The Saturn S-series is a family of compact cars from the Saturn automobile company of General Motors. Saturn pioneered the brand-wide "no-haggle" sales technique.
74-601: Its automobile platform , the Z-body , was developed entirely in-house at Saturn, and it shared very little with the rest of the General Motors model line. It implemented a spaceframe design, used on the Pontiac Fiero during the 1980s, with non-load-carrying side panels made of plastic instead of metal . These polymer panels were dent-resistant, something that remained a selling point for Saturn until just
148-469: A SUV . The Volkswagen A platform -mates such as the sports-oriented Audi TT and the economy-focused Volkswagen Golf also share much of their mechanical components but are visually entirely different. Both the Volkswagen Group and Toyota have had much success building many well-differentiated vehicles from many marques , from the same platforms. One of the least conspicuous recent examples
222-521: A manual transmission were among the most fuel-efficient cars available in the United States when they were produced, reaching 40 miles per US gallon (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg ‑imp ) in EPA highway tests at the time (this would likely translate to 36 miles per US gallon (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg ‑imp ) under current methodologies). The S-series was replaced by
296-531: A 1 from a 2 externally, except for the SC2s which had retractable headlamps throughout the 1996 model year. A redesign beginning with the 1999 model year gave the SC a small suicide door (more correctly a clamshell door) on the driver's side to improve rear-seat access. This type of door had previously been used in extended cab pickup trucks , but was an innovation in coupe design. The level 1 S-series equipped with
370-414: A completely redesigned exterior of the vehicle itself. For the 1999 model year, a front-opening clamshell door was added to the driver's side of the vehicle. Even though this door on the driver's side of the vehicle had allowed easier access into the vehicle's rear seat, the driver's seat in the vehicle was also able to slide forward to allow easy access to the vehicle's rear seat as well. As a clamshell door,
444-490: A customer can purchase any Toyota new from any of the four dealership groups, while Lexus products remain exclusive to Lexus locations. The following is a list of models that used to be available to certain dealerships. The discontinued models are identified with a ☆ while the present models are identified with a ★. Most of the present models can now finally be found in every store from all dealership groups since May 2020 due to Toyota's Unification Strategy. Exceptions like
518-543: A driver's side exterior mirror (a passenger mirror was a popular dealer-installed option). On the inside, the SL featured a standard AM/FM radio with no cassette player and lower-grade cloth material on the seats. Some factory options such as power windows, power locks, or cruise control were not available on the SL but Air-conditioning and an AM/FM/Cassette radio were available on the option sheet. The SL1 trim level added power steering,
592-581: A few years before the Saturn brand was discontinued. The S series was marketed from the fall of 1990 for the 1991 model year through the end of the 2002 model year. Significant design updates were made in 1996, 1997, and 2000 for all cars. Although nearly every year of the S-series's existence brought some minor changes to the architecture of the car, each model kept the same basic body styling throughout its respective production period. The S-series debuted for
666-477: A greater variety of vehicles from one basic set of engineered components. Pictured below is the Nissan MS platform , where designs including 5-door hatchback, sedan, compact SUV and minivan were built on a common floor panel and many shared functional assemblies such as engine, transmission and chassis components. Many vendors refer to this as product or vehicle architecture . The concept of product architecture
740-482: A limited number of Saturns that were exported to Japan as right-hand-drive vehicles circa between 1997 and 2000 (during the lifetime of the second-generation model). Aside from having the steering wheel on the other side, Japanese market Saturns were also fitted with slightly different light units. The rear lamps had amber turn signals and the front indicators were mounted closer to the corners rather than inboard. The SL and SW's engine displacement and dimensions were within
814-710: A lower cost to consumers. Additionally, economies of scale are increased, as is return on investment. Originally, a "platform" was a literally shared chassis from a previously-engineered vehicle, as in the case for the Citroën 2CV platform chassis used by the Citroën Ami and Citroën Dyane , as well as the Volkswagen Beetle frame under the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia . These two manufacturers made different category of vehicles under using
