S-Series Model Year History
Charting the Changes
The list below represents a history of changes made to Saturn's S-Series line of sedans, coupes, and wagons throughout their production run. Please note, that this is a work-in-progress. Similar lists are also being developed for the Ion, L-Series, and Vue.
If you have any additions, clarifications, or comments, please send me a note via e-mail.
1991 to '92:
Added upper engine mount for reduced noise and vibration
Revised seat-inset fabric (SL2, SC)
Polished alloy wheels with painted "geartooth" pattern (SL2, SC)
"Teardrop" alloy wheel available (SL2, SC)
Optional rear spoiler added (SL2, SC2)
Leather interior available (SL2, SC)
Aquamarine added (SC)
Light Blue (SL1) and Bright Blue (SC) dropped
Late '92 Changes:
Driver's side airbag available (Note: initially airbag-equipped cars did not get cruise control until new cruise switches designed)
Windshield washer spray nozzles moved from hood to cowl
Teardrop alloy wheel dropped (SL2)
1992 to '93:
SC1, SW1, SW2 added; SC renamed SC2
Updated front bumper with optional fog lamp (SL2)
Updated rear bumper (SL2)
Optional spoiler "raised" to allow easier cleaning (SL2, SC2)
Medium Blue-Green replaced Blue-Green. Silver and Black fade away.
Two-tone paint combos (red over silver, silver over grey) dropped
Late '94:
The limited edition 'SL2 Homecoming Sedan' (HCS) bowed. Only 3500 were made. Each featured special pearl paint, grey leather/cloth seats, blacked out emblems, and teardrop wheels from the SC2.
Power steering option added (SL) (Note: Some older SLs received power steering at no cost when manual steering components were in short supply)
Black Gold and Light Plum added; Grey and Medium Blue deleted
Revised control arm bushings and tighter strut valves for better ride
Silver returns as a color option. Black-Gold and Purple available on sedans.
Switch to steel panel from fiberglass for roof (SW1, SW2)
Changes for Late '96:
The 'SC2 Classic' was released as a limited-edition coupe in Black, with a Red stripe, Grey Leather interior, special Saturn badges (the black badges of the Homecoming Edition rather than the traditional red logo) and all the bells and whistles (e.g. power windows, etc.)
A new color was added, light green.
Changes for '97:
New coupe debuts.
Black interiors will be available in sedans; grey will be available in coupes.
The Remote Keyless Entry system will include a new panic feature, in case of emergency.
Fog lamps, no longer available on SC1, will be standard on the SC2.
Rear Spoiler will be standard on the '97 Coupe.
A new in-dash CD player will be added to the radio options, as an alternative to the trunk mounted CD changer. (might be of particular note for prospective Wagon buyers).
A new color was added, blue.
1997 to '98:
Reduced force air bags
Automatic transmissions are recalibrated; Norm/Perf switch removed
New wheel covers and alloy wheels on the SL2, SW2, and SC1
New interiors (tan and grey)
New removable headrests
Alarm that will arm itself
Dome light will shut itself off if left on
Trunk release will be mechanical, not electrical
Ski rack on SWs (retailer installed)
Cars will have improved emissions that will make all models comply with future government standards
Colors: Silver Plum (new), Black (returned Spring 97), Medium Blue, (introduced Spring 97), Bright Red (will be available on the SCs only)
Midyear '98:
Prices are reduced
The special edition pearl white color of the famed '94 Homecoming SL2 (HCS) is offered for a second time on 4800 '98 SL2 and SC2s. The paint costs an extra $150. Unlike the HCS, these cars feature Saturn's traditional red emblems and standard uplevel interior fabrics (the HCS had a leather/fabric seating areas).
Red or white SC2 coupes with black roofs were sold for a limited time. White faced gauges, black mirrors, black Homecoming emblems, black pin stripes, and Teardrop II alloy wheels with black accent paint were standard. The package was a $225 option.
A new grey bronze color was sold on specially equipped SL1s and SW1s. The cars featured body colored bumpers, black Saturn emblems, and new "double-spoke" wheel covers. The package cost $75.
Dark blue is dropped from the SC1, SC2, SW1, SW2 color pallet. SL1s and SL2s continue to be offered in the distinct hue.
A new digital odometer replaces both the old analog odometer and trip odometer.
Changes for Late '98:
The exhaust system is redesigned to reduce noise.
1998 to '99:
Increase in windshield washer bottle volume to one gallon.
