2002 Saturn L200 review from North America

Security system failed leaving the anti-theft fuel shutoff on and wouldn't recognize key/remote at 20,000 miles.

Alternator failed at 80,000 miles.

Fuel pump failed at 130,000 miles.

Weld on passenger side windshield wiper transmission assembly broke at 170,000 miles.

I work in Washington, DC and travel home on the weekends, which is a 400 mile drive, so I typically drive over 1,000 miles a week. That is why I have put nearly 180,000 miles on a three year old car.

I have been very pleased with the performance and reliability of this Saturn. The problems I've had have been relatively minor, and the car is still going strong as it approaches 200,000 miles.

The 4 cyl. engine in the L-200 is surprisingly powerful, I've driven 4 cyl. through the mountains of West Virginia and Maryland in the past and there is often a noticable speed decrease going up the mountains. In this Saturn there is no loss of power or acceleration even on the steepest inclines.

The Saturn Service Department is friendly and courteous, which is good because, for some reason, it's difficult to find mechanics that will service newer model Saturns, you almost have to go back to Saturn for anything other than basic service. This is my only real gripe. The only time this has been a problem is when the fuel pump went out in the mountains of western Maryland and I had to pay to tow the car 98 miles to the closest Saturn dealer in Clarksburg West Virginia.