2004 Saturn L300: Road Test
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Our road test for the 2004 Saturn L300 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Saturn L300 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Saturn L300, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Saturn L300 help you decide if a 2004 Saturn L300 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Adequate, but not exciting, though some testers admire prompt throttle response of V6/automatic-transmission combination. Test drives support Saturn's claim of 9.8 sec 0-60 mph for 4-cyl models, 8.2 for V6s.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test 4-cyl wagon averaged 26.6 mpg. Test V6 sedan averaged 18.5 mpg, V6 wagon 18.0. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Wagons ride slightly stiffer than sedans; neither absorbs bumps as well as Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Confident enough cornering, though control of body lean nothing special. Steering linear if slightly overassisted. Good braking power and pedal feel. Safety margin of standard ABS and traction control a welcome addition.
QUIETNESS
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Suspension groans, body creaks over bumps; both engines sound coarse and intrusive in more than part-throttle acceleration. Wind noise unobjectionable.
CONTROLS
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
Large, clear instrumentation. Climate system conveniently allows independent control of air conditioning in any vent mode. Power-window switches located in center console rather than on door panel. Gear-position readout for automatic transmission washes out in direct sunlight. Most controls made of budget-grade plastic and suffer crude movement. Dashtop material feels thick and rich, but lightweight grade of other interior materials seem cheap compared with most import rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
Adequate head and leg room, though some testers find seats lack contour and support, especially available leather-upholstered buckets--though leather comes with welcome seat heaters. Vision directly aft in sedans pinched by high deck, and shorter drivers may find cowl too high for best forward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Room competitive with most rivals, but seat cushion too soft and low to floor for much comfort. Optional rear-seat video system is rare in this class.
CARGO ROOM
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 8 | 4.6 |
Sedan's large, accessible trunk is a competitive advantage, as is availability of the wagon, a body style few rivals offer. Split rear seat folds nearly flat in easy motion. Wagon's rear floor even with bumper for easy loading.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
While Saturn's one-price policy and plastic body panels are assets to some buyers, the midsize L300 trails most competitors in quality and refinement. Kudos to Saturn however, for returning ABS to the standard equipment list where it belongs. Shoppers should also note that Saturn has abandoned its long-standing policy of not offering rebates.
Total Score
| 1 wgn | 2 sdn | 3 wgn w/leather | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 53 | 52 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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