2002 Saturn L300 review from North America
"The 2002 Saturn L-300 is a profound disappointment; an embarrassment to General Motors"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced 4 tires three times in 56,000 miles.
Replaced cradle mount bushings.
Replaced torsion bar supports.
Center console cover replaced twice.
Replaced thermostat (dealer) for $630!!
General comments?
The Saturn L-300 is a stylish, moderately comfortable car (but not on long trips) for a family, however the rear leg room leaves much to be desired for a mid-sized car. The car has a high (uncomfortable) level of road noise.
Most disappointing is the L-300's suspension. Excessive tire wear has required tire replacements averaging every 15,000 miles. Alignment problems abound with this vehicle. Front end suspension problems included excessive vibration, shaking steering wheel and grinding noises on turns.
Maintenance costs also seem excessive for this vehicle. Notably, the cost to replace simple things like thermostats and brakes runs in the $500-$600 range. Interior plastic parts break often and make the car feel cheap.
Saturn's one bright spot is their service and attitude; they really seem to want to make things right; there's far too many opportunities for them to show this however.
Recommended reviews
  | Responsive V6 + great handling = great choice for a sporty sedan |
| I will not purchase another Saturn L300! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 Liter L-81 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 56000 miles |
| Previous car | GMC Jimmy |
| Date of Entry | 18th April, 2006 |