InsightsOverall Rating
11 Reviews5 Star
73%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
9%
interior, rating 3.9 out of 5
exterior, rating 4.2 out of 5
performance, rating 4.4 out of 5
family, rating 4.8 out of 5
cost, rating 4.5 out of 5
2004 Saturn L-Series
Starting MSRP
$16,995
- Affordable
- Available V6 engine
- Easygoing ride and handling
- Standard side-curtain airbags
- Lags its import-brand competition
- Relatively slim assortment of features
- Low-quality passenger cabin
Insights
Reliability Data
Dependability
The 150,000 & 200,000 Mile Club
How many Saturn L300 models have reached 150,000 miles?
43.6%
How many similar midsize cars have reached 150,000 miles?
60.0%
How many Saturn L300 models have reached 200,000 miles?
13.1%
How many similar midsize cars have reached 200,000 miles?
28.0%
Still on the Road
How many 2004 Saturn L300 models are still on the road?
22.0%
How many similar 2004 midsize cars are still on the road?
29.9%
How many Saturn L300 models are still on the road since 2006?
22.3%
How many similar midsize cars are still on the road after 20 years?
14.2%
2004 Saturn L-Series Review
The 2004 Saturn L-Series is a midsize car available in sedan and station wagon body styles, both with five seats. It’s an unexciting but capable family car for drivers looking for a domestic vehicle rather than an import.
Originally conceived as General Motors’ answer to the Japanese brands – especially Honda and Toyota – the Saturn division has been diminished in recent years, with a limited product line that fails to impress. Case in point is the 2004 Saturn L-Series sedan, which is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) offering that handles well enough, but acceleration is weak with its base 140-horsepower 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine. The car is much happier with the 182-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 found in Level 2 and 3 versions. Both engines team with a dated 4-speed automatic transmission.
The L-Series’ styling is a bit bland, and its cabin is plagued by inferior-grade plastics. It sticks to the basics in terms of standard and optional equipment, though side curtain airbags are included across the line.
Saturn L-Series Changes for 2004
- New trim-naming scheme.
- Added standard features.
- Newly available auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Where the L-Series Sits in the 2004 Saturn Lineup
The L-Series is joined for 2004 by the Ion sedan/coupe and the Vue crossover SUV in Saturn’s lineup.
2004 Saturn L-Series vs. the Competition
- Buick Century:
Close GM rival is a bit more upscale, with a plush and quiet cabin.
- Honda Accord:
Wins the race by several lengths, in sedan and coupe versions.
- Toyota Camry:
Perennial favorite packs a 4-cylinder or an ultra-smooth V6 engine.
What's the Best 2004 Saturn L-Series Trim for You?
Which Trim Is the Best Value
The base 2004 Saturn L-Series sedan is the price and value leader in the line. It sticks to the basics in terms of feature content, coming standard with side-curtain airbags, power accessories, air conditioning and a CD stereo.
Best Trim for Fuel Economy
Not surprisingly, the 4-cylinder sedan version of the 2004 Saturn L-Series leads the line, earning an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined city/highway.
Best Trim for Cargo Space
The wagon version of the 2004 Saturn L-Series is the most generous in this regard, stowing up to 33.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the backseat and a plentiful 79.0 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Top-of-the-Line Trim
The L-Series Level 3 sedan and wagon lead the line. Their added amenities include automatic air conditioning, fog lamps, a power driver’s seat and an upgraded stereo with a CD changer.
Key Features
MPG Range
21 city / 31 hwy
Standard Powertrain
140 hp, 2.2-Liter, I4
Standard Seating
5 Passengers
Standard Drivetrain
FWD
Max Cargo Space
n/a
NHTSA Safety Rating
n/a
2004 Saturn L300 Trim Configurations
Find a Used Saturn L-Series
2004 Saturn L-Series L300 3
Accident Reported
Personal Use
3+ Owners
29 Service History Records
$2,495 • 196,815 miles
Accident ReportedPersonal Use3+ Owners29 Service History Records2003 Saturn L-Series L200
No Accident or Damage ReportedPersonal Use
2-Owner6 Service History Records
$3,999 • 96,585 miles
great value
$431 below CARFAX ValueNo Accident or Damage ReportedPersonal Use2-Owner6 Service History Records2003 Saturn L-Series L300Accident ReportedPersonal Use3+ Owners6 Service History Records
$4,499 • 89,522 miles
great value
Accident ReportedPersonal Use3+ Owners6 Service History Records2003 Saturn L-Series LW200No Accident or Damage ReportedPersonal Use2-Owner16 Service History Records
$3,195 • 127,035 miles
$565 below CARFAX Value
No Accident or Damage ReportedPersonal Use2-Owner16 Service History Records2003 Saturn L-Series L200No Accident or Damage ReportedPersonal Use2-Owner12 Service History Records
$5,500 • 65,494 miles
fair value
No Accident or Damage ReportedPersonal Use2-Owner12 Service History Records
2003 Saturn L-Series L200No Accident or Damage Reported
Multiple Use3+ Owners91 Service History Records
$8,465 • 82,785 miles
No Accident or Damage ReportedMultiple Use3+ Owners91 Service History RecordsShop by Model Year
2004 Saturn L-Series Safety
NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings
2004 Saturn L-Series Reviews
Consumer Reviews
5/5
GREAT 2nd car as backup with no issues, great ride & reliability
interior, rating 5.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 4.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
5/5
Title change needed difficulty getting it from California
interior, rating 5.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
5/5
This 13 year old car was purchase for my daughter who is in High School. It is not my primary car. But as a car that is 13 years old, I think the Saturn L-300 is a very well made auto. The engine runs very smoothly, and so far the 130,000 miles do not seem to be much of a strain on this vehicle. Some minor parts on the interior are broken, I attribute this to a previous owner's carelessness. If could find another one of these cars I would not hesitate to purchase it after a careful examination. The interesting aspect of this car is that nearly everything on the vehicle works correctly and is still in fairly good shape. Many American cars of the same vintage have long since died.
interior, rating 3.0 out of 5
The interior components are not as durable as expected some have broken through a previous owners neglect.
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
Looks from the outside are very good after 13 years.
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
The six cylinder engine is very strong and peppy.
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
Very family friendly.
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
This car gets about 24-28 miles to the gallon in typical Atlanta Traffic.
5/5
Great vehicle. Amazing engine
interior, rating 5.0 out of 5
exterior, rating 5.0 out of 5
performance, rating 5.0 out of 5
family, rating 5.0 out of 5
cost, rating 5.0 out of 5
1/5
I bought the vehicle from a family friend and it has not had any accidents. I’ve had to replace so many things on it and it is dead AGAIN. Struts, rudders, tires, brakes, wheel bearings, are just some of the things that have kept needing replaced.
interior, rating 1.0 out of 5
Leather seats are scuffed and chipped with only two owners in total. The fabric is coming off the ceiling panels. Heated seats get too hot. Sealant has needed replaced frequently too, it leaks EVERY time it rains.
exterior, rating 2.0 out of 5
Paints chips badly and rusts.
performance, rating 1.0 out of 5
ALWAYS breaking down.
cost, rating 1.0 out of 5
Money pit.
1 - 5 of 11 reviews
2004 Saturn L300 Pricing
The data below is updated daily, based on used car inventory for sale on CARFAX.
| Original MSRP | $16,995 - $25,935 |
|---|
Get the most accurate value of your car using VIN-specific, history-based data.Get Your Car's Value
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