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With quality levels that are among the highest of all vehicles, Saturn's SL, SLl and SL2 continue to combine affordability, reliability and a superior ownership experience that have been a trademark since. the first vehicles were introduced 1990. For 1998, all three sedans benefit from engineering and manufacturing refinements designed for even higher levels of quality and driver experience.
EXTERIOR - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
On the outside, the Saturn sedans remain distinct with an upswept, wedge-shaped body and clean, smooth surfaces. Up front, the fenders, hood, lights and fascia are not shared with the coupe model and visually communicate safety and security to the owner. The front and rear bumper systems include an aluminum bumper bar coupled with a honeycomb "guideflex" energy management system underneath the one piece, injection molded fascias. The front and rear bumper systems for all Saturn models are designed to meet all federal requirements including impact protection up to 5 mph with no visual damage. SL and SLl models continue with graphite-colored front and rear fascias while SL2 models feature body color components. For increased visibility and driving safety, Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) are standard on all models. Foglamps, for additional illumination during inclement weather, are available on the SL2. Doors, quarter panels and front fenders are designed to be ding resistant and are constructed of polymer material while horizontal surfaces including the hood, roof and decklid are constructed of steel. All panels are covered with a universal-primer finisher prior to the application of an environmentally-friendly waterborne basecoat. A final clear coat is applied to maintain a long, durable finish. The SL2 includes body-color door handles while the SL and SL1 feature graphite-colored handles that match the bumper system.
CYLINDERS - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
All key cylinders incorporate a new locking system with a side bar design for improved security. For easy front and rear entry and egress, the front doors open a full 66 degrees while rear doors swing out 74 degrees. Door glass retracts fully into the front doors and drops 80 percent into the rear doors. At the rear, the trunk provides easy access with low liftover. An interior activated release lever is standard on all models. For quieter operation, new trunk torque rods with silencers are standard. Trunk volume is 12.1 cubic feet. On SL2 models, a rear applique that matches the taillamp design running the width of the decklid is included. On SL and SL1 models, the area is body color. The SL2 is also available with a decklid spoiler. All exterior glass is flush mounted and contributes to low interior noise levels. Drag coefficient for the Saturn sedans is .315 on vehicles without the spoiler. Overall length for the sedan is 176.9 inches, width is 66.7 inches and height is 54.5 inches. Curb weight is 2,355 lbs. on SL and SL1 models equipped with an automatic transmission and air conditioning. Sedans with manual transmissions weigh slightly less at 2,326 pounds.
COLORS - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
Depending on the specific model, seven exterior colors are available for 1998 including new Dark Blue and Silver Plum. Other choices include Black, Dark Green, White, Medium Red and Silver.
INTERIOR - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
On the inside, all Saturn sedan models offer five passenger space and a large selection of standard and available convenience features. Front seat comfort is enhanced for 1998 on SL2 models with new adjustable front headrests that move up and down and include a locking feature. On SL and SL1 models, seats include integral headrests. The interiors of the three models feature revised fabrics and are available in four trim selections. SL models are equipped with a standard cloth/vinyl combination. Individually tailored, full cloth interiors are standard in the SL1 and SL2 models. A specific leather/cloth interior also is available on SL2 models. Seating areas on interiors with the leather trim are redesigned with new cushions and folds for 1998. Front seats on all sedan models are designed for optimal traveling comfort and feature a built-in lumbar support. Both driver and passenger front seats are equipped with manually operated recliners. All SL2 models include a mechanically adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat. Rear seats are designed to accommodate three passengers and include a 60/40 split with fold-down backs for additional storage space. Extra long objects can be easily accommodated through the rear seat opening and into the trunk cargo area. For customer convenience, the front console is standard on all sedan models. The upper level of the console is designed to hold small, personal items such as coins and earrings. The larger, lower level of the console can accommodate soda cans and bottles and cassette tapes. A lockable center armrest console unit is available as a retailer installed accessory. Front and rear ashtrays also are provided in the console. For non-smokers, the front ashtray is easily removed to provide an additional cupholder. For vehicles equipped with power windows, the window switches are located conveniently in the center console. Doors feature a cloth/plastic interior treatment and map pockets are included on both front doors. SL2 models include a nylon mesh map pocket on the seat back of the passenger seat and map pockets are included on both front seat backs when the SL2 is equipped with the available leather interior. To help egress from the vehicle, assist straps are located above each passenger door. Easy-to-read, backlit, analog instrumentation includes a large speedometer and tachometer along with gauges for fuel, coolant temperature and trip odometer. On sedans equipped with the dual overhead camshaft engine, speedometer readout is up to 130 mph and 8000 rpm on the tachometer. Standard SOHC instrumentation is 100 mph and 7000 rpm, respectively. To help facilitate a full view of the instruments and driver comfort, an adjustable-height steering column is standard.
