What's wrong with Saturn's plastic body panels?

[PatrickG20]

I don't care much for Saturns, but what's the disadvantage to the plastic dent-resistant body panels? There must be something wrong with them, or else all the automakers would be using them.

[DVSNCYNIKL]

Not that anything is wrong with them. Just that when Saturns first came out, they had the environment in mind. So their cars are recyclable. Not every automaker has the environment in mind when producing vehicles. Except as of late, not they are. So hopefully that answers your question.

[FlossinPrimera]

Most auto makers don't use plastic body panels because, most people don't want to drive around a peice of tupperware. I know that I don't.

[kenchan]

probably much more expensive to shape than metal.

[primera2.0GT]

this might be off topic but i have to ask... my friends and i been pondering about this object. we've see on a couple of saturns a black disc (plastic i think) thats attached to the front rim thru the bolts... whats the purpose of that black disc? need a answer to fill this whole in my life

[kenchan]

isnt that so that the lugs dont eat into the rim? also dont they come with those fake lugs that pop-on? so weird

[Koojo]

I wouldnt pay that kind of money to drive around a plastic car. I dont know bout you, but thats how I feel

[ales]

OK, is the Saturn this little car with a body molded of two panels? How much does it actually cost? Just wondering...

[Koojo]

This is a Saturn:

[geoff200]

Does plastic mean that the car weighs a lot less - that has to be a good thing. Perhaps Aluminium panels would be a lot better though - I guess alloy panels cost loads.

[kenchan]

well, not having to have to worry about dents in the doors is a good idea, but damn those saturns are just butt ugly. where the hell did they get inspired to design a 'car' like dat??!