Originally Posted By: y_p_w
Originally Posted By: 99Saturn
I had thought that some s-series also experience stretch as the mileage racks up that could eventually lead to the chain jumping? Seem to remember hearing oil burning clogs something which ultimately can lead to the issue. When I first read the OPs post that is what I thought of.
They had all sorts of issues from what I recall. The biggest was the ring design and serious issues with oil burning. Another was inadequate oiling of the chain on some models.
I remember almost an unwavering devotion to Saturn based on the marketing that almost felt like Amsoil converts. I remember owners talking about how safe they felt these things were and how they were almost devoted to the composite door panels. My experience with earlier GM composite door panels was that they were expensive to repair compared to steel and some body shops wouldn't touch them. They also had fit and finish issues with huge manufacturing variations. What I remember about the early models was how loud they were because they pared down weight by using little sound insulation. Then they upped that without changing the engine and performance suffered.
the s series did have an oil burning issue but not a timing chain issue. the hydraulic tensioner is sensitive. meaning if you don't do regular oil changes you may have issues. mind you a lot more cars today are very picky as well. my 02 sl has 123,000 no timing chain issues, my old sl2 had 217,000 the timing chain was still very tight. that Saturn did burn oil when I bought it about 1qt too every 1,000 miles, bought it with 180,000 at 217,000 when I sold it the it burned 1qt to about 2000-2300 miles. doing oil changes on time with good oil helped that car tremendously. my sl doesn't use a drop.
also it is quieter inside than a cavalier, neon or escort. my Honda civic is also a hair noisier than my Saturn. saturns were a good car for the money. they had their flaws but most of their issues were lack of maintenance. they aren't the kind of car that you can abuse. Saturns like most cars had one huge problem and it was its owners. my saturns have always been good to me, because I am good to them.