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#1732780957226888-665: A new style of sedan, the Crown . In 1957, Toyota began manufacturing a slightly smaller and more economical sedan, the Corona . A separate sales network, Toyopet Stores (トヨペット店 Toyopetto-ten ), was created to sell the Corona and Toyopet ToyoAce trucks. To offer a Crown-sized luxury sedan, the Mark II was offered. To distinguish Crown showrooms from Corona showrooms, the former came to be called Toyota Stores (トヨタ店 Toyota-ten ). In
962-501: A passenger mirror, different hubcaps for the 14-inch wheels, an AM/FM cassette player, and softer cloth material on the seats. It featured as standard equipment the same MP2 manual or the MP6 4-speed automatic transmission could be had as an option. The SL1 could be optioned with power windows, power locks, power mirror (passenger side only - driver's side retained manual control), cruise control, and air conditioning. Both were offered only with
1036-405: A red or white SC2 had the option of purchasing the "Black Top Coupe Package" for $ 225.00 (US). The models were referred to as the "Red Hot Coupe" or "White Hot Coupe", based on the exterior color. The package came with a black roof panel, black outside rearview mirrors, black emblems, white face gauges and black accented teardrop wheels. These are extremely rare. In 1999, a second Homecoming Edition
1110-691: A similar approach to the performance division Toyota Racing Development (TRD), providing various upgrades for the 86, Vitz, Prius, Mark X, Harrier, Noah and Voxy. In the female idol group, AKB48 , Toyota and AKS have worked together to create a subunit named Team 8 , which was marketed with the slogan: "Idols who come to meet you." They have a total of 47 members, each representing a prefecture of Japan. Starting in May 2020, models that were exclusive to particular Toyota dealership networks began to be shared with other Toyota dealership networks. Consequently, in Japan
1184-404: A single tank based on average of 32 mpg ‑US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg ‑imp ). Owners of the base model typically report real-world fuel mileage of about 38–41 mpg -US (6.2–5.7 L/100 km; 46–49 mpg -imp ) on the highway with the manual transmission. For the 1993 model year, a station wagon variant of the SL was added to the model lineup. This
1258-491: A strategy affects the development process and also has an important impact on an automaker's organizational structure. A platform strategy also offers advantages for the globalization process of automobile firms. Because automakers spend the majority of time and money on the development of platforms, platform sharing affords manufacturers the ability to cut costs on research and development by spreading it over several product lines. Manufacturers are then able to offer products at
1332-428: A technical point of view, includes underbody and suspensions (with axles) — where the underbody is made of the front floor, rear floor, engine compartment, and frame (reinforcement of underbody). Key mechanical components that define an automobile platform include: Platform sharing is a product development method where different products and the brand attached share the same components. The purpose with platform sharing
1406-403: Is a rough estimate on the numbers of S series produced from 1990 to 2002. Automobile platform A car platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components, over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of cars , often from different, but somewhat related, marques . It is practiced in the automotive industry to reduce
1480-610: Is known as the N-J-L platform, arguably the most prolific of GM's efforts on one platform. Once more, GM's four lower-level divisions all offered various models on this platform throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. The 1988 Fiat Tipo was one of the first European cars utilizing a modular platform , also used for the Fiat Tempra . Japanese carmakers have followed the platform sharing practice with Honda 's Acura line, Nissan 's Infiniti brand, and Toyota's Lexus marque, as
1554-554: Is the Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy SSR ; both use the GMT-360 platform. In automotive design, the top hat is one or more vehicle upper body structures that can share a common platform. The upper body could vary from a crossover to a sedan or coupe thereby creating economies of scale and product differentiation . Toyota Netz Toyota vehicles in Japan are distributed to numerous dealership chains throughout
