2000 - 2004 Saturn L-Series Pre-Owned

Of course, slow new-vehicle sales often translate into a relative bargain on the used lot, which in the L's case is a very true

Rarest among the L-Series is the wagon derivative, somewhat more stylish only because wagons happen to be hot commodities right now. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

scenario. Rarest among the Ls is the wagon derivative, somewhat more stylish only because wagons happen to be hot commodities right now. It's the one to have for out and out family duties due to its 833 liter (29.4 cu ft) cargo bay. The sedan's trunk is extremely large for this class too, measuring 496 liters (17.5 cu ft), showing up well to a comparatively puny 399 L (14.1 cu ft) 2003 Honda Accord trunk. To put its luggage capacity into perspective the L-Series' trunk is larger than that of a Chrysler 300M or Cadillac Seville.

The Honda of the same year also comes up 23 mm (0.9 in) shorter in length, if that's a factor that matters to buyers, but the Saturn is 74 mm (2.9 in) narrower, 24 mm (0.9 in) lower in height and drives on a 35 mm (1.4 in) shorter wheelbase. That's why the L-Series' overhangs look so long and somewhat awkward beside cars featuring today's short overhang styling trends. Its rear legroom also suffers from this shortcoming, especially compared to the Accord and Camry. The L-Series' lower and narrower dimensions are no doubt the reason I initially felt a little more claustrophobic up front than I did in the Honda, for instance. Not a big deal for someone who measures in at 5 feet, 8 inches and 160

L100, L200 and L300; essentially the higher the number the more lavishly the L-Series was equipped. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

pounds, but an interesting reference point for those who carry around a wider or taller frame.

If you think the L-Series sounds like an intriguing prospect in your search for a new-to-you pre-owned car, here are some boring but necessary details to help you sort out one model from another. Initially four iterations were available, the sedan, dubbed LS, and wagon, named LW, in two trim levels each, LS1 and LS2 or LW1 and LW2. It only took one model year for GM to scrub the 2000 designations in place for a new lot, starting with L100, L200 and L300, for the sedan, and LW200 and LW300 for the wagon. Are you still with me? Essentially the higher the number the more lavishly (if that is a word to be used in association with a Saturn) the L-Series was equipped.