2002 Saturn L300 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

This car is a dream!

Faults:

The oil cooler cover developed an oil leak (repaired under warranty).

The catalytic converter plugged (again repaired under warranty).

General Comments:

This car has the Sport package and what a difference this makes. The sport-tuned suspension provides very tight cornering and minimal body roll.

The V6 and 4 speed automatic transmission work great together.

The interior is VERY well laid out and comfortable. Long trips are effortless.

The polymer body panels are extremely resilient and have saved several trips to the body shop because they flexed instead of denting when hit in parking lots (cars and shopping carts).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2005

2002 Saturn L300 from North America

Summary:

I would buy another one

Faults:

Small coolant leak at the oil cooler.

Fixed at the dealer no charge

General Comments:

This is the second Saturn that I have owned. this one replaces a 99' SC2. I was impressed that for just a couple of thousand more than the SC2 was new I got anti-lock brakes, traction control, heated seats the v6 motor and not to mention the utility of a 4 door sedan.

I am wowed by the terrifying acceleration that I am getting out of this car. It is supposed to be rated at 176 hp, but I can humiliate my friend in his 250 hp '04 Accord. The front end does get a little twitchy at hard acceleration, but is not a problem.

The plastic panels are a real godsend. I witnessed somebody back into my passenger door with their pickup. There wasn't even a scratch let alone a dent. I was also rear-ended at a stop light. The impact bent the mini van's front bumper, but once again did not leave a scratch on mine. If you want to drive something other than the "me too" Camry or Accord, this may be a good option.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2004

16th Oct 2008, 22:04

I have owned a 2002 L300 since it was brand new; we have taken the vehicle to the Saturn Dealerships here in Houston for oil changes and for extensive maintenance. I have spent nearly $7,000 in repairs alone to keep this car running decently, and yet the oil leaks and the alignment problems continue.

I am very disappointed at myself for not buying a car made in Japan such as Toyota or Honda. I still have my Saturn parked in the Garage as I am embarrassed to sell it to anyone. We have had several major repairs on this vehicle, and it hasn't even reached the 80k miles & the warranty has expired already.

The problems started nearly since we brought the car home from the dealership. We have had multiple issues with the lights, the A/C; the motor and the doors; it's all plastic; it rattles here there and everywhere. We have had sensors go bad; the pulley on the tensioner went out at 65,000 miles; we have had thermostat problems; it eat tires so fast that we have to buy them with additional warranties to make sure that we have some extra coverage. We found out the car is not GM but a refurbished OPEL, & the body is that of a SAAB.. I would not buy another Saturn or GM product as long as I live.

I have the records and the paperwork to prove that what I am saying is the truth. EGR valve replaced; Computer Module replaced... timing belt and water pump and all the major undertaking of the side of the engine had to be totally re-done as a result of a pulley that went out causing major havoc; overheating the engine and so forth... very costly.

In reply to 16th Oct 2008, 22:04

9th Jan 2013, 17:08

This vehicle does not have a timing belt. I think your repair facility has been hosing you?

In reply to 9th Jan 2013, 17:08

20th Aug 2019, 14:09

Are you kidding? It sure as heck DOES have a timing belt/chain... which also powers the water pump. I'll give you a copy of my repair bill.

In reply to 20th Aug 2019, 14:09

20th Aug 2019, 22:07

Calmly speaking it possesses a timing belt.

In reply to 20th Aug 2019, 14:09

24th Aug 2019, 22:20

It has a timing BELT, not a "belt/chain". The author of the long-ago posted comment may have been thinking of the 2002 Saturn S series, which does have a timing chain.