2000 Saturn L-Series Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
It costs thousands less than comparably equipped Accords and Camrys -- and it looks, drives and feels like it.
Pros
Customer-focused dealers, European ride and steering, wagon availability.
Cons
Lack of established service and repair history, ultra-conservative styling.
What's New for 2000
The L-Series is a new midsize line of sedans and wagons that was developed for Saturn customers moving up from the smaller cars. Offered in three trim levels, with two engines and manual or automatic transmissions (depending on model), the L-Series is based on the European-market Opel Vectra platform, and consequently carries a distinct import feel.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Good, solid wagon
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saturn L-Series 4 Dr LW2 Wagon
Review
We were looking a functional, reliable wagon and Saturn gave us one. The car has worked well for us over the last 115,000 miles and has required about $1,500 of unschedule repairs over the last 50,000 miles. For the last four years the car has been used to assist in various household projects that other folks would use their F150 truck for: hauling flagstone, sand, crushed rock, sheetrock and plywood. It has given us no problems at all. We driven it on trips to northern Quebec with mountain bikes on the roof and it runs great at highway speeds with enough power to pass on hills. It corners very well for a wagon and the paint after eight years still looks fine.
Favorite Features
Cargo capacity of the wagon, responsive engine, handles well at speed
Suggested Improvements
Front seat comfort and seat back adjustment
Joke of a car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saturn L-Series 4 Dr LS1 Sedan
Review
Having owned this vechicle for over 8 years, I can say I've not experienced any major problems. This is because there are only 52,000 miles driven. This car has to have the worst resale value. Any repairs almost have to be done at the dealer. Part stores do not carry anything. Dealer repairs are too high priced. Saturn wanted to charge me $32 to change a 3rd brake light bulb. It cost $7 just for the bulb at the dealer. I bought 1 bulb & changed it myself in 1 minute. Saturn has a serious problem with the timing chain & zero tolerance on their engine. Do a little internet research & you will see that Saturn has a major problem on their hands that they are trying their best to avoid.
Favorite Features
Dent free panels
Suggested Improvements
Fix the timing chains on these vechicles.
Early glitches but OK from then on.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saturn L-Series 4 Dr LS1 Sedan
Review
My Saturn was a former car rental, with several things wrong when I bought it: bad taillight assembly, leaking air conditioner, defunct cruise control. It had 15 K on it. When I took it to Saturn dealership they refused to acknowledge anything was wrong with the cruise control and I went back and forth 9 times before I called customer service in Tenn. and they replaced it immediately. After 107,000 K my only complaint is the broken sun visor and seat compartment lid. Saturn wants $58 each to replace, not including labor! I have never been informed of recalls. CD is broken and it locks you out sometimes.
Favorite Features
Gets 33 highway with no AC and on cruise. Always starts, no matter the weather. Great looking car.
Suggested Improvements
Saturn should repair/replace things that are design defects or due to materials stress, like the sun visor leg. Dealers should also believe the owner and give better (and cheaper) customer service.
Excellent Car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saturn L-Series 4 Dr LS2 Sedan
Review
My wife bought the car in may of last year and since then it has been to Disney world 3 times with no problems. The only thing done to it other than oil was a new set of tires earlier this year.
Favorite Features
Love the fuel mileage. It can go from Phoenix City, AL to Ocala, FL on 3/4 tank. That's just over 300 miles with 3 adults, luggage, and air on the whole way.
Suggested Improvements
None. One solidly built car.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Not bad for the buck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2000 Saturn L-Series 4 Dr LS1 Sedan
Review
Bought LS1,4 banger, back in 2004 with about 75k. Now 50k later, I can't really complaint about my car. Sure I had some repairs but it only totalled about $850 in 4 years. Not bad in my opinion. It makes some squeeks and thumps now and then, but hey it has over 120k.
Favorite Features
Auto lock/unlock power doors. Nice sound system, day auto running lights. Roomy cabin/trunk. Dentless side panels.
Suggested Improvements
Mushy steering feel. Better quality finish/material.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2003 Saturn L-Series
- 2002 Saturn L-Series
- 2001 Saturn L-Series
- 2000 Saturn L-Series
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