK0/L24|L24]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine#DOHC LL0|LL0]]'' [[DOHC]] I4 }}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2600|mm|in|1|disp=flip}}
| length = 1996–99 SW & 1996–97 SL: {{convert|176.8|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />1998–99 SL: {{convert|176.9|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = 1996–99 SW: {{convert|66.7|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />1997–2000 SC: {{convert|67.3|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />1996–99 SL: {{convert|66.7|in|0|abbr=on}}
| height = 1996–99 SW & SL: {{convert|54.5|in|0|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 4-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP6|Saturn MP6]]'' automatic<br />4-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP7|Saturn MP7]]'' automatic<br />5-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP2|Saturn MP2]]'' manual<br />5-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP3|Saturn MP3]]'' manual
}}

===Second generation SL and SW===
[[File:Saturn SW1 -- 01-28-2010.jpg|thumb|left|1996–1999 Saturn SW1]]
The second generation SL sedans and SW station wagons were made from 1996 to 1999. They both featured a completely redesigned exterior. The interior was mostly the same as on the first generation vehicles, while mechanically they went largely untouched. The redesigned second generation S-Series went on sale in 1995 for the 1996 model year.

A few minor changes were made for the 1998 model year S-Series vehicles. Due to multiple complaints about the noise coming from the vehicle's trip odometer that had been in all of the Saturn S-Series since 1995, had replaced with a new type of trip odometer in an effort to correct the problem. For the 1998 model year, a new cluster with a digital trip odometer had been introduced. Rear disc-brakes were no longer available as an option on the S-Series due to high costs for them as well as very little improvement in braking performance over the conventional rear drum-brakes setup.

Beginning with all of the Saturn S-Series vehicles that were made in late 1999 (sometimes referred to as 1999.5 models) had received improvements to both the SOHC and the DOHC engines in the S-Series. These changes included revised pistons, new connecting rods, and new crankshaft counterweights in the engine as well. The Twin Cam cylinder head had now featured a new roller-rocker setup with hydraulic tappets and roller cams replacing the conventional bucket lifter setup of the previous engine in the S-Series.

Also introduced for the 1999 model year S-Series vehicles that were sold in California was a different type of exhaust manifold that housed an upstream catalytic converter (this converter had heated up much faster than the conventional unit, and it had also decreased exhaust emissions faster as well), and it also had provisions for an air-injection reaction system (This had injected fresh air into the exhaust to reduce hydrocarbons during the startup of the vehicle, as it would help the oxygen sensors and catalytic converters reach their operating temperatures faster). These vehicles were made to meet the all-new CARB ULEV standards for the 1999 model year.
[[File:Gen2SLRear.jpg|alt=1996–1999 Saturn SL photographed in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada|thumb|1996–1999 Saturn SL]]

To make additional use of the right-hand drive dashboard developed, there was also the 1999–2001 Saturn SWP "Postal" station wagon, intended to be marketed to rural route mail carriers. Only sold as a right-hand drive station wagon, 450 examples were built in 1999.

===Second generation SC===
The second generation SC coupes were made from 1997 until 2000. The second generation SC coupes had also moved to the longer wheelbase that the SL sedans and the SW station wagons had used, resulting in an equal wheelbase length across all S-Series models. The redesign had resulted in a more curved look for the SC coupes, which gave a slight increase in the vehicle's interior room/space, as well as a completely redesigned exterior of the vehicle itself. For the 1999 model year, a front-opening clamshell door was added to the driver's side of the vehicle. Even though this door on the driver's side of the vehicle had allowed easier access into the vehicle's rear seat, the driver's seat in the vehicle was also able to slide forward to allow easy access to the vehicle's rear seat as well. As a clamshell door, the rear driver's side door could not open unless the front door was open, because the door handle was on the inside of the door itself. Like the first generation SC coupes, the SC1 model lacked a rear sway bar. For the 2000 model year, the interior/engine/electronics were updated alongside the SL and SW models while the exterior remained unchanged.

