Used 2001 Saturn L-Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
If you buy this car, read this
There is a design flaw on the timing chain tensioner. Anywhere from 80k miles to 150k miles, it usually breaks. This is a 30.00 part. But if you don't know about it, and you don't fix it, the car will "jump time", and when this happens, it almost certainly will destroy the top part of your engine. This will cost about 2k to fix. If you own one, get it down to the shop and get that part changed. You will be sorry if you don't. In my town, the junk yard is full of these L series Saturns. They all look nice, but they are sitting there rotting. I had a S series, and it was the best car I ever owned. This L series, not so much!
Change your timing chain!
I needed a new car, and heard a lot of good things from other Saturn owners. We took delivery of this car with just under 17k on the odometer. For the first 21/2 years it was a very reliable car. There were 2 recalls on this car and this was taken care of with no problems. We did oil changes and all suggested maintenance on time. One day I was driving to work and the car was acting a little sluggish but did not seem to be running rough or anything. I parked the car at work and when I came out it would not start. I had it towed to the deaer and was told that it was the timing chain and would cost $1100 to fix. Many other Saturn owners have had this problem at around 70 to 80k miles
- L200 SedanMSRP: $4,9951,779 mi away
- L200 SedanMSRP: $4,9501,961 mi away
- L300 SedanMSRP: N/A933 mi away
Saturn Buyers Beware
If your thinking of buying this model vehicle DON'T. Hands down the worst car I have ever owned. It WILL suck every penny you have out of you. These cars have the weakest commuters in any car I am aware of. Just change a battery, alternator, or just put a battery charger on it and you can burn out the BCM (Body Control Module). Diagnosing the problem will be the first problem then there is the $600 to replace it. Subframe built by SAAB with a curved muffler $400 for muffler only. Poor design on the oiler that keeps timing chain oiled+interferance motor=t-chain jump & replace motor, used $1000, new $2500. Heater fan,switch, and repair melted under sized connector in the dash $400. Just say NO
A Lemon!
Upon purchasing this car I found that the previous owner had replaced the engine. I heard of this engine having issues yet I doubted it would actually blow due to the list of issues that plague these engines. After one year of ownership, the engine blew due to a random rod busting through the block. The second engine only had 40,000 put on it upon purchase and then another 30,000 put on by me during the year. Awesome car besides the shoddy craftmanship.
Mistake
I bought this car thinking it was great. It was for about 1 yr then perpetual coolant leaks, alignment problems, electrical problems, never ending sensor problems, low mpg, hard to find parts, and expensive parts became the too often crisis. I love the feel and drive but trying to keep up with the mechanic's bill is too much to bear. My Toyota has never had a problem and is only a year newer. Beware of this model if you are not a mechanic or on a tight budget. I was going to give it to my daughter for school but I don't think we could afford it. Won't even qualify for Cash for Clunkers. I would have to give them money to take it.
I will never own another Saturn
I bought this car in 2004 with only 42,000 miles on it. It now has 165,000 miles and has given me nothing but problems since it hit 100,000. Replaced the heater core twice, water pump twice, oil filter, hoses, gas gauge doesn't work right now, and I've replaced multiple spark plugs. I had a Nissan before and it never had any problems at all besides basic maintenance and it had over 250,000 miles on it!!
Worst Car I Have EVER Bought
Worst Car Ever. Cons: Breaks worked great after I spent a lot of money to get them fixed. The windshield breaks very easily. The exhaust was horrible. The battery never held a charge, I bought three batteries. Headlights were very dim and break lights broke all the time. The tires went bald fast. Pros: Great gas mileage, plastic body, fairly cheap parts.
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ambivalent on this car...
I traded in my little SL2 in for my "new" L300 and boy, I felt like I hit a hot deal. Leather seats, V6, and all the amentities you can ask for, with a low tag price. After reading all the reviews on the V6 model, the reason why the price on these models are so cheap is because they have horrible reliability issues. What kind of car needs the BCM computer changed out at 36,000 miles? That's what happened to me only 3 days after i purchased it used when i discovered the wrench light go off. The service engine light will drive you crazy, blinking! SO far, after only half a year of ownership, it has had the BCM replaced (600$) and the MAF sensor replaced (400$). Stay far away from this model.
