2002 Saturn L-Series Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

It costs thousands less than comparably equipped Accords and Camrys -- and it looks, drives and feels like it.

Pros

Extremely competitive pricing for this segment, customer-focused dealers, strong powerplant with V6, wagon availability.

Cons

Build quality not up to segment standards, ultra-conservative styling, lack of established service and repair history.

What's New for 2002

Safety enhancements are the big news for 2002. All Saturn L-Series models now feature standard head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and traction control. Other enhancements include four-wheel disc brakes (on all models except L100), automatic headlamps, LATCH child seat anchors and post airbag-deployment signals. A DVD entertainment system will be available later in the year along with the OnStar communications system. New options packages add even more value with features like an in-dash six-disc CD changer and automatic climate control. New 15-inch alloy and 16-inch chrome wheels round out the upgrades.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

It's OK but costly

Written by: Michelle on 07/24/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2002 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I got my Saturn for my 20th birthday. My mom took it to the dealership and paid to have them check it out. Everything was fine. Two months later on my way to work I heard a pop. The alternator belt popped of. These things happen. But now it is a year later and I have had to replace the pannel for the a/c to work and then a pump, totaling 1,300 then I went and had the 60,000 mile service done and they said everything is OK. Now 3 weeks later I am having problems with the fuel tank. I also had a Saturn before this one and every payday it would break down. I hate Saturns.

Favorite Features

The space.

Suggested Improvements

The building of the cars

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I miss my L300!

Written by: Cara on 07/15/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

2002 Saturn L-Series L300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

I just traded my 2002 L300 in yesterday at 135K miles, but I felt so sad driving away from it because it truly was a great car. I bought it used about four years ago and have put over 100K miles on it in all my commuting. The car was excellent in rain, snow, wind, and on the freeway, and all the comfortable amenities such as the sunroof, great stereo, leather heated seats, etc., will be greatly missed. It started needing significant repairs fairly regularly around 115K miles and I finally decided to cut my losses and get a new vehicle. I have a little remorse now!

Loved the heated leather seats, sunroof, automatic headlights, tape deck and 6-disk player, very comfortable back seats, and well-sized trunk. I also liked the styling of the car.

The only complaint I have at all is the A/C is difficult. It is either too hot or too cold and I always had a hard time getting a comfortable temp, but I often combined A/C with heated seats to help with this.

Most reliable car in my life

Written by: Bruce A on 07/15/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

Except for contol module issues I was having 4 years ago, which were covered under my extended warranty, I have had no problems with this car. I drive my car on the hard side and my gas mileage has been averaging 27 MPG, a commuter combination of city and highway driving. Not bad. It is one of the few models that had built in side airbags in 2002. Great value in the re-sale market, in my opinion, especially in light of high gas prices and not driving an unsafe weenie car.

The leather seats with heaters, very nice in the winter cold. 6 CD player.

I think they did a good job on this particular sedan.

My 3rd car from Saturn...not my last.

Written by: 3rdSaturn on 07/07/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

This is my third Saturn and I can only say that this car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. I only use it every few months, but it never fails to start even when the temps were down around -15.

Heated outside mirrors.

Better carpet in the trunk.

Reliable, Practical, Durable & Fun

Written by: Jeff on 05/17/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

2002 Saturn L-Series LW300 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

This car has been extremely reliable and fun to drive for all of the 93K miles. Excellent torque makes it feel very peppy. Very comfortable for front and back seat riders. Huge cargo area has been very much appreciated. Body panels have held up very well and look new to this day. Would definitely buy from Saturn again but will probably keep this car around for safe reliable college student duty.

Great sound system, cruise control, comfortable leather seating. Very practical roof rack. Easy to fold down seating to extend cargo area.

2002 Saturn L-Series Consumer Ratings & Reviews