Saturn's S-series cars deliver excellent fuel economy. The SL gets 40 mpg highway, while the SL2 gets 38 mpg. The SL2 isn't as quick as a Dodge Neon or Honda Civic, but it offers good performance in city traffic. Saturn claims the SL2 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 9 seconds.
To save money, Saturn last year changed the rear brakes from discs to drums on all S-series models, something we don't think rates as progress. In all fairness, however, base Hondas and Toyotas make do with drums in back as well. Saturn refined its optional anti-lock braking system for 2000. Saturn's tests indicate reduced stopping distances with ABS, and independent published test results indicate these cars provide good stopping power. It seems like the ABS comes into play often. We can barely hear it when making normal stops at intersections. We don't know whether that's because the tires lack grip or if it's because the ABS is aggressive. It also kicks in when just one side of the car is on a slippery surface, which is a good thing.
The traction control system works aggressively as well. While standing on the throttle at the bottom of an ice-covered grade, the SL2 slowly and methodically motored to the top of the hill. These are easy cars to drive. A switch on the console allows the driver to turn off traction control for those times when a bit of wheelspin is needed to get unstuck or to accelerate at maximum levels. Next Page