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#17327809572261628-441: Is the scheme by which the function of a product is allocated to physical components. The use of a platform strategy provides several benefits: The car platform strategy has become important in new product development and in the innovation process. The finished products have to be responsive to market needs and to demonstrate distinctiveness while – at the same time – they must be developed and produced at low cost. Adopting such
1702-547: Is the selection of gear ratios, with the SOHC-associated transmissions being geared taller for more efficiency, and the DOHC-associated transmissions having shorter, more closely spaced ratios for performance. As a result, it's not uncommon for enthusiast-owners to swap a tall-geared MP2 manual into a car equipped with a DOHC engine for better fuel economy on the highway. Aside from the engine and transmission,
1776-407: Is to reduce the cost and have a more efficient product development process. The companies gain on reduced procurement costs by taking advantage of the commonality of the components. However, this also limits their ability to differentiate the products and imposes a risk of losing the tangible uniqueness of the product. The companies have to make a trade-off between reducing their development costs and
1850-779: The Publica . In 1966, the chain of outlets was renamed Toyota Corolla Store" (トヨタカローラ店 Toyota Karōra-ten ) to offer the Corolla , followed by the sports hardtop and liftback Celica and the Supra . The "Toyota Auto Stores" (トヨタオート店 Toyota Ōto-ten ) sales network was established in 1967 to sell a Corolla clone called the Sprinter . In the 1970s the Chaser and the LiteAce added more choices. "Toyota Vista Stores" (トヨタ・ビスタ) sales network
1924-771: The SOHC 1.9L I4 "LK0" engine that produced 85 hp (63 kW), which was rated at 27 mpg (8.7L/100 km/32 mpg) City, 34 mpg (6.9L/100 km; 41 mpg) Highway. The SL2 trim level featured the MP3 5-speed manual transmission, or the MP7 4-speed automatic transmission, both exclusively with the DOHC 1.9L I4 LL0 engine that was rated at 123 hp (92 kW), 24 mpg (9.8L/100 km; 29 mpg) City, 34 mpg (6.9L/100 km; 41 mpg) Highway. The SL2 also brought body-color bumpers, 15-inch steel wheels (alloys were optional), and higher spec cloth on
1998-542: The Saturn ION for the 2003 model year. Taiwan and Japan were the only two Asian countries to import Saturns. From June 1992 to 1996, the first- and second-generation sedans plus the first-generation coupes were sold in Taiwan. Taiwan was selected as a way to test the car's competitiveness in what was a small, level market, with most international players present and with no significant domestic brands. From 1997 to 2001,
2072-571: The Volvo S40 . Differences between shared models typically involve styling, including headlights , tail lights, and front and rear fascias . Examples also involve differing engines and drivetrains . In some cases such as the Lexus ES that is a Toyota Camry, "same car, same blueprints, same skeleton off the same assembly line in the same factory", but the Lexus is marketed with premium coffee in
2146-491: The dealership's showroom and reduced greens fees at Pebble Beach Golf Links as part of the higher-priced badge. Platform sharing may be less noticeable now; however, it is still very apparent. Vehicle architectures primarily consist of "under the skin" components, and shared platforms can show up in unusual places, like the Nissan FM platform -mates Nissan 350Z marketed as a sports car and Infiniti FX positioned as
2220-405: The "Bumblebee Edition". 99 were produced, each with a certificate of authenticity. The "Bumblebee Edition" included embroidered headrests, black leather interior with yellow leather inserts on the seats and door panels, black roof and mirrors, number designation inside the fuel filler door, and a certificate of authenticity. These are not to be confused with the regular issue Yellow Sport Coupe. For
2294-474: The 1.9L was to be offered. The I6 was to be an in-house 2.5L with 5 valves per cylinder, set to make somewhere around 250 horsepower (186kW; 254 PS). The second generation SL sedans and SW station wagons were made from 1996 to 1999. They both featured a completely redesigned exterior. The interior was mostly the same as on the first generation vehicles, while mechanically they went largely untouched. The redesigned second generation S-series went on sale in 1995 for
Saturn S series - Misplaced Pages Continue
2368-718: The 1960s, Toyota Stores added a new luxury car, the Century . In the 1970s the Carina was added as a vehicle between the Corolla and the Corona. In 1957, Toyota launched Toyota Diesel Stores (トヨタディーゼル店 Toyota Dīzeru-ten ), a dealership network for diesel commercial vehicles that initially sold trucks, buses, and forklifts , such as the Dyna and Coaster . Hino products were likewise sold at Diesel Stores after Toyota acquired that company in 1967. Starting in 1980, Diesel Stores sold
