2003 Saturn LW300 Wagon

Have you noticed all the L-Series Saturns buzzing around these days? Neither have I. Not that they aren't out there in reasonable numbers—nearly 100,000 a year since 2000—in the happy hands of satisfied customers. It's just that they are not very noticeable.


For one thing, Saturn's European Opel-derived L-Series ("L" for larger) sedans and wagons introduced for 2000 have pretty anonymous styling. Not bad looking, but just a tad bland and invisible in a sea of midsize Malibus, Camrys and Accords. They also look very similar, by intention, to their popular Saturn S-Series ("S" for small) stable-mates.

"Jewel-like" headlamps and taillamps and a few new chrome touches visually move the '03 L-Series upscale a notch.

Largely for that reason, plus Saturn's modest advertising budget, the L-Series didn't exactly jump off of dealers' lots at first—which is a shame, because the L-cars are very nice, highly competitive new entries in the crowded midsize market. And Saturn's unrivaled, easygoing, no-pressure dealership experience is a treat in itself compared to most.


Truth is, the L-Series cars have sold increasingly well as the positive word-of-mouth got around, but not as well as they probably should. Hence the somewhat hurried facelift and upgrades for 2003. On a lovely Saturday evening at the end of May, we took the '03 wagon to a local restaurant and found a Saturn salesman's card stuck in the window when we returned. "Can't wait to start seeing this line," he had written on the back.


"The exterior styling enhancements for 2003 give the L-Series more personality," the press release states, "while the refreshed interior offers a more sophisticated environment." True enough on both counts. "Jewel-like" headlamps and taillamps and a few new chrome touches visually move the car upscale a notch. The only jarring note to me is the large chrome mesh grille extending between the wrap-around headlamps. The effect is certainly bolder than the blander former face, and it lets in more air for engine cooling, but it strikes me as unattractive. Styling is subjective, and it looks better in black, so you decide for yourself.