295k miles and still going
I bought my Saturn L-Series with 63K back in 2007. She has been altered exterior with window tint, nice stereo and sound speakers/woofer and amp which was installed in 2007 as well, and she still boomin'. Drives great, good on gas. All I replaced was the fuel pump, starter, tires & battery of course. She has 295k miles, and I really feel she will hit 300k. We just made sure the oil was changed, use synthetic oil 5/30, with good driving habits. You know I was just rear ended a few days ago, and she didn't budge that bumper does wonders!! Still in tacked. We used interior parts from the salvage yard to make the inside look like new.
Great Car
My dad recently passed and he passed on his 2001 Saturn L200 to me. It has 66K and is a 4 banger. I thought this car is going to be not much fun. But I am pleasantly surprised. It gets GREAT GAS MILEAGE! Same as a new ACCORD, or CAMERY and better then a new Fusion, or Altima! AND IT IS QUIET on the road! They are still make the 2.2 engine and I can see why. And the body still looks new. The fabrics are very durable. The blower motor is smooth and quiet.
Saturn L200 was a great car for me
I bought this car used with an extended warranty. The 1st yr the computer system died, but the warranty paid in full. For the remaining 5 yrs. that I drove it, it was dependable and got decent gas mileage. I recently totaled it and was amazed my car sustained less body damage than the big Mercedes who hit me on the passenger side. Would definitely recommend the Saturn.
Great Car
My L200 is really a fully dressed L300 except it has the 4 banger engine. We have had the dealer do all recommended servicing and other than a blown fuse and the normal the wear and tear items, we have not had any problems with this, our 5th Saturn!
I love it.
Well, my dad bought this car used for $1200 with about 146000 miles (I think.) I've owned it for about a year and it's about to have 156000 on it. The only thing I can say is the oil leak it has can be a bit annoying and it smells like engine coolant whenever I turn it off. But other than that I absolutely love it. The accelleration is incredible and the gas mileage is very nice. Too bad my speakers and stereo suck. Why you no have tape player?! I wouldnt trade her in for anything, well, maybe the stationwagon version. Its one of my goals to make the odometer read 500000 on this car. How can I sum her up? Well as Stevie Ray Vaughn once said, Shes my sweet little thing, shes my pride and joy.
Worst car ever
Bought my Saturn used w/ 48,000 miles. After 2 yrs I had to replace my timing chain ($2000 to fix). Eating through tires and oil faster then ever. 2 yrs after fixing my engine it is now completely dead, finally had to sell it to the salvage yard for nothing. Timing chain broke again and destroyed the engine. 4 yrs in I started leaking coolant into the floor of the car, the whole under the hood started to rust and had to replace the whole coolant system to rusted to repair, also the battery brackets rusted to the battery. I had the car for 6 yrs and put over $6000 in repairs and now it is completely dead at the salvage yard with 146,500 miles on it. Would never touch another Saturn again!
3 years of good driving!
I've leased my LS for 3 years and found it an excellent car. Plush upholsterystill looks like new, despite hard use-kids, dogs, camping. Comfortable ride that lets you feel the road without being jarred. Brakes (not ABS) never let me down. Standard issue CD/radio/ cassette sound system outstanding! And the paint job looks like new, too, with nothing but a car wash now and then. Handles great in all weather. Wish the reviewers and "experts " would quit picking on a great company!
Love it Still! Great Old Girl (llike me)
I couldn't afford a new car so I went to Market Place and found this for 1200. Had it nearly a year with minor repairs . great old girl (like me)
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Great car
I purchased this car after many test drives in other brands and after burying a lemon Contour. Out first trip netted 35MPG and left a grin on my face that is still there. I love the handling and performance and the comfort is second to none. The only problem has been with the Ignition key and tumbler, which the dealer replaced in a very fast and efficient manner. I truly enjoy the service the dealer gives and will certainly buy another Saturn.
Great Car, if you are deaf
Overall, I have not enjoyed my Saturn experience. Sure, they are nice, but that is all. The car has so many rattles, squeaks and creaks that it drives me nuts. It has been repaired 10 times in 15 months, mostly for minor trim work, but also for a new Computer and gearbox. It is fun to drive, but so are the Camry and the Accord.
