2003 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 power plant with V6, wagon availability.

Cons

Build quality not up to segment standards, some interior materials feel cheap.

What's New for 2003

Saturn's L-Series sedan and wagon receive a significant exterior and interior freshening for 2003. Both front and rear fascias have been redesigned for a new look. Front-end restyling includes clear wraparound headlamps with chrome trim, optional foglamps with chrome bezels integrated into the new fascia, a larger grille with a new Saturn badge and a raised hood. The rear end sports new taillamps and a revised fascia with additional chrome trim. No more black rocker panels and lower fascias -- the whole car is now offered with body-color trim. The interior now features brushed nickel-finish trim plates, silver faceplates in the instrument cluster and European-style upholstery. Ride and handling has been improved by adjusting spring rates; optional 16-inch wheels and tires should help, too.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Excellent!

Written by: lifeitsagoodthing on 11/05/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

2003 Saturn L-Series L300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have had this car for 3 years now! It is a great car! I bought it with 26,000 miles on it and has not had any issue except for one the A/C Head Unit is very finicky and doesn't allow air to blow out the top vents some times. Other than that I have driven it for 20,000 Plus miles and it is wonderful to drive. Fun to corner in it and to accelerate is also a lot of fun. Engine is loud on the highway when accelerating from 70+. I use it every week to drive 240 miles on the weekend commute home and daily around the city. Great car!!!

Favorite Features

Handling, Acceleration, Good Sounding Engine, And comfort of the set-up/design of the car, Exterior looks great and nobody thinks it is or could be a saturn.

Suggested Improvements

None

Report inappropriate post

Not so Bad

Written by: not bad at all on 08/23/2009


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

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

Bought car new off the lot. Have owned car now for 6 years, now at 81000 miles. Read other reviews, surprised to hear about the problems with brakes and fuel pump. My only problems was with the a/c knob, could have had it fixed under warranty, but let it go (my fault)cost $800 to repair. Currently dealing with major oil leak, told it would cost $1100 to repair. Now I'm seriously considering buying a new car. This car has been extremely reliable for me and I'm sad to even consider letting it go!

good gas mileage, great trunk space, roomy

seats are not comfortable for long distance driving.

Great First Car

Written by: mootown2 on 08/08/2009


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

I bought this car a few months after graduating college. I've luckily had no mechanical issues in almost 7 years. I've had a dead battery once, but it was 5-6 years old. I've also only had to put one set of tires on the car. I do have the upgraded wheels/rims that came with the sport package and have had trouble with one tire slowly leaking air for several years. All in all, I've been very happy with the car but will probably be getting rid of mine soon. It handled the transition from single to married to family of four just fine, but we had to get a mini-van when we found out child #3 is on the way. My parents have a 2002 L200, and the improvements to the bodystyle and car are great.

sun roof, auto-on/off headlights, 60/40 split rear seat, LATCH system for car seats, improved bodystyling over previous Saturn cars

window controls are not on door as in most other cars, my wife's car is a 2008 Saturn Aura which is a "new and improved" L-series

Problems? Not a one.

Written by: Paul on 05/05/2009


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

We are the second owners of this vehicle. I'm about to hit 200,000 miles and the only thing I've had to replace is oil, alternator and a battery. It still runs like a champ too. Not going to go up against a Dodge Viper or anything, but it's not afraid to move. Never thought I'd say this about my baby blue saturn, but I love this car.

Huge trunk, plenty of room in the front and back, decent stereo.

Too many colors on the dash. Mine is black, cream and white. Maybe something simpler.

I wish I would have bought a Honda!!!

Written by: Kym on 04/20/2009


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	3	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	3	Interior Design:	3	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	3	Exterior Design:	5

I have had nothing but trouble with this car!! The first year three springs broke. My mechanic told me Saturn is aware of this problem and hasn't recalled for it. Cost $1600. Computer went out and cost me $600. Had to replace all of the brake system, except lines. Had transmition flushed and still slips going into first. And now it's leaking radiator fluid from somewhere. I've always heard good things about Saturn's so I bought one, and i've been regretting it every since!!!

I liked the body style and it came with a sun roof.

2003 Saturn L-Series Consumer Ratings & Reviews