Saturn SL 55-Type 1.9i (100 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.2 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Saturn SL:

The Saturn S-Series is a family of compact cars from the Saturn automobile company of General Motors. With this car, Saturn pioneered their brand-wide "no-haggle" sales technique.
Its automobile platform, the 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....(Read more on Wikipedia)

55-Type Overview:

Saturn SL (55-Type). With 155 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.7 l/100km). Weighing only 1058 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The 1995 Saturn SL (55-Type) was not tested by Euro NCAP, which began operations after its production year. Safety features for this era typically included dual airbags and optional ABS, offering standard protection for its time.

1.9i (100 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 100 Hp engine paired with an automatic transmission offers smooth, relaxed driving, though acceleration is modest and best suited for urban environments.

Fuel Economy

Shares the excellent 6.9 l/100 km fuel economy with its manual counterpart, making it a very economical automatic option for its class.

Best Use Case: Excellent for city driving and those who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission with a strong emphasis on fuel efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent fuel economy, especially with 1.9i (100 Hp) variants.
  • • Known for good reliability and durable polymer body panels.
  • • Spacious interior and trunk for its compact class.
  • • Affordable purchase price and low running costs.

Cons:

  • • Performance can be uninspiring, particularly with automatic 100 Hp engine.
  • • Interior materials and design are basic and utilitarian.
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds.
  • • Limited availability of advanced safety features compared to modern cars.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SL: 1990 - 1995).

General:
Brand:Saturn
Model:SL
Generation:55-Type
Modification (Engine):1.9i (100 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1995
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:100 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:52.6 Hp/l
Torque:155 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:L24 [Same engine] More details about the engine L24
Engine displacement:1901
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:3.8 l
Coolant:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:82 mm
Piston Stroke:90 mm
Compression ratio:9.3:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.9 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:10.6 kg/Hp, 94.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.8 kg/Nm, 146.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1058
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:343 l
Fuel tank capacity:46 l
Size:
Length:4524 mm [46mm more]
Width:1687 mm [31mm less]
Height:1397 mm [63mm more]
Wheelbase:2601 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1443 mm
Rear (Back) track:1422 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

If you could change one thing about the Saturn SL, what would it be?