2003 Saturn L300 V6 from North America

Summary:

A smooth and surprisingly powerful winner

Faults:

The car had two scratches on it when I picked it up. However, I am going to have them buffed out.

General Comments:

I am impressed with the style and handling of the car. I did not previously associate Saturn with style, but rather safety and dependability.

The V6 is a nice touch, giving the car more power.

The ride is much quieter than previous Saturn cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

12th Mar 2003, 19:00

I'm the writer of the other 2003 L300 review. Good luck with your Saturn! You're right, you picked a winner. I think it's crazy how underrated the L Series is. Road and Track placed it in last place in a family sedan comparison consisting of ten cars, including the atrocious Kia Optima.

9th Feb 2005, 22:32

I find it a little irritating that you called the Kia Optima an "atrocious" automobile. I am an owner of a beautiful 2003 Obsidian Black SE V-6 with black leather interior. This car is a far better alternative to GM's "plastic division". My Optima has been absolutely trouble free. Most of the car magazines that have reviewed any Saturn product have constantly harped on the cheap, ill-fitting interior construction of Saturns automobiles. And their "trademark" plastic body panels are atrocious in their own respect. I have seen many Saturns with wavy body panels (most likely pulled from the mold too quickly) and the body gaps between panels is enormous. And also, the engine in my Optima, a 2.7L DOHC V6 makes 170 hp, as compared to the 3.0L DOHC in the L300 only makes 180. Ford/Mazda can get 200-220 hp from the same size engine. Saturn has great ideas, but most are poorly executed

2003 Saturn L300 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 from North America

Summary:

An attractive, trouble free family sedan

Faults:

-Nothing yet, as the car is brand new!

General Comments:

-Overall, I am very satisfied with my Saturn. The buying experience was first rate and dealer service is excellent. The Saturn L series has been a slow seller, but this year's redesign changes everything. If you are interested in one, skip over the noisy and unrefined 4 cylinder and opt for the more powerful 6 cylinder. There is a big difference between the two in the mid 35-55 mph acceleration range.

-Basically, this is a worthy car that should not be overlooked. I will definitely do business with Saturn again.

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

Review Date: 7th December, 2002

13th Nov 2003, 14:27

I like the Saturn L series, and wish you well with yours, but it seems pretty generous to bill the car as "trouble free" at 2097 miles. It had better be!

Now that almost a year has gone by since your review, it would be great to see a followup that speaks to its reliability.

31st Jan 2007, 09:29

I just wanted to add my own experience to the lineup... i have 41,308 miles on my Saturn L300 03' and so far, so great. Besides the break dust build-up on my nice shiny chrome covers, I haven't had a single problem with the car. Well, I had to replace a battery, but Warranty covered that. So like I said, so far so great.. I love the way it drives, and besides the fact that the power window buttons are in an odd place, which seems to confuse most passengers, it's a great vehicle. I will say that I'm not too confident that the plastic that hangs below the wheel line on the front bumper is going to last much longer... it snows a lot here, and it keeps getting some rough hits from snow banks... oh well, at least its plastic :)

In reply to 31st Jan 2007, 09:29

2nd Apr 2013, 09:29

I recently bought an 03 L300. I love it, but as mentioned in other reviews, the transmission starts jerking when the service light comes on. I hope it won't cost too much $, as I just bought it!

I have changed 2 sway bar bushings, upper front right table bushing, and 2 trailing arm bushings. It is at 185 400 km, and I love the power, the seats, and the radio.

I hope my wallet allows me to keep this car, for when it is running well, I love it!