Powertrain improvements.
New optical alloy wheel, and new standard wheel cover for SC2; c/o SC1 wheel cover.
100% rear drum brakes on all vehicles (eliminate rear disc brakes on SL2, SC2 with ABS).
Improved suspension dampers for a smoother ride.
New exterior colors: blackberry and green.
New fabric on SC2 (Rotini).
New seat belt retractor with load limit.
New belt guide for LH front seat (coupe only).
Front seat belt inboard latch extended 24mm.
Roller follower valve train on DOHC for improved fuel economy.
Longer powder metal connecting rods and piston changes.
New 8-counterweight crankshaft.
New 8mm pitch timing chain.
Expect prices of the sedans and wagons to remain unchanged.
The price of the SC1 coupes will decrease by $650, the SC2 by $350.
The cost of the CA-Northeast emmisions package will be the only price increase.
Midyear Changes '99:
New coupes arrive just before Thanksgiving with a standard RAD (rear access door). Production of the 3-door SCs began November 2, 1998.
Details regarding the 1999 Homecoming SL2 emerge; only 4000 were manufactured. Here is a list of features:
Available in only one color: a "gold green" metallic hue. It looked like a soft light green color.
Fifteen inch alloy wheels that are similar to the 1999 SC2 three-door coupe.
Black and silver exterior emblems. These emblems were featured on the original Homecoming sedan, and other past special edition coupes and sedans.
Combination tan cloth and leather seats.
Light tan instrument cluster with homecoming stitching.
Commemorative floor mats with the homecoming insignia.
Automatic transmission, AM/FM St Cass w/ EQ, rear decklid spoiler, and Option Package #2
A new version of the popular SW wagons, called the SWP (the 'p' stands for postal), is introduced. The car featured RHD (right hand drive) and was marketed to rural postal carriers.
1999 to 2000:
Exterior Changes
New body panels below the beltline.
New reflector optics (clear lens) headlamps feature improved beam pattern.
Unique insert-molded amber park/turn lens.
Standard painted fascias (excluding base SL models.)
New 14-inch wheel covers for SL model.
New 14-inch wheel covers on SL1.
New 15-inch wheel covers on SL2.
New 15-inch alloy wheels available on SL2.
New Interior Features:
New instrument panel design featuring a continuous, one-piece top cover for improved appearance and squeak and rattle performance.
New instrument cluster with revised telltale display.
New console with improved cupholders and provisions for a retailer-installed six-disc CD changer.
New console armrest featuring fore-aft adjustment and storage is standard on SL2.
New door panels with integral storage pocket and cupholders.
Updated sound systems and climate control systems.
Horn button relocated to the center of the steering wheel.
Cruise control located on the spokes of the steering wheel.
Seating upgraded with extended front-seat travel and revised lumbar support system.
Standard engine immobilizing anti-theft system.
Standard top tether anchors for child safety seats.
Glove box door lock available on all models as a retailer-installed accessory.
New Chassis and Power Modules Features:
Wider, improved-handling base tire - P185/65R14 replaces P175/70R14 (on SL and SL1.)
New ABS brake system technology minimizes initialization sound; Additionally, driver will feel pedal pulse and hear ABS system operation sound during an ABS braking event.
New self-adjusting clutch (on vehicles equipped with manual transmissions) features reduced pedal travel and lower, more consistent clutch efforts over the life of the clutch.
Improved manual transmission design eliminates the need for scheduled fluid maintenance (6,000-milefluid service eliminated.)
New built-in oil change monitor alerts customer of need to change oil based on a computer algorithm that monitors vehicle mileage, engine revolutions and engine temperature. When the calculated oil life is 90%depleted, an instrument panel light signals the driver with a "Change Oil Soon" light. This feature does not eliminate the need for customers to check the overall oil level between changes.
Lower bearing ladder incorporated into 1.9-liter engine block for improved engine sound quality (DOHC only).
New intake manifold system for improved engine sound quality (DOHC only.)
Both SOHC and DOHC engines available with California or Northeastern Emission packages.
Midyear 2000 Changes:
Aggressively restyled 3-door SC coupe debuts in January 2000 as a 2001 model with many of the same changes that were made to the SL sedans and SW wagons six months earlier.
2000 to 2001:
Available front head curtain air bags
Painted fascias added as standard equipment on SL
Right side manual exterior mirror added as standard equipment on SL