2442-615: The 1991 model year with the Sport Coupe (SC) and Sedan Level (SL) models. The SC was only available with the DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) engine whereas the SLs had an option for the SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) engine (SL1) or the DOHC (SL2). For the 1993 model year, the SC gained an SOHC option (SC1) in addition to the existing DOHC option (SC2, renamed from SC). The SL & SC families were joined by
2516-535: The 1991-early 1999 model year S-series vehicles. The third generation Saturn S-series was also the first Saturn to use the body control module (BCM), and the powertrain control module (PCM) systems in tandem with each other. In the third generation Saturn S-series models, the PCM system was used strictly for the vehicle's transmission and engine, whereas the BCM system was used strictly for the vehicle's interior functions such as
2590-520: The 1995 model year, both the SC1 and the SC2 had gotten a redesigned interior with a new redesigned dashboard with a front passenger's airbag. The first generation SC1 coupe featured a SOHC 1.9-liter LK0 inline-four engine that was rated at 85 hp (63 kW). The SC1's engine was later upgraded to the 100 hp (75 kW) L24 engine for the 1995 model year. The first generation Saturn SC1 coupes shared
2664-529: The 1996 model year. A few minor changes were made for the 1998 model year S-series vehicles. Due to multiple complaints about the noise coming from the vehicle's trip odometer that had been in all of the Saturn S-series since 1995, had replaced with a new type of trip odometer in an effort to correct the problem. For the 1998 model year, a new cluster with a digital trip odometer had been introduced. Rear disc-brakes were no longer available as an option on
2738-472: The 1999 model year. The second generation SC coupes were made from 1997 until 2002. The second generation SC coupes had also moved to the longer wheelbase that the SL sedans and the SW station wagons had used, resulting in an equal wheelbase length across all S-series models. The redesign had resulted in a more curved look for the SC coupes, which gave a slight increase in the vehicle's interior room/space, as well as
2812-663: The 2001 model year only, a special edition of the Saturn SL2 sedan that was called the Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition (also known as the Silver Anniversary Edition) was made available. The Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition had included several upscale features that were not available on any other Saturn S-series vehicles like power windows, leather interior, standard side curtain airbags, and several other upscale features. The Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition also had "Saturn 10th Anniversary" stitched onto
2886-650: The Japanese government's dimension regulations and engine tax brackets (as only 1.9-liter engines were offered for the second-generation models), although the SC did not meet the dimension regulations and would have been subjected to annual taxes. Saturn faced a hard time in Japan, where it played directly into the strengths of the Japanese manufacturers, comparing unfavorably with better-priced and more competent Japanese compact cars. The interior, especially, received criticism. A mere 602 units were sold in Saturn's first year in Japan (April to December 1997). Another problem
2960-444: The S series due to high costs for them as well as very little improvement in braking performance over the conventional rear drum-brakes setup. Beginning with all of the Saturn S-series vehicles that were made in late 1999 (sometimes referred to as 1999.5 models) had received improvements to both the SOHC and the DOHC engines in the S series. These changes included revised pistons, new connecting rods, and new crankshaft counterweights in
3034-507: The SL2 was released for 1994. It had special Pearl White paint (a "silver-tint" pearl, shared with Cadillac models of this year), black Saturn emblems, spoiler , 15 in (381 mm) "teardrop" wheels, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, grey leather/cloth interior, rear headrests, fog lamps, and power locks and windows . Options included a sunroof, CD player, and the 4-speed automatic with traction control. In 1998 and 1999, prospective buyers of
Saturn S series - Misplaced Pages Continue
3108-582: The SW (Station Wagon) models, in both SW1 and SW2 flavors. The S series all used either the SOHC LK0/L24 or the DOHC LL0 version of the completely original, designed in-house Saturn 1.9L engine. SL1s, SC1s, and SW1s were only offered with the MP2 manual transmission and the MP6 automatic, while SL2, SC2 and SW2 models came with either the MP3 manual or MP7 automatic. The only difference in each case
