2003 Saturn L-Series - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	L200, man. Rating (See All Ratings)	Midsize Car Average Rating

Acceleration	4	5.2

Fuel Economy	7	5.3

Ride Quality	6	6.3

Steering/Handling/Braking	5	6.1

Quietness	5	5.5

Controls	5	6.5

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)	5	5.9

Room/Comfort (rear)	4	4.4

Cargo Room	6	4.7

Value within Class	4	6.2

Total Score:	51	56.1

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

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2003 Saturn L-Series Review

Antilock brakes are optional instead of standard for 2003 on Saturn's line of midsize sedans and wagons. The L-Series uses Saturn's dent- and rust-resistant polymer panels for front fenders, doors, and bumper fascias; other body parts are steel. The L200 sedan and LW200 wagon have a 4-cyl engine. The L300 sedan and LW300 wagon have a V6. The base L100 sedan is dropped. L200s come with manual or automatic transmission; other models are automatic only. Previously, 4-wheel disc brakes were standard on 200 and 300 models; for '03, they're standard only on 300s and are unavailable on 200s. ABS and traction control had been standard on all, but now are teamed as a $400 option. Head-protecting curtain side airbags are standard. Options include heated front seats, leather upholstery, DVD rear-seat entertainment system, and, new for '03, GM's OnStar assistance. For '03, all models gain a chrome grille, larger headlights, and revised rear appearance. Silver-colored plastic console and instrument-panel trim is new. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels replace 15s on 300 models; the 16s are optional on 200s. And Saturn says revisions to steering and suspension systems improve road feel and ride.

Competition

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Camry was new last year and Accord holds that honor this year.

Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.

News

The L-Series bowed with predictions of 300,000 sales per year, but has yet to generate even a third of that. And although year-to-year sales rose 4.5 percent in calendar 2001, they slipped 12.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002. The styling and price-related equipment changes for 2003 may provide some sales help, but the L-Series is already four years old, whereas targeted rivals Honda Accord and Toyota Camry have just been fully redesigned. With all this, most critics judge the L-Series a flop and doubt Saturn can do much to salvage it.

The rumor mill predicts a new midsize Saturn of some kind for 2006, but has nothing to say about a direct L-Series replacement. Our hunch is that the L-Series will carry on as best it can for another two years, then be ditched for a a slightly larger car built on GM's emerging Epsilon front-drive platform. Epsilon serves the new 2003 Saab 9-3 and is also the basis for the redesigned 2004 Chevy Malibu and '05 Pontiac Grand Am. Intriguingly, sources say Saturn's Epsilon won't be a sedan. Nor will it be a crossover sport wagon; that's a separate effort scheduled for 2008. So what will it be? Your guess is as good as ours.

2003 Saturn L-Series Road Test >

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