2001 Saturn L300 from North America - Comments

1st Aug 2002, 17:07

"If you are looking for a fast performance sedan with great features, check out this sleeper!"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

A slow leak in coolant hose. A dash light appeared, but the coolant tank only dropped ~1/2 inch - replaced under warranty.

General comments?

This car has incredible handling and performance characteristics.

The digital automatic transmission "knows" just what to do, depending on conditions. It doesn't hunt going up hills, engine braking, downshifts when it should -- doesn't downshift when it shouldn't, locking torque converter provides manual transmission feel, shifts at redline when asked (6500), fly-by-wire (electronic throttle).

0-60 in 7.3 seconds according to Edmunds. Plenty of torque is available from the low-end to redline -- typical, slightly aggressive driving will take place under 3.5k rpm. You can't shop by horsepower with this car. Put aside its underrated 182hp / 190 ft-lbs numbers.

Handling characteristics are impressive. Suspension is stiff, but not bone rattling. This car is fun to take in the twisties... and rides them with confidence.

Great leather interior, the heated seats are very effective and comfy. Heated mirrors, power everything, stereo with tweets and sub, sun roof, traction control, and other features make driving a pleasent experience.

The price is great too. A loaded L300, 3.0L V6, leather, OnStar, DVD system, auto HVAC, etc. just nears $25,000. Performance slightly exceeds automatic Altima 3.5L, and you'll score a better interior too.

If you want a fun car that not everyone else in the world has, this is it.


13th Jun 2006, 14:45

I really like my L-300 it has every option and drives great. I just wish the parts, labor and help weren't as expensive as they are. I've only owned my car for a year and a few little problems occurred and were the most expensive parts I've EVER seen! Other than that the car is great! Are there any ways to tune the engine cheaply for more horsepower?


14th Jun 2006, 07:59

Upgrading the L81 V6 in your car isn't easy (though it's pretty snappy to begin with). It's built by Vauxhall in England and very little is available for it stateside. It might be worth checking for parts for European cars that use the same engine (I think the Opel Omega MV6 uses it). You could always add a K&N filter, but be advised that there have been instances of MAF sensor failure from over-oiled filter elements.

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