General Motors executives said here at the recent Chicago Auto Show that they will give the Saturn division newer vehicles to take more advantage of the reputation the division has for high customer satisfaction since debuting in late 1990. For most of its life, Saturn sold only small cars because it was established to combat small, low-priced imported cars. However, Saturn foreign rivals began selling larger vehicles as the 1990s progressed, while Saturn only kept improving existing small four-cylinder S-Series coupes, sedan and station wagon models. They've been user-friendly with such things as dent-resistant plastic body panels, but less refined than, say, Toyotas or Hondas.
To the bewilderment of industry observers, not to mention Saturn executives, GM generally ignored Saturn and poured money into other vehicle divisions. In fact, Saturn's 2002 S-Series front-drive cars are essentially refined versions of the ones introduced in 1990. And Saturn didn't get its first mid-size car--the L-Series--until the 2000 model year.
The front-drive L-Series came as a sedan and station wagon with a four-cylinder engine and Saturn's first V-6. It had the S-Series' rustproof body panels, but was based loosely on GM's above-average German Opel Vectra model, designed for high-speed European driving. In contrast, the S-Series was a completely original Saturn model, and many Saturn loyalists knew that.
Although practical and fun to drive, the L-Series never has sold as well as Saturn has hoped, partly because it has had nondescript styling and got a lukewarm introduction that didn't inform enough Saturn loyalists that they could move up to a larger Saturn. Also, the L-Series is in the most competitive auto market, dominated by mid-size Japanese models. And some Saturn fans were miffed that the L-Series was made in Wilmington, Del.,--not at Saturn's "down home'' Spring Hill, Tenn., facilities that were heavily promoted since the division began operations.
Anticipating fuss in that regard, Saturn called the L-Series a "global car'' from a "North American team.'' However, the L-Series has offered good value and has helped keep Saturn in the running, along with the division's no-haggle pricing and high dealership satisfaction ratings. Total Saturn sales last year only slipped 4.1 percent to 260,730 vehicles from 271,800 in 2000.
Saturn could sell more vehicles if it had newer offerings, which it is getting, GM product chief Robert Lutz said here at the auto show. He said Saturn has unusually enthusiastic customers, who attend such things as national Saturn owner reunions. "That kind of enthusiasm is unique,'' Lutz said. "Saturn kind of grew its own customer base.'' Saturn just got its first sport-utility vehicle, the compact VUE. And, beginning this fall, the S-Series sedan will be replaced by Saturn's new Ion sedan. The Ion will be the first car to use GM's new Delta small car platform, which also will be utilized for autos such as the Chevrolet Cavalier replacement. An Ion coupe arrives early next year.
Meanwhile, the front-drive L-Series has changed little since its introduction and will soldier on with minor revisions until at least 2005. But it's still a solid sedan and wagon. The L-Series is sold as the base L100, mid-range L200 and top-line L300 models. Prices range from $16,370 to $22,350. The higher the trim level, the more equipment you get.
Few L-Series rivals offer a wagon body style. These Saturn wagons come as the LW200 and LW300 models. They share the sedan's 106.5-inch wheelbase and 190.4-inch length, although the wagon is about an inch higher.
Previously optional head curtain air bags now are standard on new L models. Other new standard features include traction control, automatic headlights, integrated child seat anchors and tethers and anti-lock brakes, with four-wheel disc brakes on all models except the L100, which has front discs. There also are an optional new rear seat DVD entertainment system and newly available, optional automatic climate control, OnStar assistance system and six-disc, in-dash CD changer. Among new option packages is a Sport Package for sedans. It contains fog lamps and a spoiler and sunroof for sedan models. Even the L100 is fairly well equipped, with such items as four-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player and rear defogger. Other models add lots more equipment, such as cruise control, remote keyless entry and power windows, door locks and mirrors.
Curiously, the higher-line L200 sedan and LW200 come with a five-speed manual transmission, with the automatic an option. You'd think the base L100 model would come with a standard manual, which is the way it works with nearly all base models from other automakers. The manual isn't even offered for the L100.
That's too bad because the L100's 2.2-liter, 135-horsepower four-cylinder engine is small for a mid-size car and works best with the manual gearbox, although it has twin balance shafts that cancel out much typical four-cylinder vibration. The L300 sedan and LW300 wagon have the smoother, more potent 3-liter V-6, which provides a quieter interior. It generates 182 horsepower, far more torque and much livelier acceleration, and comes only with the automatic transmission. However, the V-6 is a typical European-style engine that calls for high revs for the best performance.
Too bad that the V-6 can't be hooked to a manual gearbox because that setup would make the car more fun to drive. It also would allow better performance. Just because the L-Series is mainly a family car doesn't mean some of its drivers wouldn't enjoy shifting gears with the V-6. At least the automatic is a responsive unit. The top fuel economy is gotten with the four-cylinder, which provides 24-25 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.
The V-6 delivers 21 and 29. Only 87-octane fuel is required, and the fuel tank has been enlarged by several gallons since the 2000 model arrived for a longer cruising range. The L-Series is fun to drive, as are all Saturn cars. The power steering is quick, although a bit light, and the all-independent suspension provides a supple ride and sharp handling. The brake pedal feels good during quick stops.
The rigidly built L-Series has safety cage construction and looks much like the smaller Saturn models, with a smooth, but nondescript, look. Instruments and controls are large, but the fan speed switch is crude. There's room for four tall adults. The supportive front bucket seats can be had with leather upholstery and heaters, but the rear seat is too low and rather soft.
Both the sedan and wagon have big cargo areas, with the wagon having an especially large area with rear seatbacks. The L-Series is a better value than ever, with items such as standard anti-lock brakes. The VUE has gotten good reviews, and the Ion should help Saturn's future look even brighter.
SATURN L-SERIES
Prices
$16,370-$22,350
Likes
Lively V-6. Roomy. Sharp handling. Smooth. Supple ride.
Dislikes
Smooth but nondescript styling. No manual gearbox for V-6 models. Low rear seat cushion. |