<gallery widths="210" heights="130">
File:2nd-Saturn-SC.jpg|1997–1998 Saturn SC2 2-door
File:1999 Saturn SC2 3-door, front left, 08-20-2025.jpg|1999 Saturn SC2 3-door
</gallery>

===In Japan===
The second generation was imported to Japan with right-hand drive from 1997 until 2000 (sales of leftover stock continuing into 2001). It was available in all three bodystyles in one single trim level (SL2, SW2, SC2). Aside from having the steering wheel on the other side, Japanese market Saturns were also fitted with slightly different light units. The front indicators were mounted closer to the corners rather than inboard. The SL and SW's engine displacement and exterior dimensions were within the Japanese government's [[Vehicle size class#Japan|dimension regulations]] and engine tax brackets for compact cars. The SC2, however, was {{cvt|30|mm|in|1}} too wide and was subject to additional taxes. The only available engine was the 1.9-liter twin cam unit, producing {{cvt|126|PS|kW hp|0}} and {{cvt|16.8|kgm|Nm lbft|0}} in Japanese specifications, coupled to either the five-speed manual (standard on the SC2, special order only on the SL2 and SW2) or four-speed automatic.<ref name=AT99>{{citation | title = 間違いだらけのクルマ選び ’99年版: 全車種徹底批評 | trans-title = Mistakes in Choosing Cars, '99 Edition: A Thorough Review of All Car Types | language = ja | date = December 1998 | isbn = 978-4794208583 | pages = 247-248 | first = Tokudaiji | last = Aritsune }}</ref>

In spite of a remarkably low price, the Saturn was a flop in the Japanese market, where it played directly into the strengths of the Japanese manufacturers, comparing unfavorably with better-priced and more competent Japanese compact cars.<ref name="latham1">{{citation | title = Grinding Gears: The Japanese Auto Dealer Network and American Trade Complaints | url = http://njkk.com/library/latham_98.pdf | ref = SL98 | last = Latham | first = Scott | date = 1998-05-13 | publisher = Scott Latham Associates | location = Chester Springs, PA | page = 60 }}</ref> The interior, especially, received criticism.<ref>[[#SL98|Latham]], p. 64</ref> A mere 602 units were sold in Saturn's first year in Japan (April to December 1997).<ref>[[#SL98|Latham]], p. 59</ref> Sales struggled to reach 100 cars per month in its first full year on the market.<ref name=AT99/> 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,<ref>[[#SL98|Latham]], p. 62</ref> where the "no-haggle" policy ran counter to the way Japanese buy cars.<ref name=AT99/> The introduction of Saturn was also ill-timed, as the economy was in the midst of a [[Lost Decade (Japan)|recession]] due to the effects of the 1980s "[[Japanese asset price bubble|bubble economy]]". As the Japanese had less money to spend on "luxury goods", such as imported cars, Saturn found very few buyers.

As part of the launch campaign in Japan, Saturn had illustrator and model maker Akira Mizorogi create folding paper models of the three models available.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://saturnjapan.com/contents/vrtl/i_v1.html | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/19980110155937/http://saturnjapan.com/contents/vrtl/i_v1.html | archivedate = 10 January 1998 | title = プリントアウト | trans-title = Printout | language = ja | work = Saturn Japan | date = 1996 }}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Third generation (2000)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Third generation
| aka = {{ubl
  | Saturn SL1/SL2
  | Saturn SW1/SW2
  | Saturn SC1/SC2
  }}
| image = 2000-2002 Saturn SL -- 03-16-2012 2.JPG
| production = 2000–2002 (SL)<br />2000–2001 (SW)<br />2000–2002 (SC)
| model_years = 2000–2002
| body_style = 3-door [[coupe]]<br />4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]]<br />5-door [[station wagon]]
| engine = {{ubl | 1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine#SOHC LK0/L24|L24]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | 1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine#DOHC LL0|LL0]]'' [[DOHC]] I4 }}
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2600|mm|in|1|disp=flip}}
| length = <br />2000–02 SL & SW: {{convert|178.1|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />2001–02 SC: {{convert|180.5|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = 2000–01 SW: {{convert|66.4|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />2001–02 SC: {{convert|68.2|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />2000–02 SL: {{convert|66.4|in|0|abbr=on}}
| height = 2000–01 SW: {{convert|55.6|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />2000–02 SL: {{convert|55|in|0|abbr=on}}<br />2001–02 SC: {{convert|53|in|0|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 4-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP6|Saturn MP6]]'' automatic<br />4-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP7|Saturn MP7]]'' automatic<br />5-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP2|Saturn MP2]]'' manual<br />5-speed ''[[Saturn MP transmission#MP3|Saturn MP3]]'' manual
}}