3182-490: The Saturn SL sedans received new body panels from the belt-line down. The rear end of the SL sedans received a redesigned applique on the trunk, and the headlights of the SL sedans had received orange turn signal indicators. The interior of all the Saturn S-series models received a completely redesigned dashboard, center console, and steering wheel, but the rest of the interiors were mostly unchanged. The SL2, SW2, and SC2 got
3256-539: The Starlet, Corolla, Corona, Vista, Mark II, and Crown equipped with diesel engines , as well as the first-generation Tercel , although it was not available with a diesel engine at the time. When the Toyota Diesel store network was disbanded in 1988, commercial vehicles were divided between Toyota Stores and Toyopet Stores. Toyota Publica Stores (トヨタパブリカ店 Toyota Paburika-ten ) were established in 1961 to sell
3330-575: The character line all the way down to the fog light beneath the front bumper. A PCM and BCM were added. A new GT trim package had become available for the Saturn SC coupes for the 2001 model year, along with the option of American Racing Wheels that was only available on the GT version of the Saturn SC coupes. A rear spoiler on the vehicle's rear trunk lid was also made available for the 2001 to 2002 model year Saturn SC GT coupes. A special Homecoming edition of
3404-472: The conventional 3-point type. The interior of the vehicle was redesigned with a new dashboard and the addition of a front passenger's airbag. The center console was updated as well, adding previously absent cup holders. Also for 1995, the SOHC (LK0) engine was given MPFI to create the 100 hp (75 kW) L24 engine. The S-series had a 12.8 US gallons (48 L; 11 imp gal) fuel tank, which means that both cars got around 384 miles (618 km) on
3478-425: The conventional unit, and it had also decreased exhaust emissions faster as well), and it also had provisions for an air-injection reaction system (This had injected fresh air into the exhaust to reduce hydrocarbons during the startup of the vehicle, as it would help the oxygen sensors and catalytic converters reach their operating temperatures faster). These vehicles were made to meet the all-new CARB ULEV standards for
3552-422: The costs associated with the development of products by basing those products on a smaller number of platforms. This further allows companies to create distinct models from a design perspective on similar underpinnings. A car platform is not to be confused with a platform chassis , although such a chassis can be part of an automobile's design platform, as noted below. A basic definition of a platform in cars, from
3626-401: The country. Up to May 2020, each dealership chain had a different product offering, with some models restricted to one chain to maintain exclusivity. Since May 2020, every Toyota model in Japan was available in all dealership chains. Current dealership chains include Toyota Store , Toyopet Store , Toyota Corolla Store and Netz Store . In Japan in the late 1940s, Toyota 's sales department
3700-530: The degree of differentiation of the products. Platform sharing is a practice commonly employed by various brands within a corporate group. The fundamental components of a shared platform typically include the chassis and the drive unit. The extent to which different automobile or motorcycle models utilize the same components can vary, leading to different degrees of structural equality and platform similarity: The remaining vehicle parts are categorised into "head" parts and system parts: Platform sharing facilitates
3774-549: The digital trip odometer and speedometer. Beginning with the 2001 model year, side curtain airbags became available as an optional feature. The optional side curtain airbags were only available on the 2001 to 2002 model Saturn SL1 and SL2 sedans. The third generation of Saturn SC continued to be available in SC1 and SC2 models. While retaining the previous generation's bodywork, it was facelifted with redesigned fascias front and rear, as well as new headlamps and tail lamps. The front fenders and door panels were also changed, continuing
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#17327809572263848-458: The efficient production and development of vehicles by leveraging common components across different models, thereby reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency. One of the first car companies to use this product development approach was General Motors in 1908. General Motors used a single chassis for certain class of model across most of its brands like Chevrolet , Buick , Pontiac and Oldsmobile . Later, Chrysler Corporation would do
3922-544: The engine as well. The Twin Cam cylinder head had now featured a new roller-rocker setup with hydraulic tappets and roller cams replacing the conventional bucket lifter setup of the previous engine in the S series. Also introduced for the 1999 model year S-series vehicles that were sold in California was a different type of exhaust manifold that housed an upstream catalytic converter (this converter had heated up much faster than
