Saturn S-Series 857884 226020327 2008-07-16T13:53:15Z 192.88.212.34 {{Infobox Automobile |image=[[Image:96-99 Saturn SL.jpg|250px|1996-1999 Saturn SL]] |name=Saturn S-Series | manufacturer = [[Saturn Corporation]] | parent_company = [[General Motors]] |production=1991–2002 |class=[[Compact car|Compact]] |successor=[[Saturn Ion]] |predecessor= |layout=[[FF layout]] |transmission=4-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>5-speed [[manual transmission|manual]] |platform=[[GM Z platform]] }} The '''S-Series''' was part of a family of [[compact car]]s from the [[Saturn Corporation|Saturn]] [[automobile]] company. This was the first series of Saturn vehicles. The [[automobile platform]], the [[GM Z platform|Z-body]], was developed entirely in-house at Saturn and shared very little with the rest of the [[General Motors]] model line. It implemented a [[spaceframe]] design, also seen on some [[Pontiac]]s, which meant that the side panels did not carry load and could use [[plastic]] pieces instead of [[metal]]. These [[polymer]] panels were dent-resistant—something that has remained a major selling point for Saturn through its later models. The S-series was sold from the fall of 1990 through the end of the 2002 model year, with redesigns in 1996/1997 and in 2000/2001. The S-series debuted with SC (“sports [[coupe]]”) and SL (“[[sedan]] level”) models in 1990 as 1991 models. The SW (“sedan wagon”) debuted at the 1992 [[North American International Auto Show]] in [[Detroit]]. [[Taiwan]] and [[Japan]] were the only two foreign countries that imported [[Saturn Corporation|Saturns]]. From 1992 to 1996, the first- and second-generation sedans plus the first-generation coupes were sold in [[Taiwan]]. From 1996 to 2003, the second-generation versions were sold in [[right-hand drive]] in [[Japan]]. A change partway through the 1999 model year gave the SC a small [[suicide door]] on the driver's side. This type of door had previously been used in extended cab [[pickup truck]]s, but was an innovation in coupe design.<ref name="edmunds.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=97060|title= Saturn SC2: Finding a Jackpot Behind Door No. 3|accessdate=2008-04-03|work=edmunds.com}}</ref> The S-series was replaced by the larger [[Saturn Ion]] in 2003, which was unable to match the S-series' success before the end of its own production at the end of 2007. [[Coupe]]s and [[sedan]]s equipped with a [[manual transmission]] were among the most [[fuel economy|fuel-efficient]] [[car]]s available at the time, reaching 40 miles per gallon (17 km/L or 5.9 L/100 km) in [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] highway tests. ==First generation SL/SW== {{Infobox Automobile generation |name=First generation |aka=Saturn SL<br>Saturn SW<br>Saturn SC |image=[[Image:1st-Saturn-SL1.jpg|250px|Saturn SL1]] |production=1991–1995 SL<Br>1993-1995 SW<br>1991-1996 SC |body_style=2-door [[coupe]]<br>4-door [[sedan]]<br>4-door [[station wagon]] |wheelbase=SL & SW: {{Auto in|102.4|0}}<br>SC: {{Auto in|99.2|0}} |length=SL & SW: {{Auto in|176.3|0}}<br>1991-93 SC: {{Auto in|175.8|0}}<Br>1994-96 SC1: {{Auto in|173.2|0}}<Br>1994-96 SC2: {{Auto in|174.6|0}} |width= {{Auto in|67.6|0}} |height=SC: {{Auto in|50.6|0}}<br>SL: {{Auto in|52.5|0}}<Br>SW: {{Auto in|53.7|0}} |engine=1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine|LK0]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine|L24]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine|LL0]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]] |assembly=[[Spring Hill, Tennessee]] }} [[Image:1st-Saturn-SW-rear.jpg|200px|left|thumb|Saturn SW2]]The first generation SL and SW were made from model year 1991 to 1995. The first Saturn to leave the assembly line in the [[Spring Hill, Tennessee]] factory was on [[July 30]], [[1990]]. It was maroon with a tan interior. Originally there were two available trim levels. The '''SL1''' trim level featured a [[SOHC]] 1.9&nbsp;L [[Straight-4|I4]] LK0 [[internal combustion engine|engine]] that was rated at {{Convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, which was upgraded to the {{Convert|100|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} L24 engine for the 1995 model year. The '''SL2''' trim level featured a [[DOHC]] 1.9&nbsp;L I4 LL0 engine that was rated at {{Convert|124|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. Both the SL1 and SL2 got {{Auto mpg|29}} city, {{Auto mpg|35}} Highway. The SL1 and SL2 had a 12 gallon (45.4 litres) fuel tank, which means that both cars got around {{convert|384|mi|km|0}} on a single tank (based on average of {{Auto mpg|32}}). Owners of the base model typical report real-world fuel mileage of about 38-41 MPG on the highway with the manual trans. 