1997 Saturn S-Series in Carbondale, IL - $0

For Saturn, corporate life began with the launch of the S-Series in 1990. The retail revolution that became known as Saturn evolved over the last 12 years as the brand continued to improve and compete against better-known, deeper entrenched competition. "Continuous improvement" is the watchword at Saturn as the automaker takes a page from the Japanese play book in its quest to compete in the most ruthless of automotive market segments -- small cars.

The fact that folks at Saturn have managed to survive throughout the last decade without any kind of truck or minivan speaks volumes about the soundness of the original concept.

Manufactured at the nameplate's Spring Hill, Tenn., assembly plant, the Saturn coupe is available in SC1 and SC2 models. The top-of-the-line SC2 coupe remains the best example of the current thinking at the automaker. In 1999, Saturn became the only automaker to improve the accessibility of its coupes with the addition of a third door on the driver's side.

Production began in November 1998, making the coupe much more versatile while opening up new reasons for American motorists to consider this nifty subcompact two-door. This improvement is standard on every Saturn coupe. The coupe also features dent-resistant thermoplastic fenders, doors, quarters and fascias that replace traditional steel to help resist nicks, scratches and dents during ownership.

Engine choices are two versions of the nameplate's 1.9L four-cylinder -- a single-overhead camshaft (SOHC) version (SC1) and a 16-valve double overhead valve (DOHC) version (SC2). A five-speed manual gearbox is standard. A four-speed electronically controlled automatic is $860.

On the road, the engine is much quieter than previous models, delivering a smooth and responsive performance that is impressive. Handling and control are sporty and contained. A four-wheel independent suspension system features a MacPherson front strut with lateral link and tension strut combined with a tri-link rear strut/spring module. P185/65R14 tires on SC1 and P195/60R15 tires on SC2 work together with the steering systems to give the driver a good feel of the road at all speeds.

Inside the cabin, excellent large displays -- a Saturn trademark -- greet the driver and controls are well placed and within easy reach. Power window switches are located in the center console instead of the doors for ease of use and improved reliability. While rear seat space is snug, as to be expected for a small coupe, the fold-down split-rear seat backs in concert with the third door improve the coupe's utility while adding to the flexibility of the 11.4 cubic foot trunk.

Ratings & specifications

Engine performance numbers are as follow: 1.9L SOHC -- 100 hp at 5,000 rpm and 114 lb./ft. of torque at 2,400 rpm; 1.9L DOHC -- 124 hp at 5,600 rpm and 122 lb./ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. EPA fuel economy figures range from 29 city/40 highway for the SOHC/manual to 25 city/36 highway for the DOHC automatic using regular unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are easy to reach but not consistently marked.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, daytime running lights, fog lamps, internal trunk escape handle and dynamic side-impact protection. Optional safety equipment adds four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control ($495) and head curtain airbags ($325). The optional head curtain airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of head and neck injuries to front seat occupants on the near side of certain side-impact collisions

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2002 Saturn S-Series coupe starts at $12,900 for the SC1 manual to $16,940 for the SC2 automatic. Destination charge adds $465. The automaker reports good supplies of the S-Series coupe.

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