3996-648: The entry-level luxury models are based on their mainstream lineup. For example, the Lexus ES is essentially an upgraded and rebadged Toyota Camry . After Daimler-Benz merged with Chrysler , Chrysler engineers used several M-B platforms for new models including the Crossfire which was based on the M-B SLK roadster . Other models that share platforms are the European Ford Focus , Mazda 3 , and
4070-436: The front seat adjustable leather headrests. The Saturn SL2 10th Anniversary Edition had also featured a rear spoiler on the vehicle's rear trunk lid. In addition to the above-mentioned "Special Edition" Saturns; there was also the 1999–2001 Saturn SWP "Postal" station wagon that were produced (450 in 1999), intended to be marketed to rural route mail carriers. These station wagons were right-hand-drive vehicles. There were also
4144-696: The letter "K" to indicate their shared platform. In later stages, the "K" platform was extended in wheelbase, as well as use for several of the Corporation's different models. In the same decade, Fiat and Saab jointly developed cars using the Type Four platform to compete with the German-dominated European executive car segment. General Motors used similar strategies with its "J" platform that debuted in mid-1981 in four of GM's divisions. Subsequently, GM introduced its "A" bodies for
4218-406: The level 2 models also included 15-inch instead of 14-inch wheels, a correspondingly larger tire size, EVO steering, a rear swaybar , the option of rear disc brakes (standard on the 1991–1992 SC), color-matched bumpers and door handles, and more interior options such as power locks, power windows, rear defroster, & a sunroof (SC2 only). Aside from the wheel size, it was almost impossible to tell
4292-413: The rear driver's side door could not open unless the front door was open, because the door handle was on the inside of the door itself. Like the first generation SC coupes, the SC1 model lacked a rear sway bar. In 1999 for the 2000 model year, the Saturn S-series had been redesigned for the final time before being discontinued in 2002. This resulted in the third generation Saturn S-series. The exterior of
4366-663: The same chassis design at different years though the primary vehicle was still in production. In the United States, platform sharing has been a common practice since the 1960s. This was when GM used the same platform in the development of the Pontiac LeMans , the Buick Skylark , the Chevrolet Chevelle , and the Oldsmobile Cutlass . In the 1980s, Chrysler 's K-cars all wore a badge with
4440-631: The same day that then-CEO of GM, Roger Bonham Smith , retired. It was maroon with a tan interior. From 1991 to 1992, the Saturn SL-series Sedan trim levels consisted of the SL , the SL1 , and the SL2 . The base SL model featured the MP2 5-speed manual transmission only, and it had manual steering. On the exterior, the car featured unique hubcaps different from the SL1 and came equipped with only
4514-534: The same fixed headlight front fascia as the SL sedans and the SW station wagons, rather than the pop-up headlight design used on the SC2 and the original SC. The SC1 also lacked a rear trunk lid reflector and a rear stabilizer bar. For the 1994 model year, a highest-trim "SL3" model was planned. Saturn owner's manuals from this period made mention to the SL3- it would have featured an SC front end on an SL2 body, with all options as standard. An inline-six engine derived from
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#17327809572264588-596: The same for Plymouth , DeSoto and Dodge cars. Ford followed the same principle for Ford and Mercury in US markets. The chassis unit was common with many shared mechanical components while the exterior styling and interior trims were designed according to its individual brand and category. In recent years for monocoque chassis, platform-sharing combined with advanced and flexible-manufacturing technology enabled automakers to sharply reduce product development and changeover times, while modular design and assembly allow building
4662-459: The same four divisions using the same tread width/wheelbase of the "X" body platform, but with larger bodywork to make the cars seem larger, and with larger trunk compartments. They were popular through the 1980s, primarily. Even Cadillac started offering a "J" body model called the Cimarron , a much gussied-up version of the other four brands' platform siblings. A similar strategy applied to what
4736-614: The same time, other products were taken over by NETZ Store, which was already selling the ist and the RAV4 . In 2012, selected Japanese dealerships were given a special designation, Area 86 , that resembled the North American Toyota network , called Scion , to sell the 86 , building on the marketing approach started with WiLL -branded products. As of 2017, the Area 86 network was rebranded as GR for Gazoo Racing , sharing