1991-1992 model year Saturns featured the base "SL" available with a manual transmission only, an "SL1", "SL2", and "SC". For model year 1993, the line expanded to include the SW1 and SW2 wagons, which were mechanically identical to their SL1 and SL2 counterparts. All models received an interior redesign for 1995. All S-Series cars were offered with either a 5-[[speed]] [[manual transmission]] or a 4-speed [[automatic transmission]]. The Saturn [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmissions]] in the [[DOHC]]-equipped vehicles were geared to enhance acceleration, while the SOHC-equpped model's transmissions were geared toward economy. [[Image:94HCED.jpg|200px|left|thumb|1994 Homecoming Edition]] ==Special Edition Saturns== A special Homecoming edition of the SL2 was released for 1994. It had special Pearl White paint (a "silver-tint" pearl, shared with Cadillac models of this year), black Saturn emblems, [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]], 15" "teardrop" wheels, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, grey leather/cloth interior, rear headrests, foglamps, and power locks and [[window]]s. Options included a sunroof, CD player, and the 4-speed automatic with traction control. Approximately 6,000 Homecoming cars were produced. In 1998 and 1999, prospective buyers of a red or white SC2 had the option of purchasing the "Black Top Coupe Package" for $225.00 (US). The package came with a black roof panel, black outside rear view mirrors, black emblems, white face gauges and black accented teardrop wheels. These are extremely rare. Production Numbers on these limited editions: Model year 1998: White - 652 Red - 657 Model year 1999: White - 285 Red - 284 In 1999, a special Yellow Sport Coupe model SC2 was also built. The model was dubbed the "Bumblebee Edition", of which 99 were produced with a certificate of authenticity. The "Bumblebee Edition" included special gauge faceplates as well as embroidered headrests. These are not to be confused with the regular issue Yellow color issued Sport Coupe. 1999 also produced a second Homecoming Edition that was a special "Mint Color" with special white gauge faceplates, to commemorate the 2nd Homecoming visit to the Spring Hill, Tennessee manufacturing facility. ==First generation SC/SC2== [[Image:1st-Saturn-SC.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Saturn SC]]The first generation SC was made from model year 1991 to 1996. Originally only one trim level, SC, was available, with a [[DOHC]] 1.9&nbsp;L I4 LL0 engine that was rated at {{Convert|124|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. For 1993, the original SC trim level was renamed SC2, and an SC1 trim level was introduced. The first generation SC2 received a minor refresh for 1995. The lower front bumper, trunk lid reflector, and interior were redesigned. ==First generation SC1== Introduced for model year 1993, the SC1 was created as a base-level [[coupe]]. The SC1 featured an SOHC 1.9&nbsp;L I4 LK0 engine that rated at {{Convert|85|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. The SC1 engine was later upgraded to the {{Convert|100|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on}} L24 engine for the 1995 model year. The first generation SC1 was notably different from the up level SC2, with a completely different front fascia lacking the pop-up headlights (but identical to the 1991-95 SL/SL1/SL2 fascia), and a slightly different rear end lacking a trunk lid reflector. ==Second generation SL/SW== {{Infobox Automobile generation |name=Second generation |aka=Saturn SL1(1996-99)<br>Saturn SL2 (2000-2002)<br>saturn SW1 (1996-99)<br>Saturn SW2 (2000-2002)<br>Saturn SC1 (1996-97)<br>Saturn SC2 (1998-2002) |image=[[Image:00-02 Saturn SL .jpg‎|250px|2000-2002 Saturn SL2]] |production=1996–2002 SL<br>1996-2001 SW<br>1997-2002 SC |body_style=2-door [[coupe]]<br>3-door [[coupe]]<br>4-door [[sedan]]<br>4-door [[station wagon]] |engine=1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine|L24]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>1.9&nbsp;L ''[[Saturn I4 engine|LL0]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]] |wheelbase={{Auto in|102.4|0}} |length=1996-99 SW & 1996-97 SL: {{Auto in|176.8|0}}<Br>2000-01 SL & SW: {{Auto in|178.1|0}}<br>2001-02 SC: {{Auto in|180.5|0}}<br>1997-2000 SC: {{Auto in|180|0}}<br>1998-99 SL: {{Auto in|176.9|0}} |width=1996-99 SW: {{Auto in|66.7|0}}<br>2000-01 SW: {{Auto in|66.4|0}}<Br>2001-02 SC: {{Auto in|68.2|0}}<br>1997-2000 SC: {{Auto in|67.3|0}}<Br>2000-02 SL: {{Auto in|66.4|0}}<br>1996-99 SL: {{Auto in|66.7|0}} |height=1996-99 SW & SL: {{Auto in|54.5|0}}<Br>2000-01 SW: {{Auto in|55.6|0}}<br>2000-02 SL: {{Auto in|55|0}}<Br>SC: {{Auto in|53|0}} |assembly=[[Spring Hill, Tennessee]]}} [[Image:'96-'99 Saturn SW.JPG|thumb|left|1996-1999 Saturn SW1]] The second generation SL and SW were made from model year 1996 to 2002, with a refresh for the 2000 model year. The redesign resulted in a more curved look for the SL/SW, which gave a slight increase in interior room and doorway size as well as an updated appearance. Mechanically, very little was changed from the previous model, though 1996 was the first year for the [[OBDII]] [[PCM]]. 