The Saturn division of General Motors has from its inception faced quite a
challenge in offering a great no-hassle sales experience for an uninspired
product. The company has lately been trying to revitalize its product. Last
year Saturn introduced its own SUV, and this year the heavily revised 2003
L-Series wagon represents another move in the right direction.

The Saturn L-Series wagon comes in both four-cylinder and V-6 versions. With
significant improvements for 2003, the Saturn¹s midsize wagon should be on
the shopping list for buyers who are currently enamored with wagons from
Volvo and Subaru, which seem to dominate the suburban landscape. Not only
does the Saturn deliver snappy V-6 power, but it also is an excellent value
considering its price and power train. Here¹s why we think that the LW300 is
worth strong consideration for families on a budget.

Value: Let¹s start with the major question posed by young families. How much
does it cost and what do I get for my money? Although the sticker price of
the Saturn LW300 doesn¹t sound like a bargain, it has a major option: the
$4,280 DVD Entertainment Package. The package is a nod to families with
young children. It contains a seven-inch video screen that folds down from
the ceiling, two wireless headsets, remote control and a DVD player. It
could be worth every penny if long road trips with little monsters in the
rear seat are a major part of family life. The DVD package also includes an
upgraded audio system, automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors,
dual vanity mirrors and leather seats.

The one option on our test vehicle that is a must for everyone is antilock
brakes at $400. As manufacturers try to keep sticker prices in line we are
seeing more and more standard features such as anti-lock brakes moved to the
options list. 

Design. For 2003, Saturn introduces significant body modifications. The
front-end features revised headlights and grille treatment that gives the
car a more contemporary look.

But there is one exterior visual element that I found quite distressing.
While the construction of the Saturn wagon generally seems tight and rattle
free, I was almost shocked with the wide gaps between the rear doors and the
body. These gaps measures three-eights of an inch, much beyond what should
be considered acceptable. I noticed the gap because as I was walking by the
wagon, it appeared that the rear door was ajar. But closer inspection
revealed that what I was looking at was a huge space between door and body.
While our test vehicle is an early production unit, there is no excuse for
this kind of product flaw, particularly when the Japanese have reduced body
gaps to an imperceptible level.

The Saturn wagon¹s interior is a simple design statement. Although the
center console is not awash in controls, those that do exist seem to be
defined by small switches/knobs that are not easy to locate or use.

Engine and transmission: The Saturn¹s V-6 engine delivers surprising power.
I even found it able to provide robust acceleration on the inclined
stretches of mountain roads. The four-speed automatic transmission gets the
job done but is not especially smooth by contemporary standards.

Ride and handling:  The Saturn wagon is surprisingly nimble. The window
sticker said that it had an enhanced sport-tuned suspension. The suspension
upgrade plus 16-inch wheels and tires deliver good handling with responsive
feedback. The Saturn will not suffer in comparison to any of its rivals in
this category. The ride is comfortable and well controlled without any
obvious quirks.

Versatility: The Saturn wagon seems quite spacious. It has 79 cubic feet of
storage capacity with rear seat folded, which is plenty of cargo area for
the average suburban buyer. The seats are easily flipped down to accommodate
large loads. Other than ride height, it¹s hard to visualize what the typical
SUV delivers to the family that never goes off-road that can¹t be found at a
lower price in the Saturn wagon.

Safety: The LW300 has side curtain air bags that drop down like curtains
from the headliner, covering both sides of the passenger compartment in case
of a side impact or roll over. Keyless entry and anti-theft security system
round out the standard safety equipment. 

 
Vehicle: Saturn LW300 Wagon

Price as tested: $27,865

Engine:

         Type: 3-liter V-6

         Horsepower: 182 @ 5,600 rpm

         Torque: 190 ft. lbs. @ 3,600 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 21 mpg

         Highway - 29 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,286 lbs.