3rd Aug 2007, 20:27
My wife purchased a 2001 Saturn L200 in March of 07. Since then we have had the transmission rebuilt $1600.00 thankfully covered by dealer warranty. Then the car would not accelerate when you wanted it to and accelerated when you didn't want it to. Throttle Position Sensor replaced by me $60.00. Today we were driving down the interstate and the car acted like it was running out of gas and died. I took the fuel cap off put my ear to it and had my wife hit the key...nothing, Fuel pump replaced by me $400.00, by the dealership or shop $900.00. I will not buy another Saturn. I am seriously disappointed in the quality. I have never seen a cheaper built car and after reading these posts I am afraid my wife may have bought a money pit.
14th Aug 2007, 13:11
2002 LS200 My car is also a lemon.
My Omen, my Saturn's license plate number ends in 666.
I hope someone at Saturn is looking at this site!
All these folks, mostly long time loyal customers vowing to not buy another! I too have been a customer from the original 1991 model year. This will be my last. I too have had to replace the fuel pump, A/C compressor, CAT, Flickering lights, Water pump, Front tires, Tail light assemblies, etc, etc... All in a car with less that 75K miles on it!
I have not lost the steering or front-end parts yet, nor the wiper motor, or transmission, sounds like this car needs to be stolen, or wrecked, as I don't wish this mess even on a total stranger.
SATURN, YOU SHOULD DO RIGHT, FOR THOSE THAT MADE YOU!
A price break, a recall, something...
5th Sep 2007, 13:57
We purchased a brand new Saturn LS2 (L200) - 4 cylinder and standard transmission. The rest of the car is the same as an LS3 (L300). I also purchased the extended warranty, because the the first year for this model
Front suspension was replaced within the first 3 months on warranty. the dealer stated that it was bent during shipping.
The only other problem was the steering column lock/ignition switch failed. We had been having problems with the ignition switch which the dealer had chosen to ignore. It failed on vacation. The car would not start and the steering column could not be unlocked.
This was also fixed on warranty, although it did cost Saturn a tow from Glenwood Springs to Denver and they also paid for a rental vehicle in order for us to complete our vacation.
Outside of normal maintenance items (brakes, filters, tires, etc), the only other replacements have been a recall on the ignition module and brake lights.
The vehicle now has nearly 114,000 miles on it.
7th Sep 2007, 23:40
I have a 2002 L200 with 108,000 miles that I received from my brother-in-law. I noticed that the headlights and dashboard would dim and flicker intermittently when I take my foot off the gas pedal. It seemed to happen mostly during highway driving.
Anyway, after replacing the battery, alternator, and starter... according to this message board, it seems that this flickering is a "feature" of the car. I wish I had read this message board before I had all those parts replaced even though they would have needed to be replaced soon anyway at this mileage.
I don't understand why there isn't more formal communication from Saturn to advise their customers on how to fix it. It could also be a driving hazard. At minimum, an unintended signal to drivers in front of you who could think that you're flashing them.
24th Oct 2007, 19:05
I bought a 2001 Saturn L200 in Jan of 2001. It was my very first brand new car. Two years ago I had to replace my steering column. Of course the warranty was done and I didn't renew. I was told "The car is old." Hell, I've bought cars with more years and way more miles than this car has now and never had as many problems with it.
Now the car is making the same sounds as it did before the steering column was replaced.
Definitely the LAST GM product I'll buy!
25th Nov 2007, 16:16
My 2002 Saturn L200 - what a nightmare... Bought it used with 73,960.00 miles on it at 3 years old. (car fax clean). so far, catalytic converter replaced, oxygen sensor, tail light, third brake lights, dash lights flicker, two broken sway bar links, struts nearly gone, I could go on for ever.
Don't take yours to the dealer if you don't have to. My car now won't start... it turns over, but nothing. New plugs in it, and still my repair man can't get an accurate reading on it because the Saturjn computer is the only one that can check this... (ah, money to them).
18th Dec 2007, 11:38
2002 L200 w/54000 miles. (Timing chain broke & hammered the valves. $2700 dollars to fix.) GM recall # 06074 to be enacted
Jan, 2008 but only for 20,000 2001 models. (Even though over 400,000 units year models 2000-2003 L-series were sold with this defect.)
At witt's end over this. (Merry Frickin Christmas GM)
BTW: Warranty ran out 4 months ago. HAPPY HAPPY. :(
3rd Mar 2008, 13:20
Bought my 2002 L200 in Nov of 2007. So far replaced BCM at $600 and now the cat. converter and sway bars $1300. My husband wants to have a one on one with the salesman!! I was told by the dealer "you did buy a used car and we always offer the extended warranty" I will stick to Fords after this!!
1st Apr 2008, 00:54
I have had my 2002 L200 for just over two years and have had to replace the timing chain as well as the catalytic converter. The steering column shakes any time I get over 60 mph and now I am having electrical problems-power locks do not work, the car will not even shift into reverse, the lights only come on when they want to. I think when this many people complain about the same problems the company should do something about it. I would never in this lifetime buy another Saturn/GM product again. I am completely disgusted with my car. I would strongly advise against purchasing this or any other Saturn model.
11th Apr 2008, 21:24
I was always impressed with Saturn dealerships, but not always with their vehicles. However after owning a Saturn SL for two years, and not having any problems, I decided to trade in for the L series, which looked nice and very European. I got a 2003 l200 loaded for a good price, but in the 30,000 miles range I had to get several things fixed that were not in the warranty, including the fuel pump at 35000 miles, so this will be my last Saturn and american car for that matter. My wife's 8 year old Corolla only needed brakes, tires and routine service to keep running!
23rd Jul 2007, 18:37
I have a 2002 L200 and have had to replace two modules (they're expensive), but otherwise, have had excellent service with the car. I get about 32mpg and have over 150,000 miles on it. I have found it very comfortable, safe, and economical.