2003 Saturn L-Series Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by TimHarper

Safety & braking

I have personal experience with rolling a Saturn in a very nasty accident. My entire family emerged from the car unscathed. The outside of the car was totally destroyed, but the passenger compartment was intact.

Powertrain performance

VERY peppy car. The V-6, when maintained, is very responsive off the line, and always has more to give on the highway. The power is the first thing that sold me on this car.

Handling

With good tires and new suspension, this car corners very cleanly and quickly. Fun to drive on mountain roads! Of course, as the suspension ages, the handling begins to degrade, but this is true with any car.

Cargo capacity

Huge trunk and fold-down back seats make this a decent hauler for a sedan! Many trips to Home Depot will attest to this.

Reliability & durability

Incredibly poor reliability on my car. Two steering gears, three body control modules, a fuel pump, a thermostat, new axle seals. ALL of this happened prior to 50,000 miles. Cost me a lot of $$$ !! NOT impressed by this. Runs great...when it runs!

Quietness

Very noisy ride. Typical of Saturns, especially as the tires age. Crank up the radio...problem solved.

Materials & workmanship

Flimsy plastic has snapped off in several places in the interior. Headliner keeps coming loose behind the sunroof and no longer sticks. Plastic keepers holding the bumper in place fall out, leaving the front bumper skin loose and causes endless rattles.

Depreciation

This car is not worth anything any more! Started life around $21,000, but fell VERY quickly. After a few repair bills, I think I understand why.