A second generation of the highly successful L-series car (Saturn's one and only platform) came out in 1996. And it came in sedan (SL), coupe (SC) and station wagon (SW) versions. Launched as the LW for Station Wagon, the wagons are useful family vehicles and is a solid choice for anybody with a busy lifestyle - just about anyone with a family, tough demands at work.

 

Standard on the base LW wagon is an all-new, Saturn- exclusive 2.2-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine that provides 137 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm. A 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine, which is available on the LS2 and LW2, puts out 182 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm. All engines are available with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.

 

Features like power front disc, rear drum brakes, with power four-wheel disc brakes are standard on the LW2. ABS with electronic traction control is available as optional equipment on all Saturn LW models. The base station wagon, called the SW1, was discontinued in 2000. The SW2 and the rest of the S-series got lots of minor appearance and interior changes, as part of a mid-cycle refurbish. These also included standard 15" wheels, new audio systems, the PASS-Lock II security system, provision for OnStar, and a new steering wheel.

 

An optional side curtain air bag was the only addition in 2001. The small wagon-type vehicle appears to be an "in" choice with car buyers right now, but less than ten years ago it was a much harder sell. A Saturn SW1 or the highline SW2 are two of the better small used wagon choices in this era.