Built on the Z-body platform and developed entirely in-house as Saturn, the S-series was sold from the fall of 1990 through the end of the 2002 model year. shared very little in common with the rest of the GE model line. Part of a family of compact cars from the Saturn automobile company the S-series featured a spaceframe design that was also seen on various Pontiacs and means that the side panels didn't carry load and could use plastic pieces instead of metal. A huge selling point for Saturn through its later models, the polymer panels were dent-resistant. Featured in 1990 as 1991 models, the S-series debuted with SC and SL models. In 1992 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit the SW wagon debuted.The only two foreign countries that imported Saturn vehicles were Taiwan and Japan. First and second generation sedans along with first-generation coupes were sold in Taiwan from 1992 until 1996. Second-generation versions were sold in right-hand drive in Japan from 1996 until 2003.
On July 30, 1990 the first Saturn left the assembly line in the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory. ‘91 and '92 model year Saturn's showcased the base ‘SL' which was available with a manual transmission only, an 'SL1', ‘SL2' and ‘SC'. The line expanded to include the SW1 and SW2 wagons in '93, these models were mechanically identical to their SL1 and SL2 counterparts. In 1995 all models featured an interior redesign.All S-Series vehicles were available with either a 5-speed manual transmission of a 4-speed automatic transmission. The SOHC equipped model's transmissions were focused towards economy while DOHC-equipped vehicles were geared to enhance acceleration.Introduced in 1991, first generation SC models originally came in only one trim level with a DOHC 1.9 L I4 LLO engine. Two years later the original SC trim level was renamed SC2 and an SC1 trim level debuted. For 1995 the first generation SC2 received a minor update with redesigns in the lower front bumper, the trunk lid reflector and interior.The SC1 was created as a base-level coupe and debuted in 1993. Featuring an SOHC 1.9 L I4 LK0 engine, it was rated at 85 hp and later upgraded to the 100 hp L24 engine for 1995. Obvious differences between the first generation SC1 and up level SC2 were found in the completely different front fascia that lacked the pop-up headlights and a slightly different rear. The SC1 also did not have a trunk lid reflector. From 1996 until 2002 the second generation of the SL and SW were featured with a slight refresh of the lineup for 2000. The result of this update was a more defined curve look for both the SL and SW. This increased the interior room and doorway size as well. Not much was changed mechanically though 1996 was the first year for the OBDII PCM.
The second generation of the Saturn SC was introduced in 1997 and ran until 2002. A refresh was done in 2001. An equal wheelbase across all models was accomplished by moving the second generation SC to the longer wheelbase of the SL/SW models. For 1996 the Saturn SC featured a new look and standard on all models was a new sequential-port fuel injection system. To meet 1997 side impact safety standards all models now came equipped with driver and front passenger 3-point active safety belts and airbags. Also new for this year were daytime running lights equipped on all SC models Both the SC1 and SC2 models are available with four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, cruise control, traction control, power locks and power windows. Leather appointments are offered optionally on the SC2.For 1998 the SC1 featured new, optional aluminum wheels while the coupe model exteriors remained relatively unchanged. The new exterior color for the year is blue. Reduced force airbags were incorporated into the SC model lineup for 1998. The SC2 featured adjustable front seat headrests. To reduce overall noise and improve durability, structural improvements to the engine block and transmission case housings were done. The transmission shift points were revised on automatic transmissions to provide less hunting and to improve downshift quality. Traction control was included on optional ABS system.By Jessica Donaldson
The SC was updated and received a small suicide door on the driver's side partway through the 1999 model year. Previously used in extended cab pickup trucks, this type of door was an innovation in coupe design. Among the most fuel-efficient cars available at the time, coupes and sedans equipped with a manual transmission reached 40 miles per gallon in EPA highway tests.
Both SOHC and DOHC engines received improvements on their engines in 1999 but it did not affect power output, it only resulted in smoothing some of the harshness associated with them. The pistons and connecting rods were revised as well. For 2000 the model received a slight facelift that involved redesigning the interior and exterior polymer panels. This redesign added 1.2 inches to the overall length.
