2001 Saturn L300 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

More fun than a kick in the dent-resistant siding

Faults:

The Air Conditioning does not turn off, When I turn it off, it just stops being cold and keeps on comming.

There was a minor leak early on, the dealer fixed it for free.

General Comments:

I was loaned this car by my father when my Ford died, I expected to hate it and I honestly cannot believe that I am writing a positive review about it now. It is an excellent car.

The front bumper has a plastic device that extends below the bumper and is very close to the ground, but as long as you don't try to park on the curb you should be fine.

The car's engine is nothing special until you consider the fact that it's on a Saturn frame which is nothing, but plastic. This car can fly. When I first got it, I went out on the interstate and hit close to 90 without even realizing it. The brakes work well too during a Trooper-induced panic.

Thanks to the Saturn designed frame (almost no weight,) this thing has a real kick.

The stereo system (standard) is nice too, I can drown out my girlfriend and that alone is worth spending 20 grand for.

The spoiler destroys visibility, and the blind spots are likely to get me killed one day, but at least the ride is fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th July, 2003

2001 Saturn L300 3.0 gas from North America

Summary:

ZOOM ZOOM

Faults:

Main seal leak replaced under warranty BCM went out covered under warranty.. good thing I bought the extended warranty for $1049.00 or we would have really been screwed.

Positive cable side of battery leaked..

Battery replaced by owner.

General Comments:

Saturn of Columbia, SC is terrible. They gave me a run around about the oil leak and the BCM.. After seven visits for these two problems the service manager told me Saturn doesn't like to spend warranty dollars and that was the cause for all the runaround.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd May, 2003

18th Jun 2004, 11:48

Wow, I can't believe that this owner stated that the dealers didn't like to perform warranty work? I have had two saturns and the dealership has never been hesitant in replacing parts under warranty that were defective. I would certainly question the dealer if this is what they stated. I LOVE my dealership and would most certainly purchase a third Saturn. Regards.

2001 Saturn L300 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

If you are looking for a fast performance sedan with great features, check out this sleeper!

Faults:

A slow leak in coolant hose. A dash light appeared, but the coolant tank only dropped ~1/2 inch - replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

This car has incredible handling and performance characteristics.

The digital automatic transmission "knows" just what to do, depending on conditions. It doesn't hunt going up hills, engine braking, downshifts when it should -- doesn't downshift when it shouldn't, locking torque converter provides manual transmission feel, shifts at redline when asked (6500), fly-by-wire (electronic throttle).

0-60 in 7.3 seconds according to Edmunds. Plenty of torque is available from the low-end to redline -- typical, slightly aggressive driving will take place under 3.5k rpm. You can't shop by horsepower with this car. Put aside its underrated 182hp / 190 ft-lbs numbers.

Handling characteristics are impressive. Suspension is stiff, but not bone rattling. This car is fun to take in the twisties... and rides them with confidence.

Great leather interior, the heated seats are very effective and comfy. Heated mirrors, power everything, stereo with tweets and sub, sun roof, traction control, and other features make driving a pleasent experience.

The price is great too. A loaded L300, 3.0L V6, leather, OnStar, DVD system, auto HVAC, etc. just nears $25,000. Performance slightly exceeds automatic Altima 3.5L, and you'll score a better interior too.

If you want a fun car that not everyone else in the world has, this is it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2002

13th Jun 2006, 14:45

I really like my L-300 it has every option and drives great. I just wish the parts, labor and help weren't as expensive as they are. I've only owned my car for a year and a few little problems occurred and were the most expensive parts I've EVER seen! Other than that the car is great! Are there any ways to tune the engine cheaply for more horsepower?

14th Jun 2006, 07:59

Upgrading the L81 V6 in your car isn't easy (though it's pretty snappy to begin with). It's built by Vauxhall in England and very little is available for it stateside. It might be worth checking for parts for European cars that use the same engine (I think the Opel Omega MV6 uses it). You could always add a K&N filter, but be advised that there have been instances of MAF sensor failure from over-oiled filter elements.