2002 Saturn L-Series Review
2002 Saturn L-Series Review
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Used L-Series for sale
Appraise This CarSaturn L-Series types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Extremely competitive pricing for this segment, customer-focused dealers, strong powerplant with V6, wagon availability.
Cons
- Build quality not up to segment standards, ultra-conservative styling, lack of established service and repair history.
What’s new
Safety enhancements are the big news for 2002. All Saturn L-Series models now feature standard head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and traction control. Other enhancements include four-wheel disc brakes (on all models except L100), automatic headlamps, LATCH child seat anchors and post airbag-deployment signals. A DVD entertainment system will be available later in the year along with the OnStar communications system. New options packages add even more value with features like an in-dash six-disc CD changer and automatic climate control. New 15-inch alloy and 16-inch chrome wheels round out the upgrades.
Edmunds says
It costs thousands less than comparably equipped Accords and Camrys -- and it looks, drives and feels like it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Saturn L-Series L100 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$168/mo for L-Series L100
L-Series L100
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
While Saturn enjoys strong customer loyalty with its line of small cars (almost 50 percent return to buy another Saturn), GM researchers found that when owners move on, they most often move up to a midsize vehicle. So a medium-sized entry makes perfect sense for both Saturn and its loyal customer base. Enter the Saturn L-Series, American-built sedans and wagons designed and priced to compete with top imports such as Toyota's Camry and Honda's Accord.
Available as base L100, midlevel L200 or top-line L300 sedans as well as fully equipped LW200 or upmarket LW300 wagons, all models include air conditioning, four-wheel independent suspension, a theft-deterrent system and ABS brakes with integrated traction control. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models except the base L100, which still uses a disc/drum combination.
Inside, the L-Series features a spacious interior with logical, easy-to-use controls. Seats have been designed for all-day comfort. Sedans offer 17.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is about 3.5 cubic feet more than you'll find in an Accord. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity in the wagon is 79 cubic feet -- this is 10 more cubic feet than the Subaru Legacy wagon offers and 2 cubic feet less than the Taurus wagon's capacity.
Although marketed as a lower-cost alternative to the import powerhouses, the L-Series still offers plenty of options for those who want all the trimmings. A new Sport package adds foglamps, a sunroof and a rear spoiler along with newly styled 15-inch alloy wheels on the L/LW200 and 16-inch chrome wheels on L/LW300. A Premium package includes everything in the Sport package along with an in-dash six-disc changer, automatic climate control, power seats and full leather upholstery. A DVD entertainment system will be available as a midyear option that features a flip down viewing screen and wireless headphones that allow rear-seat riders to enjoy their favorite movies while the driver and front passenger can still listen to the radio. The OnStar communications system is another midyear addition that gives all L-Series the added benefit of 24-hour assistance with everything from directions to hotel reservations.
Unlike other Saturns, the L-Series has steel quarter-panels; nevertheless, engineers were able to fit Saturn's signature dent-resistant polymer panels for the doors and fenders. We're hoping that Saturn will take more care in the assembly of its L-Series cars, as previous models suffered widely from ill-fitting panels and wavy plastic bodywork.
A pair of engines are offered: a Saturn-exclusive 2.2-liter 135-horsepower DOHC four-cylinder with twin balance shafts and a 3.0-liter 182-horse DOHC V6. The four is standard on L100, L200 and LW200 and comes with a five-speed manual transmission. An electronically controlled four-speed automatic is optional. The V6 is available only in the L300 and LW300 and must be mated to an autobox. Though the mandatory automatic may not please sport sedan/wagon wannabes, we've found this transmission to be quite savvy -- it never picks the wrong gear. Combined with the healthy V6, the L-Series is quick on its feet, with plenty of power for freeway merging and passing.
Saturn wanted the L-Series suspension to provide a balance between a smooth ride and European handling -- this balance holds up until the car is pushed on rough or undulating roads. And while our editors have praised the responsive steering feel in the past, we've also noted that response becomes sluggish during spirited driving on canyon roads.
A head curtain airbag system -- for both front and rear passengers -- is now standard on all models. When electronic sensors along the sides of the vehicle detect an impact, the bag drops from the roof rail and unfolds as it inflates. Saturn says that the system will help reduce the severity of head and neck injuries incurred by occupants involved in side-impact crashes. While we approve of this timely safety upgrade (timely indeed, since the 2000 L-Series earned a ''poor" rating in the "side impact front" category) we would still like Saturn to add seat-mounted side airbags to protect against torso injuries. We're pleased to see that the company has added a three-point seatbelt for the rear center passenger in its L-Series sedan, but we don't understand why the wagons were denied this important safety feature. Saturn claims that its L-Series wagons compete against offerings from Volvo, Subaru, Volkswagen and Audi, but all of these brands offer a standard three-point belt in the center of the rear seat.
Unquestionably, a fully loaded L-Series car offers excellent dollar value (though you will pay the no-haggle price regardless of demand) when compared with similarly equipped Accords, Camrys and Passats -- but the Saturn doesn't meet its peers' established standards for build quality and interior materials. Decide whether you're willing to make these concessions before you buy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Saturn L-Series.
5 star(51%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
132 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
2002 Saturn L300
mbarpurn, 04/03/2005
2002 Saturn L-Series L300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
We have not had any problems with car since we purchased it new. V6 engine is great, plenty of room, large trunk, good gas mileage, and fun to drive.
4.13 out of 5 stars
LW300
pew, 02/07/2010
2002 Saturn L-Series LW300 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Bought this car with 42500 miles. It has plenty of room front, back and with rear seat folded down. Highway driving is very smooth but driving over rough pavement on city streets can be a bit rough. The car has a generous amount of power for a small V-6 and the gas mileage is not bad (24 combined) with easy starts and stops. Definitely a reasonable alternative to a large suv and much … more nimble.
5 out of 5 stars
Best used car on the market
Matt C., 06/04/2016
2002 Saturn L-Series L300 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Bought mine a little under a year ago - and it's been my favorite "second car" ever. It's fast as heck with the V6, and it handles/holds the road great.
Steering is also crisp. I put some bigger wheels and tires (17") on it, and it looks much better also. The interior is well laid out as well. It's clearly a European-
influenced design inside, with funky controls for the fan, the … power windows - it handles like many European cars I've owned (mostly VW) very crisp, with a very tight turning radius. It's actually become my preferred car to drive for fun now. I just wish there was some sort of enthusiast community for it, and a little more
pizzazz in the design. Oh well...you can't have everything, but dollar-for-used-car dollar, there's not a much better car out there than an L300.
5 out of 5 stars
Saturn LW300 vs. Ford Taurus Wagon
Jared's Dad, 04/11/2002
2002 Saturn L-Series LW300 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Ford has slightly more power on paper, yet engine is harsher. Saturn has
more options for less $$. Ford steering was heavy and vague. Saturn was
tight and nimble, at least for a wagon. Both had smooth 4 speed automatic
transmissions and 4 wheel disc brakes. Saturn has standard traction control
and ABS, optional on Ford. Saturn has standard 4 airbags (front and side …
curtain). Ford has front 2 standard with side airbags optional. Ford has
slightly more interior room, but it shows on the exterior (looks like a bloated
whale). Saturn styling, while conservative, is still much sportier (=better)
than Ford's.
2002 L-Series Highlights
Sedan
L100
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,370 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $168/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the L-Series include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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