EDMUNDS.COM 2004 SATURN L300
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The L300 sedan and wagon cost less than comparably equipped import competitors, but the below-average build and materials quality will remind you of that fact every time you get in.
Pros
Extremely competitive pricing for this segment, customer-focused dealers, strong V6, wagon availability.
Cons
Build quality not up to segment standards, low-grade interior materials, less power than the competition, soft handling around corners, not much storage space.
What''s New for 2004
All L-Series sedans and wagons have been renamed "L300" this year, but both the 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine and the 3.0-liter V6 are still available. The four-cylinder motor gets a five-horsepower increase this year for a total of 140. A five-speed manual transmission is no longer available with this engine. All L300s now include such standard equipment as head curtain airbags, ABS, heated mirrors, a six-speaker CD stereo and a tilt steering wheel. An auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass is optional, and Saturn is giving those who purchase a loaded sedan or wagon the option of getting a DVD entertainment system or OnStar telematics at no extra cost.
Overview
Introduction:
The L-Series was introduced in 2000 as the second model in Saturn''s fledgling lineup, and indeed, it was a long wait: The aged S-Series had already been on sale for almost 10 years. Now, however, the car is the eldest member of Saturn''s stable, which also includes the Ion, an economy sedan and coupe, and the Vue, a small SUV. This year, it drops the L-Series name in favor of the name L300, which traditionally designated only V6 models. As in the past, though, Saturn will offer both four- and six-cylinder versions. Sized to compete in the midsize category alongside the Accords and Camrys of the world, the L300 stakes its claim by offering a budget price and Saturn''s reputation for no-hassle customer service. The car is also helped along by the fact that it offered a strong V6 engine and a wagon variant for families who needed a little extra space. Annual sales peaked at just under 100,000 in 2001, but the L-Series has never really enjoyed the success that Saturn had hoped for. Nondescript styling and poor build and materials quality are the most often cited factors in its inability to challenge the class leaders. In an effort to prop up the car''s image, Saturn gave it a midcycle facelift both inside and out in 2003. For 2004, Saturn has equipped the car with a longer list of standard equipment, including head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, in an effort to make the car more attractive to bargain-hunting buyers. Additionally, if you pick out a loaded sedan or wagon, Saturn will throw in a DVD entertainment system or the OnStar communications system at no extra charge. While a low out-the-door price and a low-pressure dealer experience are indeed compelling reasons to consider the Saturn, in our view, they''re not enough to overcome the L300''s sizable weaknesses in the face of import competition, the biggest of these being its consistently substandard fit and finish.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The L300 is available in sedan and wagon body styles; both come in 1, 2 and 3 trims. Base 1 models come well equipped with air conditioning; a CD player; cruise control; power windows, mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry; a height-adjustable driver seat; a 60/40-split folding rear seat; ABS; traction control; front/rear head curtain airbags; and 15-inch steel wheels. Stepping up to a 2 or 3 model gives you access to such features as 16-inch chrome wheels, foglights, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, a sunroof, a rear DVD entertainment system with a flip-down viewing screen and wireless headphones and OnStar telematics.
Powertrains and Performance:
A pair of engines is offered: a 140-horsepower (up 5 hp from last year) version of GM''s Ecotec 2.2-liter, DOHC four-cylinder and a 182-horse, 3.0-liter DOHC V6. The four is standard on the base sedan and wagon, and a four-speed automatic transmission is included (a manual gearbox is no longer available). The V6 is available only on mid- and uplevel L300 and also comes with an automatic transmission. Fuel mileage estimates are 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the four-cylinder and 21/29 with the V6.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are standard; four-cylinder models have a front disc/rear drum setup, while V6 models have four-wheel disc brakes. A head curtain airbag system that protects both front and rear passengers is also standard across the line. In government crash testing, the L300 earned four stars (out of five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front passenger. For side impacts, an L300 without head curtain airbags received just two stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for the rear. The IIHS rated the Saturn "Acceptable" (the second highest) in frontal offset crash testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the L-Series features a spacious interior with logical, easy-to-use controls. The seats offer little in the way of side bolstering but they are relatively comfortable. Sedans offer 17.5 cubic feet of trunk space, which is about 3.5 cubic feet more than you''ll find in an Accord. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity in the wagon is 79 cubic feet -- this is over 20 cubic feet more than the Passat wagon offers, 10 more than the Subaru Legacy wagon''s capacity and two less than the Ford Taurus wagon''s.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Though the mandatory automatic transmission may not please all drivers, the L300''s automatic at least comes up with quick, responsive shifts. Combined with the healthy V6, the L300 is quick on its feet, with plenty of power for merging and passing. Saturn wanted the L300 to provide a balance between a smooth ride and European handling. Ultimately, though, this car is biased toward comfort with too much body roll around corners to feel sporty. Undemanding buyers will find the driving experience acceptable, but those who like to drive will want more than this Saturn can offer.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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