REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Good dependability

Introduced 10 years ago, the S Series began 2001 with a modified profile (sedan and wagon) and a revised dashboard. 2002 will be the last year for the small sedan, the wagon is already gone.One thing is sure, Saturn can’t boast that it has reinvented ergonomics. The signal light lever seems to be designed to develop finger muscles and is positioned too far from the steering wheel, as is the horn. But I do have to say that Saturn makes a special effort to come up with controls and buttons that look very original.

Front bucket seats are comfortable, but there is limited legroom and hip room for rear-seat passengers. Luckily, access is easy (on the coupe the passenger’s seat glides back into its original position once bench seat passengers are aboard). Cargo space is interesting, especially when the 60/40 seat is folded down.The two 1.9-liter four-cylinder engines are still available, one SOHC and one DOHC (100 or 124 horses). As the introduction states, once again Saturn has focused on the problem of engine noise. Regardless, when you start up a Saturn what you hear is the same kind of music a diesel makes. So there’s more work to do and plenty of room for improvement. Good marks go to the automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly and quietly. But the same praise doesn’t go to the imprecise manual alternative.

The steering system is responsive and provides good feedback, except on the base version which is deprived of the power capabilities so valuable when parking manoeuvres are in order. The rigid chassis and well-calibrated suspension make for a very satisfactory ride and you can drive at fairly high speeds without worrying too much about corners. This being said, remember that brakes tend to fade fast. Cars whose originality borders on the eccentric, the S Series from Saturn has nothing much more to offer than good dependability and a network of devoted and competent dealers.

PROS
Smooth automatic transmission
Predictable handling
Resistant polymer body panels Comfort

CONS
Engines still noisy
Insufficient room at the rear

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * * *
Passenger: * *