===Third generation SL and SW===

In 1999 for the 2000 model year, the Saturn S-Series was facelifted for the final time before being discontinued in 2002. This resulted in what is typically referred to as the third generation Saturn S-Series. The exterior of the Saturn SL sedans received new body panels from the belt-line down. The rear end of the SL sedans received a redesigned applique on the trunk, and the headlights of the SL sedans had received orange turn signal indicators.

The interior of all the Saturn S-Series models received a completely redesigned dashboard, center console, and steering wheel, but the rest of the interiors were mostly unchanged. The SL2, SW2, and SC2 got the storage compartment with a sliding armrest in the center console as standard, whereas the SL1, SW1, and SC1 did not.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---Nov/2001-Saturn-S-Series-Prestige-Brochure/2001-Saturn-S-Series-Prestige-17 |title=2001 Saturn S-Series Prestige-17 |website=oldcarbrochures.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106151917/http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---Nov/2001-Saturn-S-Series-Prestige-Brochure/2001-Saturn-S-Series-Prestige-17 |archive-date=2018-11-06}}</ref>

Like the 1999 model year SL sedans and the 1999 model year SW station wagons that were made in late in 1999, the 2000 model year SL sedans and the 2000 model year SW station wagons had also included a digital trip odometer, which did not cause any issues like the analog trip odometers that were used in the 1991-early 1999 model year S-Series vehicles.

The third generation Saturn S-Series was also the first Saturn to use the body control module (BCM), and the powertrain control module (PCM) systems in tandem with each other. In the third generation Saturn S-Series models, the PCM system was used strictly for the vehicle's transmission and engine, whereas the BCM system was used strictly for the vehicle's interior functions such as the digital trip odometer and speedometer.

Beginning with the 2001 model year, side curtain airbags became available as an optional feature. The optional side curtain airbags were only available on the 2001 to 2002 model Saturn SL1 and SL2 sedans.

<gallery widths=200 heights=145>
00-02 Saturn SL 2.jpg|2000–2002 Saturn SL
00-02 Saturn SW.jpg|2000–2002 Saturn SW
2000 Saturn SL1 Rear.jpg|2000-2002 Saturn SL1; rear view. The SL1 has unpainted door handles.
</gallery>

===Third generation SC ===
[[File:01-02 Saturn SC-b.jpg|thumb|left|2001–2002 Saturn SC]]
The third generation of Saturn SC continued to be available in SC1 and SC2 models. It was facelifted with redesigned fascias front and rear, as well as new headlamps and tail lamps for the 2001 model year. The front fenders and door panels were also changed, continuing the character line all the way down to the fog light beneath the front bumper.<ref>{{cite web|last=unknown|title=2002 Saturn SC|url=http://www.cars.com/saturn/sc/|work=cars.com|access-date=7 April 2014}}</ref> A body control module (BCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) were added in 2000, near the end of the second generation run. A new GT trim package had become available for the Saturn SC coupes for the 2001 model year, along with the option of American Racing Wheels that was only available on the GT version of the Saturn SC coupes. A rear spoiler on the vehicle's rear trunk lid was also made available for the 2001 to 2002 model year Saturn SC GT coupes.

{{clear-left}}

==Special edition Saturns==
[[File:1991-1995 Saturn SL2 -- 03-16-2012.JPG|left|thumb|1994 SL2 Homecoming Edition]]
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 (automotive)|spoiler]], {{convert|15|in|in|disp=out|adj=on|abbr=off}} "teardrop" wheels, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, grey leather/cloth interior, rear headrests, fog lamps, and power locks and [[window]]s. Options included a sunroof, CD player, and the 4-speed automatic with traction control.

