2003 Saturn L-Series in Garden City Park, NY - $3,000

Since its 2000 model year debut, the L-Series has benefited from over 380 upgrades, refinements and new features. For 2003, new styling provides a more commanding and refined exterior appearance combined with a more sophisticated interior environment.

Built in a former General Motors plant in Wilmington, Del., Saturn utilized the vast resources of its parent in order to source, develop and manufacture the midsize L-Series sedan. Available in L200 and L300 trim levels, General Motors gave Saturn the keys to the worldwide parts bin.

The underpinnings of the car are German, courtesy of its Adam Opel division, with the Ecotec 2.2L 16-valve four-cylinder (L200) coming straight from GM Powertrain's L850 small engine program. The impressive 3.0L 24-valve six-cylinder engine (L300) is built in the United Kingdom, also borrowed from Opel (a high output version of this mill powered the discontinued Cadillac Catera).

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard for the L200 with a computer- controlled four-speed automatic standard for the L300 (optional L200). The awesome brakes are German as well, also shared with the Catera.

With this platform as a starting point, the line was then "Saturnized." Current Saturn owners will find familiar territory in the L Series sedans. A modified space-frame body structure combined with Saturn's signature durable dent and rust resistant polymer panels on fenders, doors and bumper facias make the L-Series very resilient vehicles.

For motorists that desire more flash for their Saturn, the automaker offers a Sport Package. For $1,280 more, the sedan comes equipped with power sunroof, fog lamps and 16-inch chrome clad wheels.

On the road, the Ecotec four-cylinder engine standard in the L200 sedan delivers strong acceleration from rest to redline. The optional four-speed automatic shifts smooth and sure, with an almost seamless build of power when requested. For 2003, spring heights have been raised 9 mm in front and lowered 8 mm in the rear.

Suspension hardware starts with a four-wheel independent setup with front and rear vibration-isolating subframes. A traditional MacPherson strut design equipped with a direct acting 20-mm diameter stabilizer bar is mounted to the front subframe while the rear sports a four-link independent system with two unequal length lateral control links per side to minimize lateral movement. The result is precise handling with a high level of refinement.

Firestone Affinity HP P195/65R15 tires are standard for L200, while Firestone Firehawk GTA P215/55R16 tires are the standard rubber for the more powerful L300.

Inside the cabin, a great view complements Saturn's trademark large displays and easy to use controls. The optional power seat has very user friendly controls for the driver. Rear seating is very comfortable, with cupholders molded into the armrests and a powerpoint for back seat occupants.

Back seat occupants can enjoy the optional DVD entertainment system -- unique to the segment -- that allows rear seat passengers to view a movie on a fold-down, seven-inch LCD screen. Equipped with remote control and dual wireless headphones, the rear passengers can listen to CD's or watch a movie.

Additional features added since the initial launch of the L-Series includes optional automatic climate control and a six-disc in-dash CD changer with amplifier, sub-woofer and six premium speakers. The 60/40 split fold-down rear seat back adds to the sedan's cargo carrying ability.

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 106.5; overall length: 190.4; width: 68.5; height: 56.4 -- measurements in inches

Engines: Ecotec 2.2L four-cylinder -- 135 hp at 5,200 rpm and 142 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. 3.0L 24-valve V6 -- 182 hp at 5,600 rpm and 190 lbs-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm

Transmission: five-speed manual, Hydra-Matic 4T40-E four-speed electronic automatic

EPA fuel economy: 2.2L -- 25 city/33 hwy. (manual); 24 city/33 hwy. (automatic); 3.0L - 21 city/29 hwy. -- using regular unleaded gasoline

Cargo capacity: 17.5 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds

Safety features

Daytime running lights, dual front airbags, battery run-down protection for interior lighting, remote keyless entry with Saturn Security System, head curtain side airbags, side impact protection beams, engine immobilizing theft deterrent system, automatic power door locks with anti-lock out feature and trunk entrapment release.

L300 adds four-wheel disc brakes. Optional safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control.

Warranty

Basic: 3 year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper

Roadside assistance: 3 year/36,000 mile, 24-hour

Money back guarantee: 30 days/1,500 mile, unrestricted

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2003 Saturn L-Series sedan starts at $17,620 for the L200 manual to $20,645 for the L300. Destination charges add $610.

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