1999 models received improvements to both SOHC and DOHC engines that did not affect power output, but did smooth out the some of the harshness associated with them. These changes included revised pistons, connecting rods, etc. The facelifted 2000-2002 model features a redesigned interior and exterior polymer panels, resulting in an addition of {{Auto in|1.2|0}} to overall length, though it was virtually unchanged mechanically. ==Second generation SC== [[Image:2nd-Saturn-SC.jpg|thumb|left|200px|1997-2000 Saturn SC]] [[Image:01-02 Saturn SC-b.jpg|thumb|left|200px|2001-2002 Saturn SC]]The second generation SC was made from model year 1997 to 2002, with a refresh for the 2001 model year. The second generation SC also moved to the longer wheelbase of the SL/SW models, resulting in an equal wheelbase across all models. The redesign resulted in a more curved look for the SC, which gave a slight increase in interior room and doorway size as well as an updated appearance. Mechanically, very little was changed from the previous model. For the 1999 model year, a small suicide third door was added to the driver's side. This door provides easier access to and from the rear seat. The door's latch is on its front edge, and is thus inaccessible unless the front door is open; this prohibits a user from opening (or closing) the rear door if the front door is not open.<ref name="edmunds.com"/> The 2000 model kept the same exterior but featured the redesigned interior of the SL and SW. The facelifted 2001-2002 model adopted minor exterior styling revisions. ==Theft== The 1995 Saturn SL was the most stolen vehicle in 2003, while the 1994 SL took third place in CCC Information Services's 2003 most stolen vehicle report.<ref name="saturnfans.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.saturnfans.com/Company/2004/1995slmoststolen.shtml|title=1995 Saturn SL Tops Most Stolen Vehicle List|accessdate=2008-04-03|work=saturnfans.com/}}</ref> ==2003== Production of the S-Series ended after model year 2002. The car was replaced by one based on the [[GM Delta platform]], the [[Saturn Ion]]. This also marked the end of Saturn's use of mostly in-house designs, as unlike the S-Series, the Ion shared its platform and engine with other GM models such as the [[Chevrolet Cobalt]], [[Chevrolet HHR]], [[Pontiac G5]] and its eventual successor, the [[Saturn Astra]]. ==Production Numbers== Listed below is a rough estimate on the numbers of S-Series produced from 1991-2002. This information is referenced from "The Encyclopedia of American Cars" written by Auto Editors of Consumer Guide, Copyright 2002. {| class="wikitable" |- ! 1991- 48,629 built ! 1992- 169,959 built ! 1993- 244,621 built Introduction of Wagon Model/SC Designation for Sport Coupe changes to SC1/SC2 |- | approx. 10,000 SC | SC | SC1/SC2 | | |- | approx. 38,629 SL/SL1/SL2 | SL/SL1/SL2 | SL/SL1/SL2 SW1/SW2 |- ! 1994- 267,518 built ! 1995- 302,988 built ! 1996- 294,198 built |- | SC1/SC2 | SC1/SC2- 62,434 | SC1/SC2 |- | SL/SL1/SL2 SW1/SW2 | SL/SL1/SL2- 221,102 SW1/SW2- 19,452 | SL/SL1/SL2 SW1/SW2 |- ! 1997- 314,992 built ! 1998- 219,765 built ! 1999- 275,633 built |- | SC1/SC2- 70,711 | SC1/SC2- 38,591 | SC1/SC2- 52,965 |- | SL/SL1/SL2- 213,182 SW1/SW2- 31,099 | SL/SL1/SL2- 160,759 SW1/SW2- 20,415 | SL/SL1/SL2- 203,578 SW1/SW2- 19,090 |- ! 2000- 169,866 built ! 2001- 117,842 built ! 2002- Figures not available from referenced material at time of publication |- | SC1- 8,517 SC2- 8,724 | SC1- 23,584 SC2- 17,414 | |- | SL/SL1- 74,085 SL2- 68,907 SW2- 9,633 | SL/SL1/SL2- 73,428 SW2- 3,416 | Figures not available from referenced material at time of publication |} == References == {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat}} *[http://www.saturnfans.com/ saturnfans.com] *[http://www.sixthsphere.com/ sixthsphere.com] {{Saturn Corporation}} [[Category:Compact cars]] [[Category:Front wheel drive vehicles]] [[Category:Saturn vehicles|S-series]] [[Category:Coupes]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Station wagons]] [[Category:1990s automobiles]] [[Category:2000s automobiles]] [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1991]] [[Category:Goods manufactured in the United States]] [[ja:サターン・Sシリーズ]] [[pt:Saturn S-series]]