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 71 through 80 of 154.00

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  Terrible Car - 2006 Saturn ION
  By JC - February 15 - 2:00 am

  The transmission started shifting hard. Took it to a transmission shop and had it looked at, was told every- thing seemed ok. It got worse. Months later, took the car to a different transmission shop, I was told it felt like it was skipping from first to third gear. When taking off, the car stays in first gear and you have to take your foot off the pedal to let it shift into second gear.took it to a Saturn dealer, told the transmission might be going out and it would cost $3,000.00 to fix it. was told to just drive the car until it went completely out instead of spending that kind of money. Now when you put the car in gear, all the interior and exterior lights flicker. fuses are fine. stuck!

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  Love my second Saturn - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Dave - January 18 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second Saturn. I loved my 1996 Saturn SL2, wich I owned for 10 years, but my new 2006 Ion is a dramatic improvement. If you are looking for an economy car that has the room of a mid size and the smooth ride of a full size luxury car then this is the car for you. The competition may have more gadgets but this car is bigger with a nice smooth ride, as well as great pick up and decent gas mileage. Yes.. GM can make a decent car.

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  Okay Car!!!!!!!! - 2006 Saturn ION
  By PD - January 16 - 5:56 am

  I purcahsed a 2006 Saturn Ion3 brand new, and for about the first year the car is an absolute blast to drive. Then when the first year is over watch out because this will start having problems, clunks and rattles and the dealer will tell you "oh! we cant fix it" or "we cant duplicate the problem." I am now looking to trade this car and get something that is more reliable and better built. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE STEER CLEAR OF THIS CAR!!!!!!! And the worst part about these cars is that when you take it in for warranty work Saturn doesnt like to pay for warranty work or for recalls that are necessary and you will end up have to pick up the bill later.. I will never buy another Saturn........

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  I could have done much, much worse - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Jack - December 19 - 10:43 pm

  My first car was a 96 Saturn SL, manual. If this had been my first car, Id have no complaints at all. Unfortunately, it pales in comparison to the 96 SL. Sure, its more comfortable, and looks more upscale, but -- and this is a big but -- it gets about 10mpg less than the SL, and isnt quite as fun to drive. The OnStar was either a big help or a terrible tragedy in the making, since it told me to change my oil once around 5000 miles and then not again until 13000 miles. I decided to let my subscription expire, but wow! Talk about saving me a bundle on maintenance.

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  American made - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Jim Kelsey - December 11 - 5:13 am

  I researched all, drove most, chose on basis of country of originand safety. Its better than 6 of the 10 that were chosen as the "best" better quality and costs less than 7 of the 10 chosen as the best college cars. Saturn 2.2 has been named 1 of the top 10 engines mass produced anywhere! If in doubt, test one. I personally own 2 Saturns and have since the mid 90s Have yet to need a repair other than tires and such.

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  Good to me - 2006 Saturn ION
  By CountBasey - November 21 - 4:26 pm

  My 2006 ION has been better than any GM car Ive owned. I formerly owned a 1997 Saturn SL2 that I drove until 130,000 miles - I only traded that in due to a leaky sunroof (that would have cost over $1.1K to fix - not doing on an 11 yr old car, sorry). But my ION has been good for the past 20K + miles without any issues. Love the plastic bodies - my 11 year old 1997 SL2 looked like new the day I traded it in. Hopefully my "last of the plastics" ION will hold up equally well.

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  RIP - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Surferjoemn - November 17 - 4:00 am

  When I first purchased my Saturn the seat cushions came off on both front seats and the windows fell off the tracks. It would randomly go into break down mode while I was on the freeway. Imagine dropping to 20mph in the fast lane. The engine blew up at 124,000 cause yet unknown - may have been via the transmission.

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  Saturn Coupe - 2006 Saturn ION
  By jen - November 7 - 3:06 am

  I love this car. I bought it for my daughter for her first car. We love the satellite radio and ipod hookup. Great stereo system. Room in the back seats. Great car for a teenager.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Saturn ION
  By ed - October 14 - 11:16 pm

  Its great on gas, fun to drive,and fast. Looks good. is very safe if you have side air bags. CD standerd, OnStar is cool

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  Power Steering went out - 2006 Saturn ION
  By Cruces2009 - October 8 - 6:10 pm

  I got my car in Oct. 2005 and really had no problems and was planning on trading in for a Vue or Outlook with in the next year or so and then Yesterday my Power Steering went out, it was hard to turn and scary driving over a mountain with my two daughters alone. As soon as I turned off engine it was fine again. I went to dealership and its going to cost $1,000 to replace and to top it off I found out lots of people are having the same problem, this really stinks, I plan on calling customer service tommorrow, really wish there was a recall. :(