From MikeNW: I presently own a 1997 Saturn SL. I bought it new on July 7, 1997 with 7 miles from Saturn of Escondido, California. At the time, I wanted a small car with air conditioning that could hold my bicycle. After looking at Hondas and Fords, I found the Saturn. But I wasn't a big fan of Saturns back then. In fact, I thought the first generation "wedge" Saturns were better-looking than their second generation "pudgy" models. I didn't realize that the first gens were gone by 1997.

And I can't tell you how much I did NOT want to buy a car with a computer!

Anyway, I had finally saved up enough money by 1997 and bought the gold SL, as it was the cheapest new Saturn I could find. I like the gold because it came with a light-colored dashboard, important in the southern California heat.

Now after 12 years, I think this is the best car I have ever owned. Its certainly not as fast as my 1977 Rabbit, but its a lot more comfortable. The Saturn just seems to keep on running! The maintenance has been almost zero per mile for the first ten years. Now I am spending money on routine items, but it would still be difficult to drive cheaper per mile in another car.

I was lucky to find this forum last year when I replaced the clutch. It is one of the better forums I visit, with a lot of helpful people. My SL is sort of a hobby car. I am always looking to work to do on it, even if it's just to clean it! It reminds me of early Volkswagens.

That's my story!

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