The Saturn SC2

Also known as the GM sports coupe, Saturn SC2 is one of the first models produced in this line in the early and mid 90s. The introduction of the S Series by General Motors worked a marketing stratagem to diminish the impact of the Japanese cars on the American market. After Saturn SC2 became a market hit, Japan and Taiwan actually started selling these vehicles on their internal markets, which only proves that the fame General Motors reputed for the Saturn S Series was not void of content. Though no spectacular adjustments were made to the Saturn SC2 in time, the year 1999 saw the biggest of upgrades.

Saturn SC2 got a little lateral door often called the suicide door on the side of the driver. For the coupe design, this extra feature was a big change as it was a sure innovation in the manufacturing of sports cars. This kind of door had only been used in the manufacturing of extended cab pickup trucks before. Saturn SC2 was produced with little modifications afterwards until 2003 when General Motors replaced the S Series and launched their new sports car, Saturn Ion. The production of this latter model also ceased in 2007 as well when GM tried a different market approach.

In its category, Saturn SC2 represented the most fuel-efficient vehicle with a manual transmission. One gallon of gas was enough for forty miles according to the ratings and the data in the Saturn SC2 car highway tests. This first engine was rated at only 124 horsepower, but in 1995 upgrades were made to the initial SC model: thus, the producer incorporated a lid reflector in the trunk and further added a lower front bumper; yet the cabin decorations were not neglected either. Exterior design changes appeared with a second generation of SC2, which got more daring curve lines.

According to reviews Saturn SC2 was not very different from SC1, the latter only received black outside mirrors while the SC2 variant had them colored. Other features of the Saturn SC2 included a traction control system, an antibreak lock and standard fog lamps. Then, in terms of manual transmission, Saturn SC2 and SC1 were identical, and the same similarity was preserved in the dashboard look, daytime running lights and even wheelbase. Improvements were tributary to the Saturn sedan and station wagon designs.