Making any serious headway into a saturated market constitutes a challenge for just about anyone.  Saturn embarked on its belated journey into the midsize market in 2000 with the L-Series.  This new model sought to deliver a reasonably priced alternative to established industry leaders such as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.  The 2000 Saturn L-Series comes in 5 trims: the LS, LS1, and LS2 Sedans, along with the LW1 and LW2 Wagons.
The LS, LS1, and LW1 use a standard 2.2 L, 135 hp I4 engine while the LS2 and LW2 use a 3.0 L, 182 hp V6 engine.  All trims seat 5 with the LS and LS1 allowing you to choose between 5 speed manual transmission or 4 speed automatic.  The LS2, LW1, and LW2 use 4 speed automatic.  Fuel consumption ranges from 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway for I4 manual, 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway for I4 automatic, and 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway for V6 automatic.  Cargo space comes out to an industry leading 17.5 cubic feet in the sedans and 29.4 cubic feet in the wagons.
Drivers appreciate the handling and roomy interior in the 2000 Saturn L-Series.  Comfortable seats and the plentiful cargo space add to the driving experience.  Experts agreed that the most daunting challenge came from getting the word out on a solid new domestic midsize to everyone who thought Saturn only made compact cars.  While sales initially lagged, Saturn felt optimistic that the new line's style could catch up to its substance.