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When the Saturn L-Series sedans were introduced, they were styled to look like the smaller S-Series Saturns, only bigger. It's not uncommon for automakers to give their products a family resemblance, but the styling of the S-Series was tired, soon to be replaced by the Ion. Combined with a more lackluster impact on the market than Saturn brass would have preferred, the L-Series went to the beauty parlor for a major makeover for 2003. The result is a mid-size Saturn in a new, more attractive wrapper.

What hasn't changed is Saturn's simplicity, economy, performance, and dent-resistant composite-plastic side panels.

The Saturn L-Series continues to be stuffed with value. Head-curtain airbags, automatic headlamps and ABS with traction control are standard on all models. Options include OnStar and a DVD entertainment center that's a segment exclusive. Floor mats and anti-lock brakes are optional, however.

Saturn's legendary customer service also remains, a key attraction for buyers who want a pleasant buying experience and a friendly service.

For 2003, the Saturn L-Series is streamlined with two versions of the sedan and two versions of the wagon.

Sedan and wagon come in L200 and L300 levels. Wagons are designated LW200 and LW300 with equipment levels similar to those of the corresponding sedans.

A 135-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine powers the L200 and LW200. The L300 and LW300 are equipped with a 182-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. All come standard with an automatic transmission except the L200 sedan, which can be ordered with a five-speed manual.

For 2003, the plain faces of the earlier models have been replaced with a grille with more flash and a brighter Saturn badge. The grille lattice, if one looks closely, is formed from small arcs of the Saturn planet-and-ring logo. At either end of the grille are standard projector beam headlamps with clear lenses framed by chrome trim. Optional fog lamps are inset in the new front fascia.

2003 also brings a higher hood to the Saturn L-Series cars. These combine to reduce the stinkbug-ready-for-action look of last year's L-Series. In fact, the changes, which include a redressed tail and body-color rocker panels (instead of black), give the L-Series a resemblance to the departed Cadillac Catera from the side. That look didn't work for Cadillac, but it looks rich on the Saturn.

Saturn's L-Series is based on the same structure as the Opel Vectra. (Opel, a highly respected German automaker, is a GM subsidiary.) While some changes were made, the L-Series retains its German heritage. This platform appears to have been an excellent choice because the body structure is very rigid.

Echoing the changes to the exterior, the 2003 Saturn L-Series was dressed up as well. Brushed nickel trim now decorates the interior, providing a more expensive look combined with new silver-faced gauges. On the other hand, flashing from the molding process can be seen and felt around the interior.

The seats are roomy and comfortable. Saturn designed them to provide big-car accommodations without a sofa-like experience. As a result, they are supportive without being restrictive. Still, the driver's seat seems smaller and less comfortable than those found in some of the other cars in the class and the seat fabric looks like something you'd see in the coach section of a United Airlines flight.

Most controls are exactly where you would expect them to be and won't require deciphering a cryptic owners manual to operate. One of few complaints against previous Saturn vehicles was the vagueness with which the switches operated. Not so with the L-Series: Every switch and knob snaps, flips, or turns smoothly, though the switches for the seat warmers, fog lamps, hazard and traction control felt hard, flimsy and weak. Window switches are mounted on the center console, split by the shifter, which is less convenient than having them on the doors.