Saturn SL
1995-2002 modelsMODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Saturn SL was introduced in the 1991 model year. Frontal airbags for both the driver and passenger became standard beginning with the 1995 model year.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled. During rebound, the dummy moved toward the driver door, and its head hit the window frame and B-pillar. There was too much rearward movement of the steering wheel.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, and right leg indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the chest and left femur indicate that injuries to the chest and upper leg would be possible. Head acceleration from the window frame and B-pillar hits were low.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
- There was too much rearward movement of the steering wheel and instrument panel. Otherwise, the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well.
- Dummy movement wasn't well controlled during the offset test. During rebound, the dummy's head moved toward the driver door and then hit the B-pillar.
- No damage at all occurred in a 5 mph rear-into-pole impact.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front head curtain airbags (optional, 2001-02 models)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Daytime running lights (beginning with 1996 models)
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 1997 Saturn SL2 4-door
- Class: Small car
- Weight: 2,434 lbs.
- Side airbags: none
- Wheelbase: 102 in.
- Length: 177 in.
- Width: 67 in.
- Engine: 1.9 L 4-cylinder
- EPA ratings: 24 mpg city | 34 mpg highway
