2003 Saturn L-Series Consumer Reviews

I hope she keeps going

Written by: drivetlldie on 11/19/2008

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

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All good...at first

Written by: swat on 10/20/2008

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.

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Drive The Wheels Off It

Written by: Oregon Rancher on 09/30/2008

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.

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Saturn may going downhill

Written by: whr on 08/27/2008

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).

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Awesome Car

Written by: DanHalen on 08/21/2008

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

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Malcontent with my Saturn

Written by: MattVW on 08/13/2008

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?

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Monumental Flaws

Written by: Monumental Flaws on 08/12/2008

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!

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Awesome Car

Written by: Josh on 08/03/2008

Vehicle

2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car because, I couldn’t find an Impala that met my needs and I remembered that my friends loved their Saturn’s that they owned. I have had it for over two years and I am still enjoying it. I had the cruise go out on me at 72k and unlike everyone else, my fuel pump didn’t go out until 112k miles and they wanted to replace the ignition controller but opted on that. Have not had any other problems with the vehicle and I have taken it on two 5k trips. Comfort is tolerable, but can be improved for people over 6’ like myself. I would defiintely buy an Aura next time around.

Favorite Features

Sleek and Euro style makes it an eye turner for Saturn. I have had many people compliment it because of the “out of the box” look that other GM vehicles have. The controls are easy to reach and very well illuminated. The eight speaker stereo system is awesome.

Suggested Improvements

In the next series, even though it is out, more room for tall people.

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Sorta okay

Written by: LW200sw-driver on 07/19/2008

Vehicle

2003 Saturn L-Series LW200 4dr Station Wagon (2.2 L 4cyl 4A)

Review

LW200 S-wagon 4cly auto-trans 44k miles owned it 2.5 yrs. Seats seem fine to me but an effort to get in and out [seats are too near center of car]. Driver door heavy push it full open & will bounce back at you [more so than other cars]. Heat/ac fan is sometimes pulsating causing headlights dash lights to flicker. Then shut it off restart fan -ok. I am living with this fan till it happens more often. Wish the back seat was made to fold down totally flat. Seems to have lots of power in 4 cyl eng, the 6 cyl would be maybe more than it needs.

Favorite Features

The oil filter is easy to change. Plastic body parts resists getting small dents from other car doors hitting. I like the overall shape of the wagon.

Suggested Improvements

Wheel covers odd shape makes for extra wiping when washing & they look odd. Wish auto door locking system could be shut off sometimes. Back seat has bar across top stays in the way when you fold the half seat side down. Any wagon back seat should be made to fold all flat when it's down.

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Mediocre

Written by: stone727 on 07/12/2008

Vehicle

2003 Saturn L-Series L200 4dr Sedan (2.2 L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had this vehicle for 11 months and find it to be just OK. It handles well on dry roads, but as for icy conditions, it gets a little dicey. The inside is spacious, definitely a substantial upgrade from earlier Saturn models, but is definitely not as aesthetically satisfying as other makes, such as the Toyota or Honda. I bought this car without doing much searching elsewhere (I needed a car ASAP since my other did not pass inspection due to many expensive problems) and find that my overall review of it, on a scale of 1- 10, its about a 5.5.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage is decent, seems to like high speeds though my car shimmies a bit past 70mph, love the brakes- since the car was purchased used, they were worn in well and have worked very well for my personal preference. The seats are very comfortable and the sound system is pretty good. Huge trunk.

Suggested Improvements

The gaps between certain parts of the car leave the vehicle with a strange appearance. In the space between my car's roof and 2 rear doors, there are pieces of plastic that aren't even painted to match the car. Also, the chrome plating inside is a little cheap looking.

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