Saturn SL

1995-2002 models

FRONTAL OFFSET TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Acceptable

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

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. Larger photo
There was too much rearward movement of the steering wheel and instrument panel. Otherwise, the driver's survival space was maintained reasonably well. Larger photo
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. Larger photo
No damage at all occurred in a 5 mph rear-into-pole impact. Larger photo

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

See all test results for Saturn SL

Last updated: September 20, 2005