A Competent, if not Exciting Saturn

For 2005, the Saturn L-Series comes with just one configuration, the L300. Although there are a few options you can add to it such as a power sunroof, the standard model comes with just about all of the major features of a modern mid-sized car.

Features
Power windows and locks
Power heated mirrors
Power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support
Remote Keyless entry
Auto-on headlamps
Advanced CD/Cassette advanced audio system with 8 speakers plus separate amplifier and subwoofer
A 24 valve,3.0-liter, DOHC, V-6 engine
Air conditioning
Automatic Transmission
Cruise Control
Split 60/40 rear seat
Anti-theft auto-arming security system
Four wheel disc brakes
ABS
Traction Control
Side curtain airbags
4 wheel independently tuned sports suspension
4 wheel disc brakes
16” chrome clad alloy wheels (P215/55R16 all-season steel-belted radial tires)

Mileage is claimed to be 21 city and 28 highway using regular unleaded gas.

The exterior has the classic Saturn dent resistant panels. This vehicle was a replacement for a Saturn 2000 LS, and I can testify that after 5 years the exterior of the 2000 still looked amazingly good. Styling is adequate, but will not cause much excitement.

Interior
The cloth seats are comfortable and have enough range of adjustment to accommodate most drivers. The driver’s one is powered, plus has an adjustable lumbar support.

Knobs and switches have a positive feel, and there is an abundance of decent looking simulated leather accents. The analog instrument cluster is well organized and otherwise unremarkable. I was able to adjust the tilt of the wheel so that nothing was blocked. In what used to be a Saturn innovation, the audio system controls are located above the climate controls on the theory that you will adjust them more than the climate.

The driving experience

As expected, the 182 HP engine made merging and passing on the interstate a non-event. There is enough power to provide a sense of security that you will be able to maneuver any situation. The power steering provides just enough assistance, without being intrusive. The car holds a steady direction without any excess vibration.

The ride is somewhat stiff, owing to the way the suspension is tuned as opposed to the spongy ride of some other mid-sized cars. You will feel the road imperfections under you. For some, that will be an unexpected advantage, to others, annoying There is a fair amount of road noise that limits quiet conversation.

Overall Impression

This is the 7th Saturn we have owned, and the 2nd in the “L” series. The current version did not have any surprises. It was exactly what we wanted: a replacement for the 2000 LS. Having said that, this is a practical, reliable, though unexciting car. It gets you from point A to point B. It will not turn any heads. When introduced, the L series was designed to compete with the likes of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camary. That comparison is essentially still true.

If you re-read that last paragraph, you might almost get the impression that I don’t particularly care for this car, but that’s not what I am really saying. It is competent and will get 4 and possibly 5 people where they need to go in relative comfort, a tad above basic transportation (If you want that, consider the Saturn ION). So why do we keep going back to Saturn? The buying experience. If you are familiar with how Saturn does business, you can skip the next section. I’m including it for the benefit of those who never bought from Saturn before.

The Saturn Buying Experience
When it was formed, Saturn did a lot of research with the buying public and collected data on what they liked and hated about the car buying experience. At the top of that list was the “sticker price is not really the price” problem. Many buyers felt that unless you had good negotiating skills, you would wind up paying more for a car than necessary.

Saturn took that feedback to heart and that remains the hallmark of their dealerships. Simply stated: the price on the window sticker is what you pay. They will show you the value of your car if you want to trade it in. Add that, plus any down payment you want to make and then subtract the total from the sticker price and there is the basic cost of the car (minus all the tax, tag, and license fees). No negotiating skills are necessary. There is also typically no high pressure.

Is that true? Basically, yes. I admit, I have gotten sales managers to not charge me for things that I really don’t want that have been added such as “Paint Sealant” ($599? I don’t think so). But generally it is a relatively painless experience. And yes, after you have bought the car, the entire sales staff of the dealership assembles to thank you and cheer you on your way. After going through that 6 times, when I bought the L300 I said, “Just give me the keys!” and I snuck out the side door. However, some buyers REALLY like the send off, so whatever.