THE midsize car to drive if you're tall!
What a great car! As somebody who's quite tall (6ft. 5in.), I can't believe the amount of headroom in the L200 - it's the feature that "sealed the deal". I had looked at a number of other midsize sedans, and this one had the most headroom/legroom of any I test drove. I took the car on a long road trip last summer, and couldn't believe the gas mileage I was getting - 45mpg on a hilly, winding stretch of the trip with the car packed to the gills and the AC running the whole time.
Reliable
My Saturn has been a good car with only minor problems. In the past six months (around 100k miles), the lighter quit working, the CD player has died and there was an electrical problem with my gear shifter. But overall, it's been a reliable car that looks good for the price I paid. I've taken it on a lot of long trips without any problems. It's not an exciting car to drive, but again, it's a very good value. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, inexpensive car. It also gets between 29 and 30 mpg, which isn't bad for a full sized sedan. Maintenance has been very inexpensive.
Perfect Used Car!
I've never been more comfortable driving a used car. I've had my Saturn L200 for a year now and I've had zero problems performance or maintnence wise. I've been averaging 30+ miles per gallon for every tank of gas. I was so impressed with "Pearl" my L-series that my Fiance and I purchased a 2007 ION "Jade."
Saturn forever!
I love my Saturn. I'm a college student and have had it for almost three years. What has gone wrong you ask? Nothing! I have done all maintenance (basically oil and filter changes) and have had nothng go wrong with this car! I love it. The rear end styling is a little dated, but that's OK. It's fun to drive. Granted, it's not a sports car, but it does handle very well. Gas mileage is better than most cars its size. The radio is great. Don't crank it too loud because you can blow a speaker (oops!) All in all, I love this car! I am looking to replace it with one that has the new body style. I'm sticking with Saturn!
Scrapped in 3 months
I bought this car with only 125000 miles on it, it had a lot of work, new timing chain, new hoses, brakes, etc. After 2 months of driving it started pulling insanely hard to the right, it turns out the subframe had completely rotted out and if it had been under more stress I would have wrecked it. I purchased another L200 that had the engine blow on it and took the subframe from that car and put it on mine. About two weeks later after putting the new subframe on, the temperature dropped to about 10 degrees Fehrenheit and the engine froze up and blew. This car was a total waste of time and money, and it had been maintained. Be very careful with these cars, they don't like to last. Be prepared to do work on it or replace an engine or two. Also be careful of the parts that aren't made of plastic (the whole car is plastic) because they will rust out on you.
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My 4th Saturn!
Recently bought my L200 with 2.2L engine, which is fuel friendly, reliable, and provide decent pep. I've owned an Ion sedan, Vue V6, and SL2 sedan in the past. I just needed something inexpensive to own, maintain, & insure since while I finish law school. It has 117,000 miles and I believe I can get another 117,000 miles out of it. It makes a great 1st car or 2nd car. I hope to find a good Saturn Aura as my 5th Saturn after I finish school.
New Used Car
Inherited car from my nephew with 118,000 miles. Already has a new engine and catalytic converter. Already having trouble removing key from ignition. Wondering if car isn't a lemon, but it's better than not having any transportation in spite of the inconvenience of having to disconnect the negative battery cable every time I par the car. I can't believe this car has had so many problems thus far. Had a 1984 Blazer with almost 300,000 miles before it was totaled in 2000 because of an idiot driver who stopped on the freeway in traffic to answer her cellphone.
I'm Happy with Mine
Thus far the only disappointment is the fit, finish, and material quality of the interior (the plastic door grips seem a bit cheap). Otherwise, I am very pleased with my L200 and enjoy driving it. Long trips now seem shorter, and I'm not as stiff as I'd been in other cars after a long stint on the road. Fuel mmilage is excellent: avg 28.5 mpg with combined city/highway, over 33 mpg on long trips. The 4-banger engine is far more than adequate to propel the L200 down the road (I've surprised a few people). Passengers comment on how comfortable the seating is and on how well the car rides. Great car.
