>
S-Series: 1991 - 2002
> Knowledge Guide
>
JDM Saturns
Author: PurdueGuy
Yes, there really
are JDM Saturns.
Saturn exported the
S-Series to Japan from 1997 to (DATE).
JDM means "Japanese Domestic Market" and refers to OEM parts in
Japan. These are not necessarily performance parts or
fancy appearance parts, though those parts are often the point
of interest for tuners that seek out JDM parts. In the
case of JDM Saturns, there are no high performance parts - the
drivetrain components are essentially, if not exactly, the same
as their US counterparts. There are some unique
characteristics of the JDM Saturns, though, and I have tried to
collect some basic information about them below.
General Facts:
RHD Saturns -
Saturn sold RHD (right-hand drive) models in Japan, and also in
the US. The US versions were all automatic SW1s for postal
service.
Automatic only
- all RHD Saturns are automatic transmission cars. A
manual swap would require a custom clutch hydraulic system and
probably a custom clutch pedal mount.
SW-P
- Saturn sold RHD SW1s in the US for postal service. They
are generally referred to as "SW-P"s
JDM parts:
RHD Parts -
All parts specific to RHD models could be considered JDM parts.
This includes:
-
Dashboard - both 2nd and 3rd gen interiors were made for
RHD
- Steering rack
Gear Selector -
The automatic gear selector is different,
as seen below
"Breakaway"
Mirrors -
These mirrors have the pivot point in them so they fold in for
tight parking and to help prevent the mirror breaking if it is
hit.
Window Switches -
The window switches are more flat than the curved US window
switches (see below).
Hazerd Light button -
In the 2nd gen RHD interior, the hazard light button is located
on top of the center stack, instead of on top of the steering
column.
KPH cluster -
Ok, this one is a stretch, since the kilometers cluster is used
for the Canadian market as well. As far as I know, they
are the same cluster, but there may be some small differences.
"Breakaway"
Mirrors -
These mirrors have the pivot point in them so they fold in
Articles:
Saturn Car Sales Fail in Japan
Date: 2002?
Source:
HowStuffWorks.com
Has the Tide Turned for Saturn?
Date: June 1999
Source:
Japan Auto Trends
Saturn Leaps Into Japan's Most Competitive Market Segment
Date: June 1997
Source:
Japan Auto Trends
In Japan, Saturn Signs Car Dealers
Date: July 9, 1996
Source:
The New York Times
Profile/Jiro Yanase; Selling Cadillacs in Japan
Date: Dec 27, 1992
Source:
The New York Times