SAFETY - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
As part of Saturn's commitment to safety, driver and passenger supplemental inflatable restraint systems (SIRs or air bags) are standard equipment. For 1998, Reduced Force Air Bags have been incorporated into the entire Saturn Line-up. ( See End Note*.) Occupants should always wear seat belts even in vehicles equipped with air bags, as sit as far away as practical from the SIR module while still maintaining proper control of the vehicle. Three point active seat belts are included for all outboard positions. A child seat hold out mechanism also is included with the outboard belt system. When the seat belt is fully extended, this feature allows parents to easily thread the webbing through the child safety restraint. Child seat belt comfort guides also are added in the rear seats for 1998. Child safety seat top tether anchors, located in the rear package shelf, also are included in all Saturn sedans. Tether anchor hardware is included for Canadian vehicles and is available free of charge from all Saturn retailers in the United States. An audible chime and illuminated telltale seat belt symbol on the instrument panel advise the driver if the belt is not properly fastened. Personal safety and security are enhanced for 1998 when the vehicle is equipped with the available Power Convenience Package and Saturn Security System. An all-new passive arming feature, programmable by the retailer at the customer's request, allows automatic arming of the system when the ignition is turned off and any door is cycled. The system also alarms itself after ten minutes if the ignition has been turned off and no doors have been cycled. A red panic button on the key fob also is included. If pressed, courtesy lights flash and the horn sounds for up to two minutes. Four audio systems are available for listening pleasure. Standard on all models is an AM/FM four-speaker stereo (two speakers on the SL). Sound system upgrades include an AM/FM stereo with cassette; an AM/FM stereo with cassette, graphic equalizer and upgraded speakers; and an AM/FM stereo with CD player, graphic equalizer and upgraded speakers. A retailer-installed, trunk-mounted 12 disc CD changer is also available for the cassette/equalizer and CD/equalizer systems. Other popular items available include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, power right side mirror and leather interior. Cloth interiors are available in three color choices: grey, tan and black; leather trim for the SL2 is available in either grey or tan.
POWER MODULES - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
For 1998, Saturn continues to offer two exclusive power modules (the combination of engine, transmission and integrated computer controls) across the model line-up. Structural improvements designed to reduce noise and increase durability have been incorporated into the engine blocks and transmission case housings for 1998. Constructed with an aluminum block and cylinder head, these engines are cast using a lost foam casting process that assures a high degree of uniformity and reduces machining requirements. Produced by Saturn in Spring Hill, the 1.9 liter, four-cylinder, single overhead cam (SOHC) engine is standard on SL and SL1 models. The SOHC produces 100 horsepower at 5,000 rpm along with 114 lb.ft. of torque at 2,400 rpm. Fuel economy with the five speed manual transmission is EPA-rated at 28/39 mpg city/highway. On vehicles equipped with the available automatic, fuel economy is 27/37 mpg city/highway. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is 10.5 seconds on manual-equipped SL and SL1s, and 11.5 seconds on SLl models equipped with the automatic transmission. The dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 1.9 liter four-cylinder is available exclusively in the SL2 model. The more powerful engine features a revised cylinder head and valve train along with an increased 9.5:1 compression ratio. The engine produces 124 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and torque also is increased to 122 lb. ft. at 4,800 rpm. The 16-valve, four cylinder engine powers the SL2 from 0 to 60 mph in just nine seconds on sedans with a manual transmission. On automatic-equipped sedans, 0 to 60 mph is accomplished in 9.6 seconds. The EPA fuel economy rating for the manual-equipped SL2 with the DOHC is 26/36 mpg city/highway. The EPA fuel economy rating for the SL2 equipped with the automatic transmission is 24/3.l mpg city/highway. Two transmissions are offered for the SL model lineup for 1998. Standard equipment on the SL and SLl is a five speed, wide ratio manual gearbox designed for use with the SOHC engine. For sedans equipped with the DOHC engine, a five speed, close ratio transmission is standard. Designed for both performance and exceptional fuel economy, the final drive ratio for both manual transmissions is 4.060. SL1 and SL2 models also are available with a four speed automatic transmission. For 1998, transmission shift points have been refined to reduce `hunting' and improve downshift quality. Equal length drive axles are utilized to help reduce torque steer, or the tendency to pull under hard acceleration, which is common in many small vehicles. Final drive ratio for both the SOHC and DOHC sedans equipped with the automatic transmission also is 4.060.
