2000 Saturn SL

2000 Saturn SL

The 2000 Saturn SL is a compact sedan that was produced from 1991 to 2002. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 1.9-liter inline-four, a 2.2-liter inline-four, and a 3.0-liter V6. The 1.9-liter engine produced 100 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.2-liter engine produced 120 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter V6 produced 185 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The SL was available with a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

The Saturn SL was praised for its affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power and poor handling.

Engine

1.9-liter inline-four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, reduced power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.2-liter inline-four

• Oil consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace piston rings or engine rebuild
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power steering pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No power steering assist, whining noise
  • Solution: Replace power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Four-speed automatic transmission

• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, shuddering, no power transfer
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission control module (TCM) failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, no shifting
  • Solution: Replace TCM
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-speed manual transmission

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping, shuddering, difficulty shifting
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission mount failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration, noise when shifting
  • Solution: Replace transmission mount
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, noise when driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid, noise when driving over bumps
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning, excessive body roll
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, electrical components malfunction
  • Solution: Test and replace battery or alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, electrical components malfunction
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door won’t lock or unlock, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power window motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window won’t go up or down
  • Solution: Replace power window motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail light failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tail light not working
  • Solution: Replace tail light assembly or bulb
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC blower motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from vents
  • Solution: Replace HVAC blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard cracks
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or use a cover
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat belt retractor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt won’t retract or lock
  • Solution: Replace seat belt retractor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Saturn SL is a reliable and affordable car, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket failure, oil consumption, and transmission problems. The severity of these issues can vary, but they can all be expensive to fix. Overall, the Saturn SL is a good value for the money, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems before buying one.