Overview & Reviews

Saturn has upgraded the Ion with new fabrics, improved plastics and a new radio with MP3 and satellite radio capability. The electric steering has been revised for improved feel at highway speeds, while the sedan's five-speed automatic and the coupe's CVT have been recalibrated for improved gear selection and response. Finally, Saturn has installed additional sound-deadening material to reduce cabin noise. A Special Edition version of the sedan provides black exterior paint, distinctive 16-inch wheels and a two-tone interior.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 288.00

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  I enjoy my Saturn Ion 3 - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Morrowfield - November 22 - 2:16 am

  This car was purchase with 19,000 miles. It has leather interior and XM Satellite radio which I have not activated yet. It is my nicest car to date, but the black color requires weekly hand washes and detailing, as well as waxing or the dirt shows! I hope the car remains reliable in the next 5 years! I will keep my fingers crossed, for now I am very happy with my purchase! Also had a good buying experience. Its a good alternative to Civic, which I know from experience requires lots of maintenance over the life of the car.

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  Bought w/ Salvage title - Great Car! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By dhallization - November 13 - 7:30 am

  I traded in my big SUV for this little thing 4 years ago. It had a rebuilt salvage title (flipped over in accident) and 75k miles. Im up to 120k and we still love it. 30+ mpg and minimal repairs. The only things weve had to do are: keep relays on hand for when the electrical steering goes out. At first this was a monthly occurrence, it has been 2 years since weve had to replace them. We did struts and brakes at 110k. A fuse for the cigarette lighter. Then of course the normal things, battery, oil changes, spark plugs, etc. We plan to drive this car until our family doesnt fit!

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  Fun Car - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ron - September 22 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 04 Redline one year after it was manufactured...0% for 72mos..couldnt resist. After the first few weeks when I got used to it, I felt I needed another 25 or more HP. It corners well, pulls really nice in 2nd gear especially... and even in 5th at 50mph without downshifting. It pulls away nicely. Gas mileage drops quickly if youre pushing it a bit...still in the low 20s worst case. No complaints!

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  Still basic, just add bells and whistles - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Ronr1204 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I cant really complain- the Ion 3 has a good deal more power under the hood than the old SL1; as well as more responsive handling but I really wish Saturn would learn to make their interiors look a little less like they were glued and scotch taped together.

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  Rattle Rattle Thunder Clattle Boom Boom - 2004 Saturn ION
  By Matt K - July 14 - 12:40 am

  I have a love-hate relationship with my Ion. In the year Ive owned it, Im averaging 28.63MPG with a heavy city driving bias. Driving the car is lots of fun, it accelerates, brakes, and corners well. My only complaint about the handling is that the stock Firestone Affinity tires have horrible rain traction and squeal far too easily. From a build quality perspective, I have had mixed feelings. In terms of critical mechanical reliability, this car has been excellent. The only critical item that failed was the DRL / Blinkers in the front of the car, which was subject to a recall anyhow. However, from a squeaks and rattles perspective, this car is horrible.

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  First American Car In 18 Years - 2004 Saturn ION
  By kicooke - July 11 - 2:00 am

  My first impression, I like it. The car feels sturdier than the little Japanese econoboxes I was used to driving (Ford Festivas, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla). I am wary of the CVT but thats why I have a 6 year 100,000 mile warranty. The acceleration is OK, not as good as my Nissan Sentra (5 sp) or Corolla (5 sp), but is sure is nice having an automatic in bumper to bumper traffic. Reviewers knocked the seats but I dont mind them. I drive 2.5 to 3 hours a day commuting to and from work and have no complaints. Still not used to electric power steering but it seems to work OK.

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  very satisfied in NY - 2004 Saturn ION
  By satisfied in NY - February 3 - 1:20 pm

  The car is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. Love the polymer door panels no dings from parking lots. We bought the car new in 2004 and have put 80,000 miles on it other than tires and front wheel bearings the only thing we have done is oil changes. We bought the upgrades of Anti lock brakes and traction control. The car is great in central NY winters and has been dependable since the day we bought it.

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  Great car-despite the critics! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By DaisyNJ - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. She drives like a dream-smooth, great handling and WAY more pick up than the other sedans I have owned. Despite the critics comments that the back seats are uncomfortable-I have had 6 people comment and how great they are. I love the instrument panel in the middle-it makes your drive so much easier. No more looking through the steering wheel to see your speed. The roomy interior is one of the best features. My 64" buddy can join me with no problem. My only complaint is the interior fabric. The stains do not come out BUT luckily, they have fixed that for 2004 modfel year. Overall, this is the best car I have owned.

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  Happy ION Owner - 2004 Saturn ION
  By brumilcar - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Good dependable car, fun to drive, good handling in traffic.

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  Bought in 2004, still love & own it! - 2004 Saturn ION
  By toms04ion - December 11 - 5:38 pm

  I bought this Ion new on 10/28/03 and have enjoyed the last 143k miles. Sure, in the beginning there were some bugs to work out, wiring harness, computer glich, shifter block and a few other small bulletin items that the Saturn dealer dilligently fixed. Other than general maintenance, the only thing replaced was the ignition switch. Each set of tires has gotten 55k, and the oem battery got over 5 years of use. The car has been extremely reliable. Since 25k, the car runs on Mobile 1 and a K&N filter, this has made a difference on mpg. Sometimes I think of selling to get a new car, cant justify it, do a comp with a Cruze, size, power,features, vertually same car! Not sexy, but delivers!