Used 2001 Saturn L-Series Consumer Reviews
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Never Again
I purchased this car with a little over 23,000 miles on it in immaculate condition. I was told it had only one lease owner. Wondered why they traded it in. I didn't have to wonder long. Despite regular, timely maintenance, in less than three years, the car has had a short, two blower motors and most recently, replaced traction control brain module. Upside down on it, or I would trade it now! I will not keep it past the extended warranty, with deductible of $200 per occur. Never a GM car again; back to reliable Toyotas, or...
Saturn
Great car, plenty of room, had 2.5 years and have had no problems
- L200 SedanMSRP: $4,9502,066 mi away
- L200 SedanMSRP: $4,9952,157 mi away
- L300 SedanMSRP: N/A863 mi away
She hasn't let me down yet
Saturns just flat out has a bad rep but my Saturn L200 hasn't let me down yet. I believe it's all in how you handle the car. She's had her oil changed every 3000-4000 miles and every minor maintence that she may have needed. My parents bought me this car in 05 for graduation. At the time of purchase it had 55,000 miles on it. Now she has alomst 130,000 miles. I do a lot of traveling between North Carolina and New York. She's great on the highway, and despite what people say, she has a nice little "get-up". Over all, she's served me well. I did have to replace the rear brakes system at 100,000 but it only cost me $400...and most of that cost was due to labor. Saturn parts are cheap in price.
2001 L300
I just traded in my 2001 L300. I was disappointed with this car. Anyone interested in purchasing a 2001 L300 should be aware that the engine (not hoses)is succeptible to coolant leaks and the front suspension wears quickly. I wouldn't recommend buying this model new as depreciation was staggering - 2/3 of the sticker value was lost in 30 months. If you buy this model used, get an extended warranty. Keep in mind that GM is cancelling the L program early and the 2004 Saturn Vue isn't using the 3.0 V-6 engine found in L300 series cars. The new Vue gets a Honda made engine and trans. If GM is giving up on this car and engine, why should you consider it?
Saturn L200 - Not a bad car
The 2001 Saturn L200 is not a bad car. Overall, it's easy to drive & get's okay fuel economy for the 138 Horsepower 4 cyl. engine. Considering weight to horsepower ratio - the vehicle should get at least 38 MPG, but even with synthetic oil, I can not get much above 32 MPG. The seating is a bit uncomfortable from when vehicle was new. (I'm not a large person.) In 2 years, I needed to have the seat cushions replaced by a 3rd party business. Saturn would not cover seat cushion failure in their warranty. Transmission fluid level can not be checked by the consumer & that makes me feel unsure of it's reliability. Oil filter is rather easy to replace by yourself. Headlights are poor.
All Things Considered
I bought my L300 2+ years ago. It was well used, but in incredible shape for its age. This car has HUGE get up and go! Considering I have over 130,000 miles on it, it's just starting to show its age. In the last year I have had to replace the MAF, timing belt/chain, and now I have a blown head gasket and the a/c is bad. Folks, I've seen a lot of people write ugly stuff. You've had a bad experience, sure. But keep in mind you had only one car for your one experience. I have had three Saturns and loved every one. Nothing is wrong with mine that 10 years and 130,000 miles doesn't explain. It's nothing more than normal wear and tear. You folks slay me... ever heard of the Lemon Law??
love it so far
I drove a Blazer for 11 yrs., so was wary about buying a car. The V6 has plenty of punch so it's been fun to drive on the country roads. I've never gotten a speeding ticket 'til this yr...My test for usable interior space was if I could get a Xmas tree into it. No problem. Also crammed in a 27" tv! Had a coolant leak that, hopefully, is fixed after the second try. Other than that, no problems in a year and a half.
If I could turn back time....
Wind & road noise, and interior rattles. I can tell wich way the wind blows simply by listening to which door is creating the rush noise. Drive 90 miles (1 way) to get any work done on the vehicle as noone else here will touch a Saturn. Stock up on Saturn filters so I can change my own oil. Modify my own tools to remove the filter cap. Doors & fenders dont dent but they scratch easily. Underpowered & hesitates passing on the highway. Pretty big blind spots to the rear-hard to judge distance to things behind you. Saturn wont pester you when you buy the vehicle as they know they have you through the lifecycle of it.
not to happy
i'll tell you one thing i'm glad we bought the exstended warranty on it. Because i know will use it. we are flying through tires, saturn replaced first set for free and 24000 miles and the next set still wearing wrong at 10000mile on them after them align it. door locks are going out.
Very Reliable Auto
After having the car in NW PA, it has proven it's mechanical reliability in the subzero winters, and after all the salt and slush buildup over the winter months, it still looks like new! Never had any problems or concerns with any part of the auto. Drives like it did when we drove it off the lot with only minimum-mandatory maintenance.