DecodedCars2005 Saturn L300
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD 2.2 L4, 4dr Sedan FWD 3.0 V6
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 190.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,034–3,197 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 30 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Saturn L300 is a midsize car offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,034 lb (4dr Sedan FWD 2.2 L4).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 2% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.2 L4 | 190.6 in | 68.9 in | 56.3 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 59.4 in | 3,034 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.0 V6 | 190.6 in | 68.9 in | 56.3 in | 106.3 in | 59.8 / 59.4 in | 3,197 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L300 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Saturn L300 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Saturn L300 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Saturn L300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Saturn L300 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Saturn L300 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 1 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Seats — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 129,472 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Saturn L300. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Saturn. How we calculate this →