2003 Saturn L-Series Review

The 2003 L-Series sedans and station wagons are the fastest, roomiest and poshest cars Saturn has ever made. And they finally have styling that lets them stand out--at least a bit.

The front-drive L-Series still is no head-turner, while the styling of top-selling rivals, such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, has become sleeker. Still, even the restyled Camry and Accord aren't head-turners, either, because all these cars are in the essentially conservative mid-size car market.

In any case, it would be impossible for General Motors to do much more with the L-Series' basically ultraconservative styling unless it gave the car an entirely new body.

The L-Series sedan and wagon arrived for the 2000 model year to give Saturn loyalists and potential new customers a mid-size model after selling only small coupes, sedans and wagons since late 1990.

The L-Series actually was based on GM's European Opel Vectra model and made in Delaware, not Saturn's much publicized "down-home'' facilities in Tennessee. It arrived with bland styling and was given a marginal introduction. The fact that the car generally was above-average thus was overlooked by some potential buyers and it never has met sales expectations. It also didn't help that it competes in one of the most competitive segments of the auto market.

Although basic dimensions remain the same, with a size similar to that of the Camry and Accord, the 2003 L-Series sedan and wag-on look better because they have a flashier grille and a redesigned hood that has been raised to give the front end a higher stance.

Also, there are new "jewel-like'' taillights and the rear end has a more substantial appearance. The rocker panels and lower sections of front and rear fascia now are body colored to give the car more of a solid, ground-hugging look. And the 16-inch wheels that are standard for the high-line L300 sedan and LW300 wagon (and optional for the entry L200 sedan and LW200 wagon) help provide a sportier stance. Chromed wheels are optional for the high-line models.

Pulling out all the stops, Saturn even has raised the L-Series slightly in front and lowered it a bit in the rear to help eliminate the wedge-shape profile of the original model.

The interior looks more refined because of such items as brushed aluminum inserts in the center console, light silver-face gauges and upscale "European'' seat upholstery.

Happily, the L-Series sedans and wagons still have Saturn's traditional dent- and rust-resistant polymer body panels for front fenders, doors and bumpers.

The L-Series mainly is a family vehicle, so Saturn emphasizes its standard head curtain air bag technology designed to reduce the severity of head and neck injuries in side-impact collisions. The bags drop like inflated curtains on both sides of the vehicle.

Last year's base $16,370 L-100 sedan is gone, so sedans now cost $17,620 to $20,645. The wagons go from $20,240 to $22,575.

All models are well-equipped, with such items as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, tilt wheel, split-folding rear seatback, remote keyless entry and power windows and mirrors. However, anti-lock brakes with traction control now are an extra $400.

A power sunroof is $725 for the sedans and isn't offered for wagons. Other extras are the $650 chromed wheels for the L300 and LW300 and a $1,295 Leather Appointments option that includes leather seats and dual heated front seats. GM's OnStar assistance feature is offered in an optional package.

Saturn is especially proud of its new $2,290-$4,280 DVD Entertainment Package, which lets rear passengers view a movie on a fold-down, seven-inch screen mounted on the ceiling. Wireless headphones let them listen to CDs or watch a movie, while front-seat occupants can either listen to a DVD program or the regular audio system.

Engines and transmissions are carried over from last year. The L200 and LW200 have a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 135 horsepower, while the L300 and LW300 have a much stronger 3-liter, 182-horsepower V-6.

The four-cylinder sedan is the only model with a standard five-speed manual gearbox. The four-cylinder wagon and V-6 sedan and wagon engines are hooked to a very responsive four-speed automatic transmission, which is optional for the four-cylinder sedan.

Performance with the four-cylinder is just adequate, but the L-Series is very quick with the smooth V-6, which loafs at 2,400 rpm at 65 mph.

The L-Series is economical. Estimated fuel economy is 23-24 miles per gallon in the city and 31-32 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder. The figures are 21 and 29 with the V-6. Only 87-octane gasoline is needed.

The power steering is precise, although a bit light, and the revised all-independent suspension provides a supple ride. Handling is good, especially with the L300 sedan, which has a standard sport-tuned suspension. The brake pedal feels rather soft, but has a nice linear action. Stopping distances are short.

All L-Series models are roomy, especially the wagons. Even the glovebox is unusually large. Front seats are supportive and the big cargo area has a low, wide opening. Rear seatbacks fold flat to enlarge the cargo area, although the sedan has only a moderately large pass-through opening from the trunk to rear-seat area. Also, the sedan has manual trunk hinges that let the trunk lid pop up abruptly if the lid is opened quickly.

Additional sound-insulation material and tires with a new tread design have made the interior very quiet, although the power driver's seat controls are awkwardly placed and the rear windows don't roll down all the way. But sound system controls are easy to work, and the front console has two deep cupholders.

The hood is held open by a prop rod instead of hydraulic struts, but it's easy to reach fluid filler areas in the nicely designed engine compartment.

While still not a class leader, the L-Series is a solid value.


2003 SATURN L-SERIES

Prices:

$17,620-$22,575

Likes:

Revised styling. Roomy. Fun to drive. Nicely priced.

Dislikes:

Awkward driver power seat controls. No manual gearbox for V-6. Old-style trunk hinges.