CHASSIS - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
Based on a 102.4 inch wheelbase, the Saturn sedans feature four wheel independent suspension including a MacPherson strut system up front and a tri-link design in the rear. A 27.2 mm front stabilizer bar, designed to increase roll control and minimize fore/aft movement, is standard. SL2 models are equipped with a larger, 28.6 mm stabilizer bar for increased performance. The tri-link rear suspension design features two unequal length links to help maintain minimal lateral movement and a single longitudinal link that helps maintain proper fore/aft control. On SL2 models, a standard rear stabilizer bar measuring 15 mm is included. For 1998, new suspension dampers have been incorporated to deliver a smoother overall ride. For minimal rolling resistance and precise performance, P 175/70R 14 all-season tires are standard on the SL and SL 1 models. SL2 models are equipped with larger P 185/65R 15 touring radials that are "T" speed rated for additional stability and enhanced ride and handling. Wheel choices for 1998 include model specific steel wheels with polymer covers for the SL, SL 1 and SL2 models. New wheel covers are standard on the SL2. Also available for the SL2 model are new "Multi-Fin" aluminum alloy wheels.
BRAKES - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
Power assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard across the model lineup. For increased braking performance, a four wheel anti-lock brake system, with traction control is available. The traction control system helps provide increased acceleration in slippery roadconditions including snow, ice and wet pavement. Unlike "brake only" systems found on many competitive models, the Saturn traction control system is integrated with the powertrain to help reduce power through the fuel management and spark timing controls. A telltale light on the instrument panel advises the driver that the system is in operation. If some wheel spin is desired by the driver in heavy snow or mud conditions, the traction control system can be manually disengaged by the driver with a convenient switch located on the instrument panel. Specific steering systems are found on each sedan. SL models are equipped with manual steering that requires four turns lock-to-lock. SL1 models are equipped constant flow power steering assist while SL2 models are equipped with a variable effort power steering system that increases steering effort as speed increases for a sportier feel. On the SL1, the power steering system requires just three turns lock-to-lock; the SL2 takes 2.67 turns. Turning diameter, curb to curb, is 37.1 feet. As part of Saturn's continuing commitment to the enviroment, a new onboard vapor recovery system that is designed to help control escaping fuel vapors during refueling and vehicle operation has been added. Saturn models are among the first General Motors vehicles to incorporate this new technology.
1998 SATURN FAST FACTS:
SL/SL1/SL2 SEDANS
NEW EXTERIOR: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
NEW INTERIOR: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
REVISED POWER MODULES: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
REVISED CHASSIS: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
CUSTOMER SERVICE - Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
As part of Saturn's commitment to customers, every Saturn comes with a 30 day/ 1,500 mile Moneyback Guarantee if an owner is dissatisfied for any reason. After-purchase service includes 24-hour Roadside Assistance available seven days a week. If a customer locks keys in their car or runs out of gas, help is simply a phone call away. Each new Saturn owner also receives a credit card key that fits easily into a wallet or purse that can be used if the owner accidentally gets locked out of the car.
1998 SATURN FAST FACTS:
NEW EXTERIOR: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
NEW INTERIOR: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
REVISED POWER MODULES: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
REVISED CHASSIS: Buy The SL/SL1/SL2 Here
( *END NOTE: Reduced Force Air Bags do not reduce the need to wear safety belts. Safety belts and proper child restraints will continue to be the most effective way to help reduce the risks of injury and death in a crash and are essential in helping protect occupants in crashes where air bags are not intended to provide protection - side impacts, rear impacts and rollovers. Furthermore, Reduced Force Air Bags will not eliminate the risk to children in rear-facing infant seats. Rear-facing infant seats must be used only in rear seats. Reduced Force Air Bags will reduce some of the risks associated with air bag deployment for out-of-position occupants, but the risks are not eliminated. Whenever possible, children under 13 years of age should be in the back seat and should always be properly secured.)
Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610