20K Mile Report - 18 months
Love my L300. Still looks brand new and the silver shines proudly along with the Mercedes & BMWs that share the scene. My only true complaint is having to go to the dealership for oil changes - takes too long, they want me to schedule, etc. Local quick lubes make a million excuses about not having filters, but in reality won't service the internal filter this 6-cylinder uses.
My First New Car
Bought this car because I needed something affordable that I could fit in (I'm 6'5"). Bonus was that it was fun to drive and looked good too, and I loved the dent-proof side-panels. The timing chain snapped, causing some engine damage, but no major engine problems after that repair. As it aged a few other things did stop working (AC, power steering, seat-adjuster), but it was still fun to drive, right up until I was rear-ended on the interstate. If you can find a low-mileage one cheap, it is a comfortable, fun sedan to drive with a lot of useful space.
Its OUT OF THIS WORLD....
Not a problem to this adate, its a sharp reliable car. Very low maitenance.
Good but could better
Car is fast for 182 HP. Achieved 29 mpg all freeway with A/C averaging 80 mph. Chose L300 for;Value,Plastic side panels,Customer service and hoping for above average Reliability. Trunk is HUGE. Seating is comfortable for 4 on long drive. Attacked by shopping carts and car doors and body panels still look great! Car is not built as quiet and reliable as Honda, but the car is still very good and enjoyable to drive.
I love this car!
I absolutely loved this car from the moment I bought it! It had a very comfortable feel. Great performance. No major issues in the 9 years I've owned it. I would drive this car until it dies, were it not for the fact new Saturns would not be available when it came time to replace it, so I am hesitantly trading it in for a new Aura. I hope my great Saturn experience continues for years to come.
Doesn't owe me a thing
This car is 9 years old and I have replaced the battery a few times, brakes and other regular maintenance up keep. Driving it is okay I'm noticing now that the right speaker is starting to go out but overall it's been good to me.
I Love my Car!!!!
I love L300. It handles well and responds to whatever I give it!! I shopped around at many different brands but founf the L300 gave me more bang for my bucks!!!
Dont buy a Saturn (unless its mine!)
Where do I start? Wind noise: 5 trips to the dealership, finally noise is gone but doors no longer line up with other body panels. Tire wear: Three sets of rear tires in 60,000 kms (of course the dealership said it was my driving) (ps. always rear tires and always inside of treads worn). Headliner rattle: finally fixed it myself after taking it to dealership twice. Cable under hood worn out from rubbing against hoodliner. Clutch fluid resiviour went (left me stranded). Drivers side headlight housing is discoloured. This was all in the first 18 months. Now the high beam, signal switch has smoke coming from it...the saga continues...
Excellent Value
I bought this car used with 66,000 miles and have been very pleased; already at 110,000 miles. I have had problems with the axle seals leaking, they've been replaced twice, which is about $900 parts & labor. But better than a car payment. The daytime lights began blinking around the 90,000 mile mark. It's annoying, but not worth fixing for $800. The Saturn dealership has the part in stock to fix it; apparently it's a problem they see periodically. No other major concerns or repairs. Overall I'm happy with the performance, reliability and low maintenance of the vehicle. I'll drive it 'til it dies.
Saturn L200 2001
Trouble with exterior paint chipping. Gas tank cover came off in my hand while closing it after filling tank with gas. Quirly fuel economy. Varies in city; stable on interstate.
Worst Car I ever had
Let's see, whirling noise they can't find the source, speedometer issues, center arm rest top broken, radio and speaker dies and this is all within the 1st 2 years. Everyone I know that has this car has the same issues. We bought this car at the end of the lease and that was a bad decision. We should have given it back. I say get rid of it just like the other reviewer suggest.
Nice Package here
I was never a big Saturn Fan. But my dad passed away and I got his 2001 L200 Auto 4cyl. After 2 months of driving it I must say I am impressed. The car is quiet, great on gas, has adequate power, plenty of room, and has been very dependable for my dad.
Saturn
Great car, plenty of room, had 2.5 years and have had no problems
A Very Average Car
Not a bad car, just not a good one. Comfortable with OK performance and reasonable handling. Very noisy & harsh ride, eats tires like no other car I have had before. 17000 a set is unacceptable, though the dealer replaced the first set as the suspension was supposedly out of alignment. The second set was no better! Numerous problems with leaking coolant. Going back to a Honda, the prices are now about the same but the car is far superior.
