Pros :
- Elegant new front end design.
- As much interior room as any of the popular midsizers.
- Good acceleration and decent handling.
- Dent-resistant plastic fenders.
- Good amount of available features, including side airbags and DVD.
Cons :
- Unremarkable overall styling.
- Plastic fenders expensive to replace.
- Fit and finish not yet up to standards set by Toyota and Honda.
- Not as good a value as it once was, with price increase.
- Slightly harsh ride.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
The L-Series was Saturn's first attempt at breaking into the ultra-competitive midsize car market when it debuted at the turn of the century. The GM subsidiary, known for its plastic-fendered affordable cars, tried to get everything right from the start, so they based their new flagship on GM's European Opel Vectra sedan. However, enough changes differentiate the US-built L-Series from its European counterpart to give it a unique identity. The top trim level L300 sedan and LW300 wagon are powered by a 3.0 V6 pumping only 182 horsepower - at a time when midsizers are pushing way north of the 200 hp mark. But this is misleading, because the L300 can out-accelerate a 210 hp V6 Camry any day, while easily keeping up with the automatic versions of the 220 hp Mazda 6 s and 240 hp Honda Accord V6. It even appeared in a TV commercial outrunning a last-gen Accord. Unfortunately, the spritely V6 cannot be had with a manual gearbox. A four-speed automatic is standard.
For the 2003 model year, the L-Series gets a more elegant and attractive new front end, although totally deviating from Saturn's original styling theme of thin headlights and even thinner grilles. Mechanical changes are minor, with larger 16 inch wheels plus some suspension and steering tuning, while the interior gets a slight revision. The famous plastic front fenders, doors and bumpers are retained. Standard on the L300 and LW300 are power mirrors, locks and windows, keyless entry, cruise control, CD stereo, four-wheel disc brakes, 16 inch wheels, Firestone 215/55R16 tires, front airbags and, amzingly, head curtain airbags. Options packages, though, have changed. ABS, traction control, electric seats, OnStar assistance service and rear seat DVD system are all offered as options, along with leather upholstery, chromed wheels, foglights and moonroof.
Although the Saturn L-Series looks small from the outside, it is only an admirable styling trick, and is actually longer than any other midsize car except for the Nissan Altima. On the inside, it boasts as much headroom front and back than any of the competition. While front legroom is in line with the competition, it actually has 2 inches less rear legroom than a Toyota Camry. It is obvious where all the space went. The Saturn has a large 17.5 cubic feet trunk, compared to the Camry's 16.7 cubic feet. The wagon can hold 33.5 cubic feet, which goes up to an RV-like 79 cubic feet. Incidentally, the midsize wagon has no direct competition in the US market in terms of price. The Subaru Impreza and Veedub Jetta wagons are too small, the Legacy Outback is too SUV-like and the Passat wagon is overpriced, while the Bimmers and Audis are a class - or maybe two classes - above.
The Euro-feel Saturn L-Series is generally more refined and better built than most of what GM has to offer - good enough to compete with the top players, but not good enough to win. Build quality is pretty good, but not Toyota-good, and resale value may be an issue.
ModernRacer.com
The ride is comfortable over smooth and uneven surfaces and the handling is nicely balanced - credit must be given to its fully independent suspension and the 215/55R-16 inch Firestone Firehawk all-season performance tires. I found the steering accurate and easy, but steering feel was a bit vague. Overall, with its competent engine and transmission, balanced handling, good visibility, and 'not-too-big' exterior size, the L300 is an easy, driver-friendly car for typical daily use.
My car had a two-tone beige dash, optional leather upholstery, classy white-faced round gauges with red pointers, a blacked-out centre control panel with metallic trim, and chrome door handles. While it was reasonably attractive, the quality of the materials and fit and finish is not quite as good as some of its import competitors. The L300's pleated leather front seats include Hi/Lo seat heaters which I appreciated on cold mornings. I found the front seats to be soft with good back support, but the pleat line down the middle of the seat cushion proved to be uncomfortable. The power operated front seats include buttons on the side of the seats that face upwards so the driver can see them - despite this, I think traditional 'feel and use' power seat buttons are more intuitive. An easy-to-grip leather wrapped steering wheel includes large buttons for cruise control functions on the spokes.
The optional automatic climate control includes a single temperature adjustment, however there isn't an on/off button for the air conditioning. The climate control system operates with the air conditioning on all the time unless you press a button that says 'Economy' which turns off the air conditioning. As a result, a temperature set at 70 degrees feels cooler in normal mode than in 'Economy' mode.
The rear seat has an adequate amount of legroom and headroom for adults, and there are three rear 3-point seatbelts, but I noticed that the rear head restraints are not height adjustable. The standing folding 60/40 split rear seatbacks are easy to lower, but they aren't lockable. The L200's carpeted trunk is extremely roomy and can be opened remotely with a button on the key fob.
Canadiandriver.com
Acceleration is adequate, but not exciting, though some testers laud prompt throttle response of the V6/automatic-transmission combination. Test L300 averaged 18.5 mpg. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines. Wagons ride slightly stiffer than sedans; neither absorbs bumps as well as Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
Confident enough cornering, though control of body lean nothing special. Steering linear if slightly overassisted. Good braking power and pedal feel. Safety margin of standard ABS and traction control had added value to these cars, but charging extra for '03 seems callous and short-sighted on GM's part. Suspension groans, body creaks over bumps; engine sound coarse and intrusive in more than part-throttle acceleration. Wind noise is unobjectionable.
Consumerguide.com
History:
2000-2002 Saturn L300 / LW300
3,000 cc / 182 hp / 190 lb-ft / 3197-3272 lbs / 0-60 mph 7.6 sec.
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