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1996 Saturn SL

US · Compact Cars

The 1996 Saturn SL is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine
1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI)
Transmission
Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Economy
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) combined
Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.
Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:
Engine / Powertrain
1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI)
Combined Economy
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) combined
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, Manual
Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.
Compare 1996 Saturn SL ↗

Engine

Engine
SpecificationValueSource
Engine1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS) (MPFI)
Displacement1.9 L
Cylinders4
Fuel typeGasoline

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
SpecificationValueSource
TransmissionVaries by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears4 to 5
DrivetrainFWD

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
SpecificationValueSource
Combined25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)
City21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)
Highway31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km) to 36 mpg (6.5 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 6, 2026.

  • 09E012000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

    Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

    Reported April 7, 2009. View on NHTSA

  • 97V138000: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL STEERING. THE PINION BEARING CAGE IN THE STEERING GEAR CAN SEPARATE UNDER HIGH STEERING SYSTEM LOAD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS PARKING LOT OR SIMILAR LOW SPEED MANEUVERS.

    Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY.

    Reported August 29, 1997. View on NHTSA

Data sources

  • EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 10, 2026 · US Government public data
  • NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 20, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: November 10, 2026

Data verified: November 10, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

  • Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI) DOHC), 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI) SOHC) · FWD
    28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)

  • Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder (DOHC (FFS) (MPFI)), 1.9L 4-cylinder (SOHC (FFS) (MPFI)) · FWD
    28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1996 Saturn SL have?

1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1996 Saturn SL?

Combined fuel economy is 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1996 Saturn SL front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 1996 Saturn SL?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 6, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.