Saturn L-Series Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2003 Saturn L-Series - L300 (A4) Sedan
Pros: The whole car
Cons: nothing yet! (and maybe never)
Advice: This car is great! Very safe for it's size
I used to own a 2002 Saturn L300 and it was totaled by a Jeep Grand Cherokee and I walked away w/o any injuries. Thats why I didn't wait to get another Saturn L300, The dealer was great and I would recommend this car highly! -
2003 Saturn L-Series - L200 (M5) Sedan
Pros: Overall design.
Cons: Traction control system makes the accellerator pedal rattle.
Advice: Be prepared to be impressed.
The vehicle itself seems well built and designed. I've owned it since late October and have had no issues. It's a great value for the money. But what impressed me most was the hastle free purchase process. My salesperson was straight-forward, I got the no-interest/90 day no money down financing as advertised. No pressure to sign up for financing options. No games. It's the first time I felt like I was the customer when purchasing a car. -
2003 Saturn L-Series - L200 (M5) Sedan
Pros: appearance
Cons: nothing so far.
Advice: try it...you'll like it. a lot of car for the money.
tight turns. easy handling. -
2003 Saturn L-Series - LW300 Wagon
Pros: New styling for 2003 is great - finally a Saturn that's beautiful.
Cons: Cruise control problems. Revs from 2500 to 4000 RPM when traversing uphill.
Advice: Skip the Premium Option Package. OnStar is worthless without Driving Directions option (not included with First Year Free deal).
Handles like a sports sedan. Plenty of power in the passing lane. Surprisingly upscale look to new L models. Two problemns - when using cruise control transmission does not shift smoothly. Whenever we climbed moderate hills the transmission abruptly shifted to a higher gear (RPM revved from 2500 to 4000). Also, while this is minor, it is annoying: the change in db's from one notch on the radio's volume control to the next is too wide. One click down in volume, not loud enough. A click back up, too loud. Overall, if you've wanted to buy a Saturn because of their great service reputation but didn't like the pedestrian styling of previous models, the 2003 L Series is for you. -
2003 Saturn L-Series - L300 (A4) Sedan
Pros: the engine and transmission and the safety features like space frame, ABS, side airbags, and plastic door panels
Cons: the paint dinish, the interior, for the price, was too spartan
Advice: don't get white! and get front mud guards
mine is a 2001 300L. responsive, electronic throttle, grade sensitive transmission, and peppy V6 put you on the freeway like a shot! you can accelerate at 70 mph and be at 100 mph in a couple seconds. it handles like a breeze. some negatives-i have white paint, it doesn't clean as well as others i've had, and there's a lot of brake dust from the front wheels on the front side panels. rear fold down arm rest is ineffective and front arm comfort is poor. -
2002 Saturn L-Series - L100 (A4) Sedan
Pros: handling
Cons: middle brake light
Advice: give the 4 cylinder a chance
I am pleased with the suspension. It handles well for a 4 door midsize car. I drove a Nissan Altima 2.5S with a 170HP 4cylinder and I like the Saturn's engine better. It seems to have a broader torque/HP curve. The Nissan seemed to have no power before about 4500 RPM. I like the looks and the gas mileage. The seats are a little short, but comfortable enough on a 700 mile trip. Back seat room is good and excellent trunk space, except for the hinges. The middle brake light reflects off the window glass and makes it hard to see at night. Engine may be a little louder than it should, but is pleasent sounding. I've always been a V8 guy. I've had Impalas, Cadillacs and Mercurys, but this 4 cylinder is just right for an in-towner, and good on the interstate. You can only go so fast, why burn all the extra gas, not to mention speeding tickets? -
2002 Saturn L-Series - L300 (A4) Sedan
Pros: Safety features
Cons: Body style
Advice: Check around
I went to buy a Hyundai.. my second choice was a PT Cruiser.. I ended up with a Saturn 300... go figure. I am, however, pleased with the car. The 0% interest and the $2200 they knocked off the price helped my pleasure, and overall, it's turning out to be a good car. I live in an area with 6 & 7% grade hills, and the V6 pulls me up them nicely. I would like to see a newer body design, as this one is a bit stodgy. At the end of the day, it's a good car for the dollar.