In 1998 and 1999, prospective buyers of a red or white SC2 had the option of purchasing the "Black Top Coupe Package". 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 rearview mirrors, black emblems, white face gauges and black accented teardrop wheels. These are extremely rare.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

{{clear-left}}
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.

[[File:Saturn Limited Edition Interior-Seat.jpg|thumb|left|The interior of a Saturn Limited Edition SC2.]]
In 2001, a special yellow SC2 coupé model was also built. The model was officially named "Limited Edition", but soon became known as the "Bumblebee Edition". 99 were produced, each 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 the fuel filler door, and a certificate of authenticity. These are not to be confused with the regular issue Yellow Sport Coupe.
{{clear-left}}

For the 2001 model year only, a special edition of the Saturn SL2 sedan that was called the Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition (also known as the Silver Anniversary Edition) was made available. The Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition had included several upscale features that were not available on any other Saturn S-Series vehicles like power windows, leather interior, standard side curtain airbags, and several other upscale features. The Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition also had "Saturn 10th Anniversary" stitched onto the front seat adjustable leather headrests. The Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition had also featured a rear spoiler on the vehicle's rear trunk lid.

{| class="wikitable"
|+Special Edition Production Numbers
|-
|1994 Homecoming Edition||3,500
|-
|1998 White Hot Coupe||213
|-
|1998 Red Hot Coupe||657
|-
|1999 White Hot Coupe||285
|-
|1999 Red Hot Coupe||284
|-
|1999 Homecoming Edition||4,000
|-
|2001 Limited Edition SC2||99
|-
|2001 10th Anniversary Edition||1,000
|-
|2001 Bright Red||664
|}

==Theft==
The 1995 Saturn SL was the most stolen vehicle in 2003, while the 1994 SL took third place in CCC Information Services's 2003 [[Motor vehicle theft#Vehicles most frequently stolen|most stolen vehicle]] report.<ref name="saturnfans.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.saturnfans.com/Company/2004/1995slmoststolen.shtml|title=1995 Saturn SL Tops Most Stolen Vehicle List|access-date=2008-04-03|work=saturnfans.com/}}</ref> According to Locksmith Ledger, prior to the middle of the 1995 model year (dubbed "1995-1/2"), GM had not yet rolled out the Passlock system, meaning a filed blank key can be used to open the door and start the engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-08-01 |title=General Motors Vehicles Equipped with PASSLock |url=https://www.locksmithledger.com/keys-tools/article/10238356/general-motors-vehicles-equipped-with-passlock |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Locksmith Ledger |language=en}}</ref> 

==Racing==
Saturn SCs competed in the [[SCCA World Challenge]] in the 1990s, winning several races from 1995 to 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/Documents/Pro%20Racing/Archives/1995-SCCA-WorldChallenge.pdf|title=1995 World Challenge : Round 1|publisher=Scca.cdn.racersites.com|access-date=23 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524142007/http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/Documents/Pro%20Racing/Archives/1995-SCCA-WorldChallenge.pdf|archive-date=24 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/Documents/Pro%20Racing/Archives/1996-SCCA-WorldChallenge.pdf|title=1996 World Challenge|publisher=Scca.cdn.racersites.com|access-date=23 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524224759/http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/Documents/Pro%20Racing/Archives/1996-SCCA-WorldChallenge.pdf|archive-date=24 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/Documents/Pro%20Racing/Archives/1997-SCCA-WorldChallenge.pdf |title=SCCA Pro Racing Results : 1997 World Challenge Touring 1 Class |publisher=Scca.cdn.racersites.com |access-date=2013-10-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524180446/http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/Documents/Pro%20Racing/Archives/1997-SCCA-WorldChallenge.pdf |archive-date=2013-05-24 }}</ref>
Several S-Series cars have been used as rally and autocross race cars.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-27 |title=SCCA {{!}} SCC {{!}} Team SCR Motorsports |url=https://teamscr.com/motorsports/motorsports-scca-ssc/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127062643/https://teamscr.com/motorsports/motorsports-scca-ssc/ |archive-date=27 November 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Team Saturn Rally USA Goes for Two Car Team |url=http://www.saturnfans.com/Cars/Motorsports/rallyvue.shtml |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=Saturn Fans }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Saturn Performance Club Summer Rally - July 27 - 31 |url= https://www.standardshift.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?t=1309 |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=StandardShift }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rally cars |url=http://www.sainturho.com/rallycar.htm |access-date=2025-03-03 |website= sainturho.com}}</ref>

