2001 Saturn L300 from North America

Summary:

I love it!

Faults:

Nothing has ever gone wrong with this car! (Knock on wood)

General Comments:

This is the second Saturn I've owned and have never had any problems - at all. I put over 100,000 miles on my first Saturn without any problems. I now have over 100,000 miles on my second Saturn and have honestly never had any work done on it. No problems at all.

It has a lot of power and drives very smoothly.

The only problem with this car is the cup holders. They are really rather useless. They are not tall enough to hold any size cup, so my drinks are constantly falling over. I have trained myself to reach down and steady the cup while making turns.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2005

2001 Saturn L300 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing, and a joy to drive

Faults:

Water pump went bad, replaced under warranty.

Knocking noise during turns: replaced steering column (under warranty).

General Comments:

The lightweight plastic body and beefy V6 engine add up to quick, nimble performance that might not be expected from its looks. Strong acceleration even on steep hills, and firm braking.

I always thought that heated seats were kind of ridiculous, but I was sold once I tried them. Very comfy on cold days!

My car had been a display model in a regional auto show, and dressed up by Saturn with 17" alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires. Exceptional handling from this upgrade; the tires stuck to the road like glue and offered outstanding control in evasive maneuvers. However it's an uncommon and expensive size to replace, so have recently switched back to the stock 15" wheel using Yokohama Avid H4S tires; so far performance is comparable, if a bit noisier.

A minor gripe: brakes didn't need replacement until about 55,000 miles, but this model usually requires new rotors as well when brakes are done- an expensive trade-off for greater longevity of brake pads, but overall not a big deal. This is apparently common with lots of cars now.

My Saturn dealer (San Francisco, CA) has been excellent, and the service department is top notch. I am looking into a VUE or other Saturn for my next car, although it is a few years off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2004

2001 Saturn L300 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Bought it used, saved a fortune

Faults:

Dragged the plastic piece under the bumper.

Water pump went bad.

Grinding noise during turns.

Battery died.

Ceiling in front and behind moon roof sags.

General Comments:

Overall, I've been pretty happy. I've had the car only a little over a year, and it's been in the shop 4 times already. However, the Saturn dealership has been great, never keeping the car more than 1 day, and they have covered everything except for the plastic piece under the bumper. Even the battery was replaced for free.

As for the car, I think they are a tad pricey brand new at over $25,000 for a fully loaded L300. However, I bought mine used 1 year old for a little over $14,000. For leather, moon roof, spoiler, V6 engine, heated seats and mirrors, CD and tape player, and much much more, it's difficult not to give this car a very serious second look.

The car picks up and goes very easily, and offers a very smooth ride (especially if you dump the factory Firestones and put on a set of B.F. Goodrich, makes a big difference). Automatic transmission shifting happens at the right times, and reserve power is there for you when you need the extra pickup to get through traffic quickly.

One concern: The Saturn dealer told me the V6 engine is the same Saab engine used in the Cadillac Catera. I have heard those cars don't do very well much past 70,000 miles. The first L300s will be approaching the 3 year mark quickly, and I do wonder how well it will hold up years 4-7.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th July, 2003

4th Jun 2005, 22:00

I have the same model. It's not a SAAB engine, however: it's an Opel engine, made in Britain. Actually, I think it's a GM engine, the L81, introduced on the 1981 Corvette, and I think I read something about it being the most expensive V6 GM makes.

Whatever. It's good. The L300 is a good car, discontinued too soon. Though I look forward to seeing the Aura, GM should have given this car more of a chance.

27th Jul 2007, 22:10

I bought a 2001 Saturn Lw 300 for my dad used with 80000 miles on it, thinking it would be better then the 96 Caravan he's been driving.

It worked great for a week, and then the service engine light went on. Next it would not start if you shut it off after driving for more than 15 minutes, but after waiting for 15 minutes it would fire up and run like new until you shut it off again.

I replaced the MAS sensor and cleared the code for the engine light, but it still has a starting problem. My dad went back to driving the Caravan with 200000 miles on it because at least it gets him home.

This is my first experience with Saturn and the last, and from what I've been reading, I'm not the only one. No wonder the North American auto makers are in trouble. Wake up!!!

8th Jun 2008, 22:00

I was having the same problem. I had to get the mass air flow sensor replaced and well as the crank sensor. I agree with you on the car, it's not worth the problems it causes.