4810-410: The seats (including the seatbacks - on SL and SL1 the seatbacks were vinyl). SL2's could be optioned with power windows, locks, mirror (again, pass. side only), cruise control, air conditioning, sunroof, and leather seats. Anti-lock brakes were available as an option as well, which brought along rear disc brakes. For the 1995 model year, the seatbelts were changed from the power passive restraint type to
4884-486: The second-generation versions were sold in right-hand drive in Japan. Some Toyota Netz dealerships and former Isuzu dealerships also offered Saturn products until 2001. Canada imported all available Saturn models from 1992 onward. The first generation SL was constructed for the 1991 to 1995 model years, with the first Saturn rolling off the assembly line in the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory on July 30, 1990,
4958-426: The storage compartment with a sliding armrest in the center console as standard, whereas the SL1, SW1, and SC1 did not. Like the 1999 model year SL sedans and the 1999 model year SW station wagons that were made in late in 1999, the 2000 model year SL sedans and the 2000 model year SW station wagons had also included a digital trip odometer, which did not cause any issues like the analog trip odometers that were used in
5032-577: Was established in 1980, and a Camry clone called the Vista was developed in 1982. Toyota Auto Stores were rebranded as NETZ Store (ネッツトヨタ店 Nettsu-Toyota-ten ) ("Network of Energetic Teams for Zenith"), targeting young buyers, in August 1998. Toyota Vista Stores was subsequently merged into NETZ Toyota in 2004. Some former NETZ Store models, such as the Altezza, were rebranded as Lexus (レクサス Rekusasu ). At
5106-517: Was offered in SW1 and SW2 trim levels. The station wagon used the same doors as the sedan, but the bodywork behind the C-pillar and the roof differed. The first generation Saturn SC coupes were made from 1990 until 1996. The first generation Saturn SC coupes were originally only available in one trim level which was the SC. The 1990–1992 Saturn SC featured a DOHC 1.9-liter LL0 inline-four engine that
5180-707: Was part of its manufacturing company and had its office in Nagoya . At that time, the Japanese auto industry was controlled by the U.S. government . The majority of Toyota's sales was composed of trucks and buses. The new car business in Japan was quite limited. There was little need for consumer-oriented branding or consumer-oriented showrooms. On April 3, 1950, Toyota established a separate company for sales of its motor vehicles, including exports, called トヨタ自動車販売株式会社 Toyota Jidōsha Hanbai Kabushiki Gaisha , Toyota Auto Sales Corporation, sometimes abbreviated トヨタ自販 Toyota Jihan . In 1950, there were forty-seven sales outlets for Toyota vehicles in Japan. In 1955, Toyota launched
5254-454: Was produced in a special "Mint Color" with tan leather interior, special off-white gauge faceplates, and black Saturn badges to commemorate the second "Homecoming" visit to the Spring Hill, Tennessee manufacturing facility. The 1999 Homecoming Edition also had the same features offered as the 1994 Homecoming Edition. In 2001, a special yellow SC2 coupé model was also built. The model was officially named "Limited Edition", but soon became known as
5328-438: Was rated at 123 hp (92 kW). For the 1993 model year, the original regular SC coupe model was renamed as the SC2 and a new SC1 trim level was introduced. For the 1994 model year, the SC1 and the SC2 had both gotten revised power door locks and a recalibrated automatic transmission. The first generation SC2 had received a minor refresh in 1995 in which the lower front bumper and the vehicle's taillights were both updated. For
5402-470: Was that Japanese car dealers have always excelled at customer service; this meant that Saturn's main sales argument in the United States was meaningless in the Japanese market. The introduction of Saturn was also ill-timed, as the economy was in the midst of a recession due to the effects of the 1980s " bubble economy ". As the Japanese had less money to spend on "luxury goods", as imported products are regarded, Saturn found very few buyers. The 1995 Saturn SL
5476-775: Was the most stolen vehicle in 2003, while the 1994 SL took third place in CCC Information Services's 2003 most stolen vehicle report. According to the Lynnwood, Washington police department, when use of the key wears on the door and ignition mechanisms, a filed blank key can be used to open the door and start the engine. Saturn SCs competed in the SCCA World Challenge in the 1990s, winning several races from 1995 to 1997. Several S-series cars have been used as rally race cars. S-Series cars are also popular in dirt oval racing and autocross. Listed below
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