==Safety==
===Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)===
{| class="wikitable"
|+1995–2002 SL [[Insurance Institute for Highway Safety|IIHS]] scores<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=456 |title=IIHS-HLDI: Saturn SL |publisher=Iihs.org |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref>
|-
|Moderate overlap frontal offset||Acceptable
|-
|Small overlap frontal offset||Not Tested
|-
|Side impact||Not Tested
|-
|Roof strength||Not Tested
|}

===NHTSA===
{| class="wikitable"
|+1991–2002 SL [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration|NHTSA]] scores<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3008 |title=1991 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3064 |title=1992 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3222 |title=1993 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3297 |title=1994 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3474 |title=1995 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3613 |title=1996 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3659 |title=1997 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=3906 |title=1998 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=4000 |title=1999 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=4065 |title=2000 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=4263 |title=2001 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/1990-2010+Vehicles/Vehicle-Detail?vehicleId=4649 |title=2002 Saturn SL 4-DR. &#124; Safercar – NHTSA |publisher=Safercar.gov |access-date=2013-03-22}}</ref>
|-
! Year
! Frontal Driver
! Frontal Passenger
! Side Driver
! Side Passenger
! 4x2 Rollover
|-
| 1991
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
|-
| 1992
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
|-
| 1993
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
|-
| 1994
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
|-
| 1995
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|4|5}}
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
|-
| 1996
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|4|5}}
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
| Not Rated
|-
| 1997
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
|-
| 1998
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|4|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
|-
| 1999
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| Not Rated
|-
| 2000
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|2|5}}
| Not Rated
|-
| 2001
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|2|5}}
| {{rating|4|5}}
|-
| 2002
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|5|5}}
| {{rating|3|5}}
| {{rating|2|5}}
| {{rating|4|5}}
|}

==Production numbers==
Listed below is a rough estimate on the numbers of S-Series produced from 1990 to 2002.<ref>{{cite book |author=Consumer Guide|year=2002| location=Lincolnwood, Illinois | publisher=Publications International|title=The Encyclopedia of American Cars: A Comprehensive History of the Automakers and the Cars They Built | isbn=978-0-7853-6275-3 | url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofam0000unse_l5t5 | via=Internet Archive}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year !!colspan=4|Coupe!! colspan=4|Sedan!! colspan=3|Wagon!! Total
|-
!!!SC!!SC1!!SC2!!Total!!SL!!SL1!!SL2!!Total!!SW1!!SW2!!Total!!
|-
|1991||~10,000||-||-||~20,000||||||||~38,629||-||-||-||~48,629
|-
|1992||||-||-||||||||||||-||-||-||169,959
|-
|1993||-||||||||||||||||||||||244,621
|-
|1994||-||||||||||||||||||||||267,518
|-
|1995||-||||||62,434||||||||221,102||||||19,452||302,988
|-
|1996||-||||||||||||||||||||||294,198
|-
|1997||-||||||70,711||||||||213,182||||||31,099||314,992
|-
|1998||-||||||38,591||||||||160,759||||||20,415||219,765
|-
|1999||-||||||52,965||||||||203,578||||||19,090||275,633
|-
|2000||-||8,517||8,724||17,241||||||68,907||142,992||||||9,633||169,866
|-
|2001||-||23,584||17,414||40,998||||||||73,428||||||3,416||117,842
|-
|2002||-|||||||||||||||||-||-||-||
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{commons category}}

{{Saturn Corporation}}

[[Category:Compact cars]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Saturn vehicles|S-series]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1990]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2002]]
[[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States]]