2002 Saturn L300 from North America

Faults:

I have experienced no mechanical problems.

General Comments:

The sports suspension and 50 series tires makes the L300 stand out from the less expensive L200. Well worth it for the improvement in looks. Great acceleration and handling for a mid-size car. My car is loaded with every option available except the sunroof. (The DVD player deleted the sunroof) Plenty of leg room for adults in the rear. The leather front seats could have had a tad more cushion. The seat warmers are great and I will have them on all cars in the future. Knowing that I have side air curtains makes me feel secure. By buying a previously owned vehicle (ex-lease car) from the Saturn dealer I saved half of the sticker price for a new model and I got all the red carpet treatment and party-like showroom sendoff. Hurrah Saturn!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd May, 2004

1st Feb 2007, 11:52

How many miles do you have on your vehicle?

I have followed regular maintenance on my vehicle and have had more problems than I ever had with my SL2. (I finally gave the SL2 away to a friend after 9 years and over 200,000 miles on it.) Problems with the L300 include:

Oil cooler leaking anti-freeze within first 3 yrs, but passed warranty,

Timing belt breaking - supposedly good for 100,000 miles, had been replaced according to maintenance guidelines and should have been good for 40,000 more miles when it broke. There is no clearance on these engines which means if it breaks when you are moving your engine is toast. Replaced engine with a used one.

Thermostat going now

Short in Lights switch on the column causing high-beams to come on by themselves even when the car is off.

SL2 was much more reliable. I am trying to keep the L300 running until I can purchase a new car in the fall. After 14 yrs, it won't be a Saturn and it probably won't be an American manufacturer.

2002 Saturn L300 3.0L V6 (L81) from North America

Summary:

Responsive V6 + great handling = great choice for a sporty sedan

Faults:

There was an oil seal leak and problem with a water pump at approximately 8,000 miles. It was covered under warranty on the same day I reported it.

The casing for the rear driver's side tail light was broken at approx 11,000 miles by a friend loading the trunk. This was replaced under warranty the same day I reported it as well.

General Comments:

If you're looking for a sedan that will protect your loved ones when they're in it while still providing an outstanding sports-inspired ride, then this is the car you're looking for.

The V6 is very responsive and smooth. It really makes acceleration effortless in the 30mph-60mph range and at highway speeds so the driver can pass with confidence.

The handling is outstanding, there will be few to no surprises when driving this car. The steering is outstanding. You can turn the wheel effortlessly when in a parking lot, but when on the highway, it adapts to the speed well and provides a tighter feel.

This is probably the most comfortable car I have ever driven. I normally feel the need to make stops every 200 miles or so on long trips, but since getting this car, I've made several trips that are 600 miles or more, only stopping for gas. The cabin is well designed. Everything is where you'd expect it to be and you can access everything without taking your eyes off of the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2004

2002 Saturn L300 V6 from North America

Summary:

Excellent, but keep enhancing it!

Faults:

Exhaust manifold started making a noise when in reverse gear.

Automatic climate control would go nuts.

General Comments:

I am very happy with the car. Excellent fit and finish. Previous car was crappy. I used to only like Ford products, but most of them now have no quality.

Excellent acceleration at all speeds.

Smooth shifting transmission.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2003

2002 Saturn L300 SX from North America

Summary:

The Saturn L300 is disappointing

Faults:

I have an oil leak from the head gasket and cyclinder. It came that way from the dealer.

General Comments:

This car is a huge disappointment. I will purchase a Pontiac next time.

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

Review Date: 3rd December, 2002

4th Dec 2002, 13:16

Get rid of the car as soon as you can. The oil leak is a mere insight into the problems around the corner. Read all the saturn reviews.

24th Jun 2004, 11:47

Saturn did not make a SX model in the L-series line. I think he has his car confused with some other make/model. Besides that, his car only had a few miles, on it, warranty repair would take care of it.

3rd Mar 2008, 16:13

Go ahead and buy a Pontiac, you will have the same troubles. Same manufacturer!