2003 Saturn L-Series Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
21 - 24 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(153 Total Reviews)
So far, So Good
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I had an electrical issue with my Saturn that occurred around 15,000 miles, but it wasn't too expensive to have fixed. It needs to have the power steering fluid filled every so often, or there is an odd grinding sound (although it's not grinding).
Favorite Features
Good fuel economy, not the typical "tin can" sized car.
Suggested Improvements
Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I'm 5'2". The driver's seat is great. Can adjust the wheel and the seat to fit me. Haven't had problems but then again I take it in for oil changes and checking according to their warranty. Don't drive a lot but have always loved Saturns. This one is much different. Saturn no longer has the dent free doors that are on this one. Millage isn't what I would like but considering where I drive it is acceptable. Love this car!
Favorite Features
Lights, power seat, adjusting steering wheel, control.
Suggested Improvements
L200 Nightmare
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My first Saturn, an SL1, was problem free although not particularly fun to drive. The L200 has been a nightmare and shattered my illusions about buying new off the lot. It needed new rear brakes the first day. The alloy wheels proved to be a poor choice for bumpy Maine roads, denting so badly I was always getting flats (ended up replacing w/steel).Strong winds whistle through the car, the digital heating system is annoying. A new headlamp was $40. There are no universal parts for this car. Fuel pump blew and stranded me at 70K miles. At 110K, had to replace the heater core. Hood latch cable stretched and had to be replaced. My power recline control is now broken. I hate this car.
Favorite Features
Sunroof and audio system nice. Rear seats fold down, and trunk is enormous. Satisfying passing acceleration. Decent fuel economy.
Suggested Improvements
Should this model ever rise from the dead, they need to make it stick to the road better. Just in the rain it feels like it is going to fly right off. Driving in snow makes beads of cold sweat run down my face and my knees are weak w/relief when I finally make it home. A dogsled would be better.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
I hope she keeps going
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Had a couple of warranted items go wrong. All good...no cost. Aside from that the fuel pump went at 90K ($700). The transmission just started shifting a little hard so I had the fluid flushed and now running fine again. Car now has 105K on her and mainly city miles. Hope she keeps up!
Favorite Features
Very economic, flip down rear seats. Smooth ride for a small car.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel pump issue
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
All good...at first
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought car with 38k. Love the projector lights and the awesome fuel economy (avg. 31 hwy) as I drive out- of-state a lot. Then bam!...fuel pump died without warning and I was stranded for 3 days. Right after the fuel pump, starter gear got stuck and ground down the flywheel a week later. And I love how the SES light loves to light up the car but nothing can be found wrong after having diagnostic tests. Coolant fans run all the time, even after sitting all night. Was a great car then the bottom fell out. Thank God for extended warranties that cover everything or else I would've been out almost $4k. Other than that it hasn't acted up...knock on wood.
Favorite Features
The projectors have a nice Euro feel. Car stops on command. Plenty of trunk space to fit anything. Great gas mileage for a mid-sized car.
Suggested Improvements
More horsepower, takes all day to merge with Chicago highway traffic. Seats could be a bit more softer.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Drive The Wheels Off It
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series LW200 4dr Station Wagon (2.2 L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Fuel pump seems to be a problem - mine went without warning at 60K, covered under warranty. Driver's heated seat went at 100K, again, covered (barely) under warranty. Get 430 miles to the tankful, especially after a tune. At 270K, two A/C lines (aluminum) cracked, that cost me $300 out of pocket. I haul everything from ranch equipment to goats in it, plenty of room, well worth the investment. Will buy another one when this one hits the magic 500K mark, probably in two years. Stout engine, no Corvette in acceleration but better than most imports of the same age/engine size. Like the rear seat folding flat, lots of cargo space that way.
Favorite Features
Leather seats, good handling, traction control, 16" wheels, roomy, easy to park, good looks, good quality paint.
Suggested Improvements
Fix the fuel pump problem, maybe make the rear hatch electric close/open, bigger center console, more power outlets.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Saturn may going downhill
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
At 65000 miles, heavy duty repairs have begun. Fuel pump first, then body control module. The BCM failure makes the car simply stop. Period. Then it creates a variety of electrical problems. Given these issues (cost about $1800 to fix), and the well known timing chain issue, I wouldn't recommend Saturn any more than any other GM brand. This car has a disturbing number of defects that are identical to those from other years that were cause for recalls, however, Saturn hasn't recalled this model. We were Saturn believers.
Favorite Features
Good fuel economy, and the handling has a very safe, positive feel, without being stiff.
Suggested Improvements
Turning circle is a bit wide (my 1990 Isuzu Trooper has a smaller one).
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought the car used with 27000 miles on it. The car handles great in the winter (granted it is standard and FWD) and I get great gas mileage for the 40 mile trip to and from work and school.
Favorite Features
Oil change light comes on when your oil needs to be changed not at the traditional 3000 miles. Comfortable seats, great sound for a stock system, good gas mileage, smooth ride.
Suggested Improvements
It needs a better stock CD player
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Malcontent with my Saturn
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
My vehicle was purchased with about 14,000 miles on it. I am so grateful that I purchased an extended warranty. I have had the following items to replace: horn, radio (CD would not eject), fuel pump, air conditioning condense, rotors, battery, one gasket, power steering rack, bushing, etc. I also have had minor transmission work. I am very satisified with the quality of work and the customer service of the Saturn dealership, but very discontent with the Saturn that I own. some of these items were basic maintenance, but it appears that I have bought a lemon. My next purchase will not be a GM Saturn. I am planning to buy a Toyota! I do not have any guilt about supporting a non-domestic car.
Favorite Features
OnStar, leather seats, heated seats, CD and cassette player
Suggested Improvements
The fact that the L series was cancelled and did not sell should have told me to stay away from it altogether. There is a reason why I see more Toyotas and Hondas than Chevrolets and Saturns on the road. How about Saturn producing more fuel- efficient cars with a better warranty?
2 out 3 people found this review helpful
Monumental Flaws
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Saturn L-Series L300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have been immensely diasppointed with my purchase of this vehicle. The sunroof motor was inoperable when I first bought it. The extended warranty I bought has paid for the following: transmission repairs, new horn, fuel pump, bushing, air conditioner condenser, radio as my CD would not eject, gasket replacement, power steering rack replacement. I will either trade this in for a Toyota or Honda or buy another extended warranty. I will never own another Saturn or GM for the rest of my life. My parents had better Saturns when they first came out. I obviously bought a lemon!
Favorite Features
Heated seats, OnStar, cruise control, sunroof, and tape/CD player
Suggested Improvements
How about a total overall improvement in the quality of this vehicle!
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
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