2001 Saturn L300 from North America - Comments

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.

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.

2001 L300 - fully loaded under 50,000

on third set of tires

tie rods replaced

water pump replaced

now the power steering pump needs to be replaced

arrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

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!!!

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.