Overview & Reviews

The entry-level Ion 1 trim level has been dropped for 2006. Wheel designs have been revised, OnStar is now standard across the board, and air conditioning has moved to the options list for the Ion 2. Upgraded performance is available via an optional Enhanced Performance package, which includes antilock brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 170 horsepower.

• Limited rear legroom, center-mounted instrumentation takes some getting used to, below-average interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 154.00

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  6 month update by John Korner - 2006 Saturn ION
  By John korner - December 20 - 6:33 am

  Over 6 months and 8700 miles have passed since I bought my car. You actually get the MPG on the sticker Its get more fun with every mile driven. If you dont test drive one you will be sorry. Ive owned 5 hondas over the last 20 years. I believe the Ion is one of the best cars Ive owned period. I bought it because of onstar being standard. Having a disabilty that requires the use of a wheelchair cane or ECV its gives me the extra level of security thats priceless. All of those items fix easly in its over sized trunk. Overall I am more then pleased. a 9.5 on a scale of 10.

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  Good Value - 2006 Saturn ION
  By The Copes - December 19 - 8:10 am

  We purchased our ION 3 seven months ago. With the leather & top tier features we still paid less than $18k. My husband uses it for work, putting more than 100 mi/day on it, and it has yet to give us any problems. In my husbands line of work, hes been in 2 accidents not his fault already being on the road so much. One was a side- swipe that didnt damage anything, another was a rear-ending that was inexpensive to fix the back bumper. Weve also taken it on several trips from San Antonio to El Paso (550 miles) and it does fantastic. The gas mileage is great. With the old trade-in and down payment, were paying less than $300 a month. The car is stylish, drives like a 6 cylinder,

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  300,000 miles!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Hilary - December 5 - 11:01 am

  This car has lasted me so long still in fantastic condition. No major problems at all. Drives smooth, gas milage is amazing. I live in Michigan and it has got me through some tough winters too! I would recommend this car to anyone. I got it at a great price with only one prior owner. Just keep up on regular oil changes and such and this car could last you a lifetime

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  Not Bad - 2006 Saturn ION
  By First Saturn - November 25 - 4:30 am

  Bought to tow behind my motor home. Find I drive it around town when I am home for the high gas mileage. So far not one problem.

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  Great car, not many gripes - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Damn straight!! - November 16 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car after much research, and I am not disappointed. I get 40 MPG HWY and 24 city with the AC on! The rear legroom needs work, but otherwise the car is above par for the class, you have to think, youre buying a compact. Overall its a big little car, you can fit 2 bikes inside with the rear seats folded down. Some people complain about engine noise being too loud, but for a 5 speed, Id like to hear the car every now and then. Somethings I wish I had are the options that come standard in the 3 with the performance package.

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  Disappointed soon after purchase - 2006 Saturn ION
  By SaturnDriver - October 8 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to remain a domestic car driver and enjoyed the hassle-free purchase at a decent cost. Since then, Ive continually been disappointed by a brand that used to be so strong. Most recent issues that has caused me to post this review is the failure and consequent $1000 cost to repair my power steering. I have learned that hundreds of 2006 Saturn Ion owners have had the same issue and hope any who read this will lodge complaint in order to encourage official recall (and reimbursement for cost of your repair).

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  Why is my car knocking? - 2006 Saturn ION
  By readingteach - September 28 - 4:16 pm

  I owned an SL2, and it went almost 150,000 miles until I traded it in for my current car, a 2006 I0N 3. The quality of the ION 3 is much poorer than with the SL. Its obvious that Saturn cut corners with the ION, which may account for its short run. Like others, Ive noticed that the interior seems cheaply made, and the material does easily stain. The biggest problem is that the car keeps surging when Im idling at a stop sign or a red light. Ive taken it to the dealer multiple times, and they cant find anything. I was originally very proud to own a Saturn since the company took a lot of pride in its products, but the company obviously doesnt care about quality like it once did.

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  Disillusioned - 2006 Saturn ION
  By sierpinski - September 20 - 8:46 pm

  I bought the car for its safety features, have a 2001 SL with 150,000 miles on it, wanted the security of a new car to drive a grandchild around in. It was brand new, only 10 miles on it. Nine days and 700 miles later, it wouldnt start. Dealer replaced the ignition. Well, Im angry, I put $10,000 of my money down on the car and dont want it now. The gas mileage stinks, accellerating seems to be painful for it. Everything about my 2001 SL is better, it runs better, it feels more roomy inside. The ION seats are like bulls in a china shop, there is no space to fit things under the seats, there is noplace to put a large-sized fountain drink. The car is a frigging nightmare, I hate it.

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  Loving It - 2006 Saturn ION
  By wkae - September 14 - 3:13 am

  I was first attracted to the car by its low price tag, but Ive found it to be a great little car to drive. True, it doesnt live up to the gas mileage estimates, but whose car does? Most of us dont drive our cars at 55mph anymore. This is a great vehicle for the price

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  Good Commuter Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By epic_sandwich - August 24 - 6:36 am

  Ive owned my 06 Ion for 4 years, purchased used from a Saturn dealer with 22k on the clock. It just passed 80k the other day and thus far has been a good car. Average 33mpg, over 40 on trips. Issues thus far: AC compressor failed (replaced under warranty), power steering motor failed (out of warranty, dealer wanted $1300 to fix, I bought a used ps motor off eBay and did it myself for $80 bucks), ignition module failure (twice, $82 part at AutoZone), and now the front right wheel has a bad bearing and is causing excessive road noise. Most of the problems are easy and quick to fix, no car is 100% failure proof and I think this car is a good trade-off. People have unrealistic expectations.