2003 Saturn L300 V6

Summary:

A dependable car with lots of benefits

Faults:

The sun roof is not operable. I did not think to check this before purchasing the vehicle from the Fox Buick/Chevrolet Dealer.

Fortunately, the Saturn dealership offered to repair the sun roof motor since the car is still under the manufacturer's warranty. However, the original dealer instructed me to go to a Saturn dealership rather than repair the car there.

General Comments:

I am most satisfied with the purchase of this Saturn L300. It has many fine features such as On-star, leather upholstery, Cd/cassette, sun roof, heated seats, and the gear shift is on the console. The previous car I owned was a Taurus SES and that was also a V-6, yet a bit less noisy when traveling at higher rates of speed. Yet, the Saturn has a smoother pick-up and runs a little better than the Taurus.

This is a comfortable car and I am confident that I will have few issues to contend with. I did buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. I will keep readers informed with more updates over the next several months as I ascertain the quality and dependability of the Saturn L-300 V-6.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2004

10th Jan 2007, 20:21

Had a 2003 L300 put 106,000km on it and had very little problems with the car. Nice engine great power and good fuel mileage very economical to own.

2003 Saturn L300 3.0

Summary:

A lot of car for the money

Faults:

I had no problems with the car to date.

General Comments:

I needed a family car to replace my 2 door Grand Prix GTP. With a baby on the way, I didn't want to spend $30,000 on a car, but I didn't want to take a big step down from the Grand Prix. I got the L300 as a demo for under $25,000. I am constantly impressed with all of the equipment I got on the car for the money I spent. The engine is very conservatively rated at 182HP, but it doesn't feel that much slower than my GTP that it replaced. It also handles extremly well. The car is also very comfortable, and I'm 6'3" and over 200lbs. The L300 also looks damn sharp. My friend thought it was a little Mercedes. The chrome rims just set it off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2004

2003 Saturn L300 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6

Summary:

I thought it was a great car until recently

Faults:

Since my last review, the brakes have failed me on several occasions due to poor padding. In addition, sound quality from the stereo has become extremely poor and the speakers produce an irritating buzzing sound. Furthermore, the build quality of the interior has become questionable as a result of cheap fitting materials.

General Comments:

Please note that this review is a follow up to the "An attractive, trouble free family sedan" review of 2003. I wrote that review shortly after picking up the car, and my first impressions were positive. Unfortunately, that has changed as of recently due to a series of perhaps minor problems that provoke me to question the overall build quality of the vehicle. My Saturn dealer has addressed most of the problems kindly, but I am now nevertheless questioning whether this was a sound long term purchase. I still love the European inspired exterior styling of the car and the peppy 6 cylinder. Those considering the L series however should look carefully at other options such as the new Honda Accord or Mitsubishi Galant as well as others before purchasing. I hope this review helped address the questions of those who wanted a more long term report. Please keep in mind that I am not trying to discourage purchasing the Saturn, but that better choices might be available.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th February, 2004

31st Jul 2009, 13:35

I have a 2003 Saturn L300 with about 40,000 miles on it. I've taken this car back to the dealer 6 times to resolve vibrations in the front of the car. After replacing tires and telling me repeatedly nothing was wrong, I sort of learned to live with it. 2 years later, it turns out the catalytic converter blew so bad it melted the bolts to the chassis. After they replaced it.. guess what, the vibrations stopped. For me, there's not too much confidence in Saturn as a manufacturer or as a service provider.

13th Aug 2009, 18:55

We purchased a 2002 Saturn L300 in 2004 with approx. 30,000 miles on it. Within 3 months, the engine control module had to be replaced ($92). By 6 months, the solenoid and the cruise control switch had to be replaced at a cost of over $600. A month later, the brake switch shorted out and the cruise control release switch had to be replaced again (both covered by warranty).

Most recently (late 2008), we spent just over $4000 to have the water pump plus 3 sensors replaced, as well as the oil cooler cover, thermostat housing, seals, o-rings, etc., timing belt, engine air filter and A/C motor blower.

A manager at a Saturn in Texas told me that the L300 series has a lot of problems, unlike the LS, which we also owned at the time (also a 2002). We had very few problems with our LS despite, many times, putting over 3,000 miles per month on it. The service we've received at the 3 or 4 Saturns dealers we've used in various Texas cities has been excellent -- no complaints. I would buy a Saturn again, but definitely not an L300.