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.
Saturn L300 has been great
Handling improved with 225 series tires over the 215s. Had slow leak in cooling system that cost $800. Small sensor needed to be replaced for $300. Back tail light needed new electrical parts $200 but Saturn reps knocked off $100. Overall, the vehicle has been extremely reliable for 80,000K miles. Excellent acceleration and breaking. No problems in rain or snow. Trunk space is huge and with folding back seats only increases. Plenty of room in back seat for people under 6'4".
Just a moment
I test drove this car as a loaner from the dealer. One of the first things I noticed was that the high beams won't shut off. I only had the car for 30 min. and all ready there was something wrong. The V6 seems to be rather sluggish and slow pickup. The L300 has planty of room up front. The seats however where not very comfortable. I think Saturn is in the right direction when it comes to price. The styling is almost there but is missing what culd be one of the best styles on the market. Saturn needs to make it with smother curves that don't end so abruptly.
most problem free car i ever had
i had the L300 V6 FOR THREE YEARS WITH NOT 1 PROBLEM EXCEPT FOR A COOLANT LEAK. IT HAD EVERY FEATURE FOR 22,000 DOLLARS. I LOVED IT AND WOULD RECCOMEND IT TO EVERYBODY. SATURN SERVICE IS GREAT. THIS IS A GREAT CAR. PEOPLE SHOULD STOP GIVING A GREAT CAR BAD REVIEWS.
peice of junk
I bought this saturn based on their reputation. What a mistake! The car has been in the shop on a regular basis. It is underpowered, gets poor gas mileage and I have taken a beating on the cars depreciation. Will never buy another Saturn or GM product. I am going back to either a Honda or Toyota.
I Love My Saturn
Great buying experience. Fantastic service department. Have done nothing but general maintenance and don't expect too for a long, long time. I also get better mileage than the window sticker shows as average!
Save your money
Bought my Saturn new. Within 3 months it had coolant leaks. On my 5th set of tires at 64K, 1st set at 15K, and I called Saturn to complain about the tire situation while still in warranty and they didn't seem to want to help me. All the door locks, window controls, cruise control, power mirrors and heater needed replacing. The A/C does not work. It seems like there is always something going wrong with the car. It's a piece of junk and I regret ever purchasing it.
108,000 miles and still going.
I got to admit my Saturn maybe on the plain side of styling, but this car as sure kept me going from point a to b and so on. I have 108,000 plus on my car and majority of the car is original. IE battery and stuff like that... I have only had 2 sets of break pads in the front real original to the car. All in all for an American car its done very well, No leaks or anything like that. But I am starting to have a few problems with my front end. Thats to be expected living now in Massachusetts and when sometimes there are more pot holes and ruts in the road then there is actual road, Doing 65 on mass highways (I-93) will damage any cars front end (pot hole city). But overall a good car!
happy
very nice car. Lots of features for little money. i Drive 100+ miles a day, even the week there was a foot of snow on the roads (without chains). At 130k miles have not had a problem yet and i drive it hard. While my SL2 was a little more comfortable the L300 offers alot more room. The 3 liter V6 comes in handy when dealing with freeway traffic. reviews for this car seem very polar but i have loved mine since i test drove it. Take offs can be "sluggish" but in more then one moment of weakness i have raced smaller cars and once moving the L300 will get 100+mph in no time flat. I will drive this car until the wheels fall off.
Lots of Goodies for the money
Over all I am very happy with my l100. I had an l200 as a rental car for 2 weeks and loved it. My wife and I went with the 100 Special edition. It gave all the goodies of the l200 minus power windows, rear disc brakes and height adjusting driver seat for $2000+ less. It also included mags and a rear wing.. big plus for me. Saturn needs to improve the quality of the seat fabric.... bit on the cheesey side, and i dont know how long it will hold up. The sales experience was awesome. No compalints about the sales team. Friendly from start to finish. Ive been spoiled by it, and would buy from Saturn again because of it.