2001 Saturn L300 review from North America

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.

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.