In judging the Saturn COupe's effectiveness as a sporty car, you must take a dollars-and-cents approach. The price of entry is relatively low compared with that of competing coupes, particularly those supplied by Asian manufacturers. But the pricing game can be deceptive. When you start adding the kind of comfort and convenience options that make motoring more fun, the price quickly soars.Although the SC2 is certainly the sexiest member of its family, we tend to think Saturn makes more sense as a sedan than as a coupe. Same hardware, same options, virtually identical performance and handling - plus a decent rear seat. Engine noise and transmission deficiencies aside, the SC2 and the similarly equipped SL2 sedan are genuinely a pleasure to drive, while delivering economy-car fuel mileage. The extra performance of the twin cam engine - and the availability of 4-wheel disc brakes - make it well worth the $1100 extra that Saturn charges. On the other hand, it would be entirely proper of you to ask why Saturn cannot offer standard ABS when some of the other lower-priced compact cars on the market - such as the Chevrolet Cavalier - manage to do so. And, after five seasons, many people are more than ready to see some significant face-lift work being done on the complete Saturn lineup. But You'll have to wait for the 1996 model year to see that change.
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