The sports coupe buyer was considered by many to be the most informed in the 90s market. This was the class of comparison buying. Coupes were the showdown of looks, performance, image and value, and the competition was fierce.
To start with, a good sports coupe has to be good looking. Sitting low, swoopy and slick. Another essential ingredient was the driver positioning, well back from the windshield and centered on the instrument panel and controls. Gearshift, switches, and climate and radio controls must be easy to reach. And the gauges should tell you more than when it’s time to call the auto club. The Saturn SC2 had these.
But from an enthusiasts point of view, performance was the ultimate yardstick, and the Satun SC measured up very well. Surprisingly was its outstanding handling, acceleration and braking, topping every category when compared to its rivals. The 123-hp 1.9-liter DOHC 16-valve engine made all the right sounds, and the chassis provided outstanding handling and balance. Many contemporary reviews found the engine a little loud, and shift linkage needed refinement.
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