Saturn SL 55-Type 1.9i (100 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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.
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:
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.
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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |















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