Saturn LW

Price Paid:  $22000.00 from White Plains NY

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 /LW300

Summary:
I've had this wagon for almost 3 years now. It's a good family car: it carries 4 comfortably, and 5 if needed; it has room for a reasonable amount of cargo and the "wayback" opening is low with no weird shapes to manuever around. The road visibility is very good: my wife is short and I am tall and we can both see adequately. Good mileage for a big car (powerful V6) and goes 360+ miles on a tank. I added a black mat to the dashboard and some black stripes down the side (to break up the "giant shoe" look). The aerodynamics are a little weird: the windshield gets a lot of impacts and there is a cold draft through the driver's door if the window is open even a little. And turn off traction control in deep snow else you are stuck! Buying the car was largely stress-free although the dealership is too far away (and urban) to make servicing convenient. I'd consider Saturn again, but am not so bonded to the car as to rule out other manufacturers.

Strengths:
Pretty nice stereo/CD. Peppy acceleration. Gets about 24-25 mpg in suburban/highway driving (with 1-4 people). Interior lights turn off by self (no dead batteries from kids).

Weaknesses:
Tires not so good -- iffy traction and uneven wear. Electrical system deteriorates -- window buttons and turn signal "stick", headlight lever gets hot! Rear legroom tight (with front seats all the way back). Noisy interior fan. Split fold-down has a big bar blocking hole. Lots of reflection off dash board.

Similar Products Used:
Drove Ford/Dodge/Chrysler wagosn in the 70's. Looked at Subaru, Volvo, and VW before buying Saturn.

Price Paid:  $0.00 from Saturn West

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Saturn LW

Summary:
I would not buy this wagon again. We purchased the 2000 Saturn LW Wagon new. In the less than three years we have owned it, we had to replace the steering column and all four tires because of a problem with rear axel. In addition we have had several other minor issues with the car that have forced us to take it in for service. The mechanic said that they have had a lot of problems with the 2000 Saturn Wagons and strongly encouraged us to call the Saturn Consumer affairs line. In fact he told us 5 times to call the line encouraging us to keep at it until we get satisfaction.

Strengths:
One of the better priced stations wagons. No hassle sales sales experience.

Weaknesses:
Unreliable. Radio buttons don't light up in dark so it is impossible to see the buttons at night.

Price Paid:  $13000.00 from Kearney Mesa Ford

Summary:
I purchased my Saturn Wagon used from a Ford dealer. It had 25K miles on it. I didn't like the rear wobble and loud noise at high speeds. I suspected the tires, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. I went home and researched recalls and maintenance notices. Low and behold there is a defect in the rear axle which requires a warranty repair. Went to the saturn dealer and talked to the warranty guy. Sure enough, they would fix it.. If you can get past the service writers. It's a test of will power. Stand your ground and they'll do it. If you're real good you can get them to replace the tires also, but I opted to split the cost. It's called "Good Faith" payments. It's actually more like tipping the doorman. You take care of them, and they'll take care of you. I like it. But with all the warranty work required I'd say look for something with better reliability

Strengths:
Strong passing power with the V-6. Good handling (after the warranty repair) Looks great)

Weaknesses:
Lots of warranty work Road noise. Brake shoe dust (replace first set with non-dusty pads will take care of it)

Price Paid:  $22000.00 from Vancouver, Washingto

Summary:
You wont find a better car in this price range. Plenty of room. Comfortable ride. Trendy appearance.

Strengths:
Price. Comfort.

Weaknesses:
The radiator fan is the loudest i have heard on a non-commercial vehicle. I think this may be what many hear when they complain of road noise.

Similar Products Used:
Two previous Saturn SL models.

Price Paid:  $24000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 LW-300

Summary:
Looked VERY HARD to find a wagon we liked. In the Seattle area every other person drives a Subaru Outback so that was the default. Also looked at Passat and Volvo. Hands down this was the BEST VALUE for the dollar. No problems to report right out of the box. The care runs smooth as silk, good power out of the V6. Seats are very comforatable and I think the car is more stylish and sporty than any other (except perhaps the Passat) The upgraded with leather, lamps, and high end stereo is worth every penny. I don''t know how I ever lived w/o seat warmers in the past.

Strengths:
Style, design, price, performace

Weaknesses:
None to report

Similar Products Used:
Outback, Passat, Volvo, Tauras