Saturn was started when GM lost the market share to Japanese cars. In order to combat the efficient and practical import vehicles, Saturn produced 3 models of fuel efficient vehicles. The first generation single cam engine got 37 mpg and made 85hp, while the second generation SOHC made 100hp and acheived 40 mpg. Saturn engines are cast using the "lost foam process." Basically they make a mold out of styrofoam and use aluminum to displace it. If you look really closely at my block it just looks like shiny styrofoam. The reason these cars burn so much oil is because the lost foam process isn't very precise, so some engines use a quart of oil every fill up and some don't burn oil at all. I got lucky with mine, it burns 2 quarts between oil changes.
The first generation of Saturn was comprised of three cars all under the "S-Series." These cars are the wagon (SW1/SW2), the sedan (SL/SL1/SL2), and the coupe (SC1/SC2). All models could haul 5 people comfortably. The models ending with the number "2" had the performance twin-cam engine, which produced 124 hp and acheived 31 mpg. Saturns equiped with this engine are faster then most GM vehicles equiped with the GM3800 due to a superior power/weight ratio and a lower drag coefficient. The bodies are made out of plastic (so they don't rust) and are dent resistant. I can testify to that seeing as someone hit the back quarter panel of my parked car and moved it 8" to the right. All the girl did is scratch the paint on my car, but she wrecked her front bumper, front quarter panel and headlight mount.
These vehicles are VERY aerodynamic and weigh just over 2000 lbs. The fastest 1/4 mile time slip on record for one of these engines is 16 seconds naturally aspirated, they run just over 18 seconds from the factory and my car runs high 17's on the street just by changing the poorly designed air intake.
This vehicle was origionally purchased as general transportation, but I have moved towards horsepower and eco-modding (improving MPG). I fully understand that this car will never be fast, but if this car makes it to 200,000 miles with gas at $2.50 this car will be free with gas savings. She has over $1,000 into her at this point and I still have suspension work to do next year. Lowering your car improves your mpg dramatically. This is the most fuel efficient trim but it has the highest ride height out of any first or second generation Saturn, so I stand to gain a lot with a simple drop.
Who's best at reppin' Buffalo?

Me.
Which car would win on a road course?

Mine.
Who has better paint?

Me.
Who has the sickest SL?

Me.
Which is the better daily commuter?

Mine.
Which is the wilder 1994 Saturn?

This one.
First or Second Gen Saturn?

First.
Which car wouldn't win in a crash?

...
Which vehicle would win an autocross?

Mine.
Who has better gas mileage?

Me.

And me.

And me again.

And again...
Who has the better pic?

Me.
Which would people rather drive?

Mine.
Less likely to get away on an episode of cops?

Yeah, that's right

And again
Bigger muffler?

Ooooooh yeah....
Same challenge, different car:

Yes sir, the ultimate can is MINE!!!
Dark blue metallic or blue with yellow stripes?

Dark Blue all the way!
More likely to get peed on by a naked drunk guy at the local golf coarse?

Not sure if I'm proud but I still won!
More likely to be driven off a cliff by a bunch of naked nuns?

Just call me the holy-roller
More likely to be stolen by an albino guy?

Top 3 stolen vehicle in 2003!
More likely to drive top to bottom of Minnesota for best gas prices?

I went 10 miles out of my way once to test BP, but whatever
Cleaner and better engine setup?

Yup
More likely to make it through a metal detector?

Me
jsin