First of all, Hi everyone!

Second, I have a 1994 Saturn Sedan that is making a tapping/putting noise (that is definitely coming from the front end) when I press the gas. It is louder in low gears and when first starting out or going up a hill. I changed the oil this weekend and filled it up and it seemed to quiet the sound a bit, but it is still there.
I've been told by car-savvy friends that it may be the catalytic converter, but I wanted to get a second opinon..
anyone else have this problem or know what may be causing it?

I am having the EXACT same problem. I can tell you for sure that it doesn't just go away. I have been hearing the same sound for the past year. I am going to find the damned thing and fix it VERY soon though.

Here's what I can tell you. Let me know if there is anything you can tell me...

First, if you replace the belt tensioner, the sound goes away for the most part. I can still hear it a little, but not much. As a few days go by however, the sound quickly returns. I have replaced that tensioner at least 3 times. That is deffinitely not it. That's just the first shot in the dark I took. My retired mechanic of an uncle told me that he thought that was it.

Here's the interesting stuff...

I have been messing around with stuff in the car to try to find out more... (because it only makes the noise in drive it's hard to just get out and walk around the car.)

I have recently found that the noise is increased when the air conditioner is turned on. This doesn't necessarily mean it is the air conditioner though. Take note: the air conditioner automatically triggers the cars cooling mechanisms. (fan and other stuff... I don't know what)

Here's how I know about the air conditioner...
When in my car, I sit in the car with it in drive, but completely stopped. The car heats up. Turn on the a/c and the noise is very apparent. Watch the temperature when you do this. It will go down with the a/c on and go up with the a/c off. Also, I had overheating probs and someone told me the a/c automatically triggers the engine cooling mechanisms.

Try this and let me know if you have the same results.

As a side note... I also have oil in with a couple spark plugs.

check your motor mounts

check your motor mounts

That was exactly the problem!!! Well done sir. Thanks a ton!!! It was so obvious too. The top engine mount was worn out. The rubber had split and torn all apart. By the time I looked at it, it was almost completely desintegrated.

You are the man! I owe you one. I never would have seen it even with it right under my nose the whole time.

while you're fixing that be sure to check the two engine struts and the trans mount. if one goes bad, it will put extra stress on the other three (i've broke three of the four)

also that top mount is one of those OEM only peices, go to the dealership for it. us saturn folk like to call the off-brand mounts anchors, because thats about all they are good for.