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Saturn's S-Series cars are popular among people who are seeking value and a pleasant ownership experience.

These compact sedans and wagon were redesigned for 2000, which brought significant improvements to help make the driving experience smoother and quieter. They carry over little changed for 2001. The biggest news is the availability of optional front- and rear head-level air bags.

The Saturn S-Series was the car that put Spring Hill, Tennessee, on the map. Debuting in 1990, it was a new car, a new way of thinking, and an attempt by General Motors to breathe life into its flagging small car business. By most accounts, the S-Series has been wildly successful, even though the Saturn division hasn't been profitable. But Saturn owners don't care about GM's bottom-line; they only care that whenever they return to their favorite Saturn dealership they're greeted warmly and are made to feel good about their purchase. This is why Saturn customers keep going back.

These cars do indeed offer value. Saturn has been winning accolades for high resale values and its cars are regarded for low maintenance and repair costs. Prices range from about $11,000 to a tad over $14,000.

Buying one brings the owner into the Saturn family, in which you are treated with courtesy throughout the buying process. The results prove that this system works; Saturn has been named best overall nameplate in sales satisfaction by the J.D. Power and Associates research firm again and again. But that's only the beginning. When it's time for service, you are welcomed back warmly. There are even picnics and other family gatherings.

Saturn's S-Series comes in coupe, sedan, and a wagon body styles.

Saturn's sedan lineup consists of the SL ($10,570), SL1 ($11,485), and SL2 ($12,895). Saturn SC coupes include the ($12,535) and SC2 ($15,645). There's also a wagon, the SW2 wagon ($14,290).

One way to keep the nomenclature straight is to remember that the number in the model designation stands for the number of camshafts: For example, the SL1 sedan comes with a single-cam engine (sohc), while the SL2 is powered by a more powerful twin-cam (dohc) engine. The wagon only comes with the twin-cam engine.

Its upswept, mildly wedge-shaped body and clean, smooth surfaces continue to form Saturn's distinctive design. The style is only a year old and the exterior appearance is still fresh.

Since the beginning, S-Series sedans have had dent-resistant polymer body panels. These plastic body panels, bonded to a steel subframe, are flexible so that minor dings don't form lasting impressions. And they won't rust.

The reflector headlamps are designed to offer clear lighting at night. Taillamps have a contemporary wraparound look. Modern wheel designs help keep the appearance contemporary looking.

Last year's redesign went a long way in improving the functional but funky interior of the previous model. The current one is attractive and its styling reflects that of the exterior design.

The dash was designed to reduce squeaks and rattles. The instrument cluster provides useful information with a telltale display. The center console features storage for audio tapes, provisions for a six-disc CD changer and several cupholders. SL2 models include an armrest with fore-aft adjustment. The door panels offer additional storage space with a place for a 12-ounce soda can. Horn buttons are located in the center of the steering wheel and the cruise-control buttons are on the spokes.

Saturn S-Series sedans can seat five people, four comfortably.

SL1 and SL2 come fully trimmed in cloth, while the SL uses cloth and vinyl. Leather trim is available for the SL2 for $700, which includes a comfortable leather-wrapped steering wheel with contoured humps at the proper 10-and-2-o'clock hand positions. The gray leather in our SL2 was attractive and comfortable. Front seats offer built-in lumbar support as well as enough fore and aft seat travel to provide additional legroom for taller drivers.

Stereo performance is decent, but the small buttons make it a challenge to operate.

Reduced-force airbags are standard. Seatbelts include buckle and shoulder belt height adjusters that are easy to use. Top tether